The new Jean Patou fragrance, Sira des Indes, is already available for sale in France. The notes of this fragrance inspired by India include the native Indian flower magnolia champaca, banana accord, bergamot, pear, red berries, cardamom, musk, amber, vanilla and sandalwood. The name refers to the South Indian dessert of cream of wheat, butter and sugar, which is usually served with banana slices on the side. It is also a tribute to Sita, the loyal queen from the epic Ramayana and the Sari.
The fragrance is delicately fruity, with milky notes, sandalwood and champaca balancing out the subtle gourmand sweetness. There is also a welcome green touch. The parfum of Sira des Indes is also available, and as Neela mentions, it is very gorgeous and less green. “It is a perfect spring perfume even for a non-fruity lover.” Thank you Neela for the news! Sira des Indes should be available in the States after March of 2006.
10 Comments
N: I really hope you enjoy Sira – dear V. It is really well blended and lasted for a while on my skin. The decoration of the Patou boutique was rather pretty with Alpona patterns on the glass doors… February 8, 2006 at 3:52am
Laura: This sounds so intriguing! Many of the notes are ones I like—I’m a little leery of the banana, but it sounds as though that note doesn’t dominate. Can’t wait to try this. February 8, 2006 at 5:18am
violetnoir: V, I really don’t like cream of wheat as it was forced on me for breakfast throughout my childhood. And while I love to eat them, bananas in a fragrance do not sound tempting.
However, I do take what you and N think seriously, so I would love to test this one. :):)
Hugs! February 8, 2006 at 11:23am
linda: Sounds even better than I thought! Thank you to N and V for the news. February 8, 2006 at 11:35am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear N, I love the Patou boutique in general, and I am looking forward to testing Sira des Indes myself. Thank you for your mention! February 8, 2006 at 11:13am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear L, I was also leery of banana, but the mention of sujji ka halwa, the delicious treat that I sometimes make at home too and serve with bananas changed my opinion. I cannot wait to try it. February 8, 2006 at 11:14am
BoisdeJasmin: R, I was forced to eat cream of wheat as a child too, but suffi ka halwa made me realize how delicious it can be. So, not the same thing at all, thankfully! 🙂 Sira des Indes should reach our shores soon enough. Anything inspired by India I am bound to like, so it is not surprising I cannot wait to try it. February 8, 2006 at 11:31am
BoisdeJasmin: L, It does sound very nice! February 8, 2006 at 1:44pm
Joytika: This does sound like a very interesting scent. Being Indian, I also grew up with “sujja ki halwa” as a dessert and more often, something eaten after religious events.
And I agree with BoisdeJasmin, it doesn’t taste anything like cream of wheat, I was disappointed when I finally tried cream of wheat because I expected it to be like closer to the Indian version. February 19, 2006 at 7:45pm
BoisdeJasmin: Joytika, yes, nowhere near to cream of wheat, other than both are made from similar wheat product. Of course, sooji/rava is much finer than cream of wheat. I love it at any time of day. February 20, 2006 at 3:39pm