Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
The desire to capture a place impression in a scent has inspired many fragrances. One of the most trendsetting perfumes, Coty Chypre introduced in 1917 was an attempt to capture the scents of Cyprus (Chypre, in French). Similarly, Parfums de Rosine Rosa Flamenca (2004) was inspired by Marie-Hélène Rogeon’s visit to the rose gardens of Andalucia. My expectations were of hot red rose embellished by spices, however the fragrance is a powdery soft rose in the 18th century boudoir seduction vein–lace over powdered décolletage. Orange blossom paired with soufflé of roses appears in the top notes, however, soon the fragrance warms up, conjuring an impression of powdered hot skin. Although sensuality with the lady-like elegance is a combination that is rarely encountered, Rosa Flamenca manages to convey both, without accenting either characteristic too much.
Notes: orange blossom, bergamot, petitgrain, jasmine, rose, fig leaf; sandalwood, benzoin, musk.
Painting: Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Gabrielle with a Rose. 1911. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France. abcgallery.com.
3 Comments
mreenymo: I have one Rosine, Poussierre de Rose, but this one sounds lovely, too, V. I’m just starting to explore this line, so the next time I am at Barneys, I will test it.
Hope you are well! Hugs! July 8, 2005 at 11:17am
Marina: This is my second favorite Rosine, after Un Zest de Rose…maybe I even love them equally. Flamenca is incredibly beautiful and delicious, almost edible.
Thank you for yet another great review!
Marina July 8, 2005 at 1:43pm
Victoria: Robin,
I would be curious to hear your thoughts. It is indeed a wonderful fragrance, although some did not care for it because the name seems to create different expectations.
Marina,
Un Zest de Rose is another favourite. It is a scent of partially opened rosebuds covered with dew. I am a big rose fan in general, and Les Parfums de Rosine is among my favourites. July 14, 2005 at 4:23pm