This week we’ll be travelling back in time and more specifically in 1912 when Quelques Fleurs was launched. This exquisite classic creation bursting with flowers was one of the first perfumes I remember in my childhood, worn by many elegant ladies, so when I bought a bottle for myself the scent was all too familiar.
The rich composition includes top notes of orange blossom, green notes, tarragon, bergamot, lemon and citruses; middle notes are carnation, tuberose, orchid, lilac, orris root, jasmine, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, rose, violet and iris; base notes are sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, musk, civet, oakmoss, honey and vanilla.
It all seems a bit too complicated but once you spray it on your skin the excellent balance of the notes reveals a full bouquet of flowers sprinkled with citruses and green notes on top, full bodied and a little spicy. It’s perfect for a rainy day like the last few we had in London as it helps enhance the spiciness of the carnation. The bouquet blooms as time passes with all the flowers taking center stage at some point and the powdery feeling of orris helps bond all of them together in a lovely and strong scent with a glorious chypre dry down revolving around sandalwood and oakmoss sweetened by vanilla, honey and tonka without ever becoming cloying.
It’s a classic masterpiece that still has many loyal fans and I count myself as one of them!