Bouquet D’Orient

It's hard to believe Bouquet d'Orient has been around for nearly a century; according to Fragrantica all the Girard fragrances were launched in 1920, for which reason I am surprised this appears to be such an unknown and underrated little gem of a perfume. I bought a new 30ml bottle for a laughably small sum from an eBay seller, having read the reviews here. I've worn it before today and liked it, but it's been bloody cold here this week (even with the heating on full blast) and tonight my "like" has become a love. Girard's Bouquet d'Orient opens with a sharp citrus top note, which - on me at least - dissipates quickly. There's a persistent, powdery sensation - almost creamy - which I think must be coming from a combination of vanilla, iris and orris root. I know that cassis reputedly smells "pissy" to some people (although I don't experience it like this), but Bd'O doesn't smell "green" to me at all, nor can I smell any flowers (rose, mimosa, or ylang). Patchouli is playing a very minor supporting role too, and isn't dirty or earthy in the slightest. Bouquet d'Orient is rich, slightly sweet and quietly spicy; it makes me think of Christmas, as the citrus, vanilla, tonka, myrrh and benzoin combine to make it almost gourmand to my nose. Highly recommended to lovers of oriental perfumes; I agree the comparison to Shalimar, but Bd'O doesn't have that leathery/rubbery undertone - if anything, to me it resembles a FAR more polite and refined Obsession. Sillage and longevity are both moderate; I'd also describe Bouquet d'Orient as unisex (although I don't believe in gender assignation in perfumery - wear whatever makes you happy!).

Bouquet D'Orient was an unsniffed purchase - hello, its really, REALLY affordable! - and I couldn't be happier or agree more with the positive reviews on Fragrantica. I admit that I adore this style of perfume, although I don't quite get the references made here to old-fashionedness or "Classic" perfumes, unless the woody oriental style is considered a vintage genre, a fact that would probably be belied by the popularity of Estee Lauder's Sensuous Noir and such-like offerings. To my senses it doesn't resemble Shalimar or Loulou, as mentioned in previous reviews, neither does it smell *exactly* like any of my other woody orientals. However, it does have a certain similarity to them all encrypted in the vanilla/tonka/benzoin/myrrh/patchouli base. Its really a lovely, exotic, sexy perfume that would easily fetch a lot more than it does if someone slapped a high end, exclusive label on it. Its also perfect for autumn and winter - a potent, smooth, warm little oriental that will appeal to anyone who loves the spicy/woody oriental style a la Geurlain's Samsara, Lanvin's My Sin or even the relatively new Haram by Brecourt. It lasts forever and a day, drying down to something very pleasantly warm, sweet and resinous, and has good, 2-3 foot sillage with just a couple of sprays. Definitely an all around 8.5 out of 10, and if you love woody/resinous/sweetish orientals, its more than amply worth the laughable price of admission.

I'll start this review by saying that Bouquet d'Orient is for grown ups only. As there is nothing girly or fruitchouli about this little powder bomb.. It is a deliciously, well blended, rich, resinous, sweet and spicy oriental fragrance, that has the usual citrus, vanilla, tonka, myrrh and benzoin notes. I tend to think of it, as a nod towards Shalimar, like a Shalimar flanker of sorts and of Lubins Kismet, which I adore. I don't get any chemical over or undertones with this beauty. Just pure love.. Its so lovely on my skin and its performance is average but for me, where it excels, is that it is Christmas in a bottle, old school Christmas. And it deserves more recognition then it currently has. Id love to try it in a flanker form with raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg as it equally would smell as delicious as the original.

Bouquet D'Orient is a very sweet, super smooth spicy woody oriental. It smells like strong black tea filled with lots of peppery spices, just a touch of cream, and rich sweet dry florals. It's very warm, soft, intoxicating, and so deliciously alive with continuously active dancing spices. It is "similar to classic perfumes" in that it is very strong, unique, and has incredible sillage and longevity. If compared to Kenzo's Jungle L'Elephant, for example, Bouquet D'Orient is much softer, much quieter, sweeter, but still just as strong, intense and lasting. It's rich, very smooth, well blended, and totally exotic. I love Bouquet D'Orient !

Girard est une marque au nom français mais dont les parfums sont accessibles à tout petit prix en Grande Bretagne. Bouquet d'orient est un oriental très agréable, plutôt doux et sensuel, riche et enveloppant, avec la petite note cire d'abeille que l'on trouve dans les grands Guerlain, il a des allures de Shalimar ou de bal à Versailles, en plus sage. La tenue est bonne et c'est un plaisir de s'en parer en hiver, et ce qui ne gâche rien, la bouteille est charmante.