Violet

Fahrenheit set the standard for using violet leaf in a masculine fragrance. That petrol accord in Fahrenheit, which I believe is mostly the violet/cedar at play, is certainly present here. This Boclet fragrance actually came out before Dior's soft Fahrenheit reformulation and is significantly better than what Dior was was putting out in 2016 in a Fahrenheit bottle*. I haven't compared this side by side to Fahrenheit, but Boclet Violet triggers the same scent memory as the Dior. This seems to be a lighter, greener, fresher approach, toning down the oily leather quite a bit. I reviewed another violet fragrance recently, Brione EDP. Whereas that fragrance freshened the formula by amping up the aquatic aspect of the violet leaf, this opts for a musky citric freshness at the top. As the top notes subside, it turns much greener and spicier, almost like tomato leaf. As someone who generally dislikes vegetal notes, I was afraid this fragrance would lose me, but the woody/spicy/green phase is actually really nice - I can't stop smelling my hand! I know I mentioned Fahrenheit a lot, but the more I smell Boclet Violet, the more I realize it is quite different once you get past the violet leaf. This is a solid fragrance at $100 or less if you're a fan of violet and spicy green fragrances. *Note: If I recall, starting in 2017 or 2018, Dior tuned Fahrenheit to be more like the older formulas with better longevity and an amped up petrol accord.

Violet by Franck Boclet is a gracefully sophisticated floral scent with a soft, powdery touch that feels elegant without being overly feminine. It evokes refined charm and timelessness, perfect for those who want a layered violet that blends well with musky and warm undertones. Longevity is solid, around 7 hours on skin, with moderate projection designed to be noticeable yet intimate—perfect for office or day-to-night wear. It’s a well-balanced fragrance that complements both casual and more formal occasions, offering a cozy yet fresh floral experience that never feels overwhelming or sharp. It’s very close to Dior Fahrenheit

From the second it hit my skin, it was sooo familiar -- then, of course, it came to me. This reminded me of one of the Fahrenheits, which, whilst I enjoy, I would have to say Violet (this scent) is heavier on the animalic elements (likely an accord struck between a few different components) and the violet, whilst more present, is less detectable (if that makes sense). It was an instant no from me, in any case, but for me I felt that was too much base in this in the first place. Not for me.

The fragrance opens with a pleasant dry woody violet, but then it proceeds to get drier and smells more like dried wood and burnt wood, drying down to a rather ashy scent with the violet note almost gone. Hard pass on this one. If you want a woody violet try Serge Lutens Bois de Violette or one of the Crystal Creek SheWood perfumes that has a delightful woody violet scent.