Violets & Rainwater

This review is for the demi-absolute. I was initially very wary of two notes in this perfume, as white musk and water have a tendency to genericize many perfumes into non-existence to my nose. I especially despise the dryer sheet effect that white musk gives to many modern perfumes.... however, I needn't have worried about that in this case! Violets and Rainwater opens smelling just what the name says, with such beautiful clarity and nuance that I was brought to tears the first time I wore it. It reminded me in some strange way of both Lutens' De Profundis and Legrand's Chypre Mousse, there are violets in all three, but it's more about the feel of the fragrances than any similarity in notes. As the perfume progresses it smells less photorealistic and more evocative... it makes me think that a naked forest nymph has rolled in a mound of rain wet violet petals, and picked up some soil and leaves in the process. The whole effect is sweet and delicate but still earthy with dappled shadows thanks to the violet leaves and mossy patchouli. Further into the drydown, Violets and Rainwater becomes less wet and more powdery (in that iris way) and musky, turning into a rose and violet tinted skin scent with a beautiful iris note. It smells at once old fashioned (in the best possible way) and yet very otherworldly and unique. Not everyone likes it when reviewers reference other perfumes, but it can be helpful for some, so I want to say that I think that Violets and Rainwater has some overlap with Sonoma Scent Studio's Wood Violet (more in the powdered drydown), Lutens' Bois de Violette (minus the fruit), and Violetta di Bosco by i Profumi di Firenze (more in the opening). I've always liked Violetta di Bosco's rendition of violets in the rain, but have sometimes struggled with the edginess of the wood notes. I find that Violets and Rainwater captures perfectly that same rain dampened blossom but with none of the edginess. There's also something about the creamy iris in the drydown that brings to mind Parfum d'Empire's Equistrius. For those intimidated by the ferocious violet intensity of Guerlain's Insolence (which I personally adore) in either edp or edt, have no fear, Violets and Rainwater is far gentler, yet still quite tenacious. I have smelled dozens upon dozens of modern and vintage violet perfumes, and it is one of my favorite notes, and basically the only soliflores I purchase are violet based. This in no way makes me an expert, but I do feel that I have enough experience to say that Violets and Rainwater truly is an exceptional Violet fragrance that captures a very special facet of the flower that is rarely found in perfume. I do think that some of the negative votes here on fragrantica stem from people expecting a more typical floral aquatic. It's not really that, which is part of why I love it when I don't like anything else from that genre. Projection is moderate on me (it may be heavier on some people, I tend to muffle projection) and longevity excellent. The longevity is an especially important factor for me, since so many violet soliflores fade very quickly indeed.

violets and rainwater is the perfect name for this perfume as that is what it smells like.this fragrance lasts all night to day and this is most rare for me with many scents on the market.liz zorn the artist is a really unique lady.she creates all her own perfumes from the idea to some very lovely finished fragrances.the perfumes are packaged in a steam punk style cylindar tubes with a cover matching on each end,the perfume is put into a velvet drawstring bag and into the blue or tan decorated tube.way so original!!!soivohle has many fragrances that i would love to own,or i have owned and some i hide for those special days when i want to wear a scent that will be so extra special.i have also gifted many of these unique perfumes to my daughter and her friends just because they are beautiful,in their 20's and broke!

Not clean. Not watery. Not springlike. Not green, not floral. Not refreshing. Extremely long lasting and difficult to scrub off. This violet note is neither lightly sweet nor sharply green. It is grotesque, oily and heavy.

I don't specifically smell violet, but sense a warmth veil of powder, not aquatic or like rain on me either, but somewhat like a fantasy. I imagine the maleficent smelling of this as a child