Peonia

Jean-Claude Ellena's latest creation for Le Couvent Maison de Parfum in their Parfums Signatures collection is recognizable even with eyes closed – it could easily be mistaken for one of the Hermès Les Jardins collection, sharing the same concept and olfactory vocabulary. Despite its name, Peony is not the centerpiece of this perfume. The author's signature jasmine touch is amplified by a beautifully earthy magnolia, setting the foundation for a fleeting and gentle peony note that fades into a long-lasting floral amber base. Is this revolutionary? No. Is it the best recreation of peony in perfume? No. However, it is a great perfume, a must-have for admirers of Jean-Claude Ellena and for those who are not fans of the direction Hermès Les Jardins is taking under the new perfumer.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya 2013 Princess Kaguya

Not sure why this is among the least popular from this house. It's a fairly uncomplicated rose scent. If Un Jardin Sur le Toit is a watercolour, this is like a gouache study: less transparent and floaty; sweeter and more saturated; instead of using an apple and some grass, this version still has a prominent geranium, which makes it feel a bit more like a floral overload, but there is some amber and soapy-ness here too which ultimately makes it surprisingly unisex. Overall, I think I prefer Sur le Toit, but given the price an the pretty good performance of this one, it's a good option. 7.5/10

There is a citrus-like very sharp note which disturbes me a lot. I’d say it smells like cat piss with a twist. Peony is my favorite flower and JCE is my favorite perfumer, so I really really wanted to love this perfume but I can’t. I have a 10 ml, I’ll give it another try in the summertime.

Kelly Calèche + Un jardin sur le toit = Peonia. Not bad but not the best creation of Jean-Claude Ellena.