Ormonde Jayne: 11 posts

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

Ormonde Jayne Champaca smells like magnolia petals, green tea and basmati rice, a surprising and compelling composition. Although Ormonde Jayne feminines are named after the flowers that inspired them, they are far from being simple soliflores. Sampaquita only delicately weaves jasmine into its fruity-musky body. Ta’if’s gourmand sweetness is only framed by the lush rose petals. Osmanthus hints at its apricot sweetness amidst the sparkle of citrus. Likewise, magnolia champaca is cleverly introduced into the eponymous composition. Set against the milky backdrop of rice, it becomes an exquisite stillife rather than a study of one flower. …

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Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The first impression of Ormonde Jayne Isfahan is a transparent sizzle of pepper, which has an interesting violet-like sweetness supported by warm citrus notes. The blast subsides quickly, with the bits of pepper dissolving into what is to become the main edifice of the composition—smooth, languidly sweet cedar, with a distinct dark coolness of vetiver. The changes that take place subsequently are few, with the composition having more of linear quality than other Ormonde Jayne fragrances.

Even if Isfahan (2006) pales in comparison to other Ormonde Jayne’s creations, it nevertheless possesses a certain charm that would make this fragrance more appealing on a man than a large number of bland masculine fragrances on the market. On the other hand, it has a sweet softness that would make it appealing for a woman as well. I would have endorsed it stronger had it possessed better tenacity, beyond a mere hour that it lasts on me.

Photo: Si-o-Seh Pol, Bridge of 33 Arches, Isfahan, Iran. One of the most famous Isfahan bridges, it was commissioned in 1602 by Shah Abbas I. There is a famous tea house among the pontoons, upon which the bridge is built.

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

Beauty borders on tangible and intangible. It is not one thing or another, itself being a combination of parts, some of which are slightly odd. The difference between pretty and beautiful is in the juxtaposition of  strange elements with expected ones. In Ormonde Jayne Woman, it is a bitter resinous note of black hemlock, folded into the cardamom and sandalwood laced composition. The combination of spicy vibrancy and sultry sweetness lends Ormonde Woman a memorable character. The warmth of amber provides a brocaded background for the interplay of woody and sweet notes.

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Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

The scent of osmanthus, a fragrant olive originating from China, is a scent of apricots crushed with jasmine soap in a leather purse. It alternates between fruity and spicy, delicate and opulent. Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus, on the other hand, is sharp and citrusy. The top notes create a burst of green grapefruit, immediately followed by a floral accord. The progression to the heart and then to the base is without much delay, and I would say that Osmanthus is less complex than other Ormonde Jayne’s fragrances.  Citrus notes are wont to disappear rapidly, however in this case, pomello persists even in the drydown, leaving a hint of freshness as it meets the smooth embrace of cedar. The crystalline effect of the top notes is reinforced by the soft muskiness, creating an uncomplicated crisp fruity scent with a slightly woody accord.

Notes: Pomello, davana, pimento; osmanthus absolute, water lily and jasmine sambac; cedarwood, labdanum resin, musk and vetiver.

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

Ormonde Jayne Ta’if is an oriental still life with roses amid Persian sweetmeats and fruit—ripe peaches dripping honeyed juice, opal colored melons, saffron halwah, semolina pastries stuffed with walnuts and dates, orange blossom sherbet.  It straddles the line between gourmand and sensual.  Within its heart, Ta’if hides a delicate spring-like freshness of white flowers, jasmine and orange blossom, with some freesia sweetness.  This airy accord paired with the medicinal note of saffron is exactly what lifts Ta’if out of a sentimental domain of many rose fragrances. Make no mistake, however, this is a rich blend.  A small amount, and it seduces; too much, and you are guaranteed to be a cause of headache for those around you.

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