Fêtes Persanes

Oof - SOOOOOO good! The mention of Theorema below was enough for me to go hunting for a decant of this (it's abominably dear and I'll never, ever own a full bottle.) In fact it doesn't fulfil the mission of being a Theorema replacement, but it's certainly in the same heavenly ballpark, and in some ways even more interesting. Also conjures a few memories of Parfum d'Empire Aziyade and of Tom Ford Plum Japonais, which is no mean feat either. It's an elaborate, sweet yet sophisticated, spicy-vanilla-citrus with an unusually floral and femme aura for something so loaded with cinnamon and cloves. The melding of citrus and warm, brown spices does something really intriguing in the middle, almost morphing into something else again to hint strongly at plums or cherries or stone fruit, but without ever getting *too* fruity. There's an odd, fresher/greener note up top, almost minty (the camphorous top end of cloves, maybe?), which seems a bit out of place and threatens to spoil things, but in the end it does no damage at all. Overall maybe one tiny bit too conventional to sweep me away on a magic carpet to lands of myth like Aziyade, or to make me feel like a couture-clad millionairess like Theorema does, but it's still a very classy courtesan indeed. (Still, wouldn't some spikier pepper or other weird-beard, more unusual spices make it absolutely transcendental?) It's just so impressive - not even a hint of the sweat, musk or butchness which can sneak in when this sort of mix goes awry. Fetes Persanes, like some glorious swirling parade, never puts a foot wrong and carries on being its gorgeous self, if you're willing to get into the swing of the party. The only drawback: its cavalcade of beauty does sweep past you a little too fast; the enveloping swirl of its full-colour opening lasts only for 2-3h and the skin scent which lingers on, up to 8h, is far far more discreet (but no less lovely). Unisex, skewing slightly sweet/feminine. Its jewelled colours survive a little longer on fabrics but for the astronomical price it would need to be NUCLEAR for me to consider it as a real-world proposition. I'll be keeping my precious 5ml for the days when only real beauty will do to dispel low mood or winter gloom. It's good enough to whisk you to a better place.

Fêtes Persanes. "Persian Feast", indeed. To me, it is a barely sweetend gourmand vanilla perfume, accented by a gentle assortment of baking spices. Maybe a teeeny, tiny drop of wood in the background. It does in fact smell like the insides of my grandmothers wooden cupboard where she kept all her spices for baking... Except, you know, wearable. Nothing compels me to hand my money over faster than gourmand vanilla, cardamom and cloves. Evidence: Tihota, Lune Feline, Musc Ravageur, Intoxicated... With the exception of Tihota (Tihota will always be Tihota), I vastly prefer Fêtes Persanes to any of the above. Longevity is truly stellar, and lasts for days when sprayed on clothes. Sillage is moderate to low. I'm buying Fêtes Persanes as we speak. It's perfect for me and a true pleasure to wear.

This is a delight. A spicy delight. It's a masterclass in black and pink pepper, both grainy, sharply seasoned and oddly sweet. The under body is a creamy wooded deck slightly exposed and dry with Cardamom, well worn. It's an absolute spice bazaar of a thing. Has the restraint and sophistication you'd expect from this brand, but it's not 'pretty' in that sense. It's the perfumer showcasing all the little facets of these spices without being heavy handed with them as they so easily could be. I found it a revelation considering it was one I hadn't tried and wasn't really aware of. If you like spices, this is incredibly accomplished use of them. Rare that I write a review from first sniffing, update to come once I wear it.

A great spicy, vanilla amber from one of my favourite perfumers. Similar to Tango by masque milano and ivory route by xerjoff, but brighter. Smells amazing but it doesn’t project at all. I wear this to bed and when I’m lounging around the house and it makes me incredibly happy. But for the price (I had to get it with the bust cause that’s all that was left), it’s not worth it. But if you can find it without the bust, def pick it up. Beautiful amber but not incredibly unique. I don’t generally gravitate towards vanilla as a note, but there’s a specific vanilla material that is absolutely stunning and this has it. Definitely not vanillin or ethyl vanillin. It’s a beauty for sure.

Oh wow this is divine! Instantly floored by this, so warm, exotic, the spices all muted yet rich with sweet rose and vanilla. And I'm finding it really unique too, have not smelled anything like it except surprisingly it reminds me a little of an old Diptique, the Eau? Perhaps SL Rousse? It's not as pungent or oily as many of the older orientals with spicey dominance. Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous. Incredibly sensual and dreamy. Ten stars.