Bermudiana

Upon first sniff, one could be forgiven for thinking Bermudiana is old fashioned. Stick with it though; this scent smells like liberation cunningly disguised beneath a gorgeous black velvet vintage cape. Once the cloak is slips from the shoulders, what remains is surprisingly modern. This was 1962, a time when Marilyn singing a breathy Happy Birthday Mr President was scandalous, yet across the globe the Beatles were starting a musical revolution that would help see in a new era of freedom. It seems somehow apt then that Bermudiana contains elements of both tradition and newness. The combo of magnolia and musk in the wrong hands could by themselves render a perfume old fashioned, yet when aldehydes, basil, galbanum and citrus also combine, any hint of fustiness is swept away in a sea of green and the effect is as Cassiano describes, not dissimilar to a muskier mix of Chanel No 19 and Eau Sauvage at all. I'd add Bas Des Soie's hyacinth note to the mix too - although it isn't listed, I am definitely smelling it. Magnolia here draws spring closer, galbanum, basil and aldehydes bring in summer. Loving it and certainly a perfume which keeps unfolding and giving. Loving it this winter but suspect Bermudiana will really be in its element in spring. Would love to see how others wear and find this (am tempted to spritz a friend just so I can smell it on someone else).

Bermudiana evokes the natural diversity of Bermuda Island: a peaceful blue, a bright green and a pure white scent. It has a green and aromatic fragrance, with a slightly salty aspect and it was made for women in 1962. Owning the original composition, the perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone was able to reproduce the fragrance, bringing it back into the portfolio of the house. However, unless my sample has arrived with the label changed, Bermudiana is not feminine at all. On the contrary, it reminds me of masculine classics of the past, as well as a cologne from the house Roger & Gallet that I love, called Open. It has notes of basil, citrus and aldehydes in its head. Then, it brings notes of cucumber, magnolia and galbanum, in the heart. The base was made with musk and sandalwood. Bermudiana has a citric scent that conveys timeless elegance, full of green and bitter nuances and a powdery base. On my skin, it's like a mix between Eau Sauvage with Chanel No. 19. It's beautiful! To finish, I must say that Bermudiana should not be only part of the Ladies section of the house, but also of the Gentlemen one. It is among my favorite fragrances made by Lili Bermuda.