Sortilege (2022)

This new version Is significantly different from the 2014 version: The 2014 perfume was a Floral aldehyde with Woody and slightly dirty undertones (vetiver and Narcissus) in the vein of Caléche or Madame Rochas, this new One Is a musky/floral, utterly clean and soapy (think vintage luxury Soap with just the tiniest touch of lusty narcissus), loaded with aldehydes and muscs with these tender florals blurred by the whiteness of musc and aldehydes pairing. I preferred the 2014 versione, but this Is stunning nonetheless. The closest thing I have smelled to the shattering, beautiful "Porter sa peau" by Rodrigo Flores Roux and Roberto Greco.

This version is a little bit more modern than the previous versions. Fresher and more lily of the valley than the classic aldehydic opening. If you like Sortilège and are looking for a more contemporary version, this one's for you. It is also can be perfectly worn as a unisex clean scent rather than just a lavish evening feminine floral.

old-fashioned but who gaf. dont be afraid of white florals and aldehydes theyre capable of pure elegance

Having a sudden yearning for vintage recreations, and recently purchasing the revived L'Astre, I thought I'd give Sortilege a go. It is mesmerising. The notes here tell a story of beauty. Prickly aldehydic opening that's quickly overtaken by a melange of creamy florals. Settling into an sweet amber-musk, it remains refreshingly sheer while offering powerful longevity (I'm getting radiant wafts from my three day-old test strip!). I feel it may be reductive to compare to Chanel's No 22, despite their similarity, given Sortilege is painfully overlooked. I would choose Sortilege as it captures the essence of contemporary and vintage perfumery with an aloof, yet gentle, quality.

I have a few bottles of the original and I love it so much I don't dare try the new. My favorite perfume in the world is the original Bourrasque by Le Galion. I bought the new version and it is, um, narrow. Does anyone out there remember the original Bourrasque? I found a few minis. They are still in circulation. I am loathe to use them up.