No. 57

Evocative of spring's eternal rejuvenation and rebirth, No. 57 is an upper register floral masterpiece. Cherry blossom and pink laurel blossoms are blended in the opening to create a soft, cloud-like atmosphere. Cyclamen (one of my favorite spring flowers) offers a faint powdery and lemony note. These ethereal florals are masterfully contrasted by the grounding base notes. Here vanilla, oak moss and vetiver root temper the airy qualities of the spring blossoms. Vanilla's sensuality and sweetness evoke images of cotton-candy without being overly saccharine. Its combination with the musky/smoky qualities of oak moss helps create a tobacco-like accord for me. Like the fine line which separates heaven and earth, No. 57 manages to create an olfactory dichotomy. (115)

The initial blast is strong cherry blossoms, laurels and oakmoss. It didn't quite smack me in the face, more like a soft slap. The laurels and oakmoss last 2+ hours on me, fading into a rosy, vanilla tea scent. This stage lasts for about 4 hours. The beginning sillage is good, but wears down as time passes. All in all, beautifully crafted, well-blended and well worth the price tag.