Frederic Malle Portait of a Lady is a floral oriental and is named after the Victorian era novel by Henry James.  Created by Dominique Ropion and released in 2010, and it is not what you think it is at all. First, it is a much more masculine fragrance and intended for a masculine audience, though it is completely unisex.  It has notes of cinnamon, raspberry, Turkish rose, rose absolute, sandalwood, incense, amber and patchouli.  Note all that rose.  It is beyond opulent.  Spiced, hot rose surrounded by earth and patchouli and incense. Don't wear this if you don't want attention or would like to nap at the back of the theater. Notes of cinnamon, raspberry, Turkish rose essence, rose absolute, sandalwood, incense, amber and patchouli.

Reviews of Frederic Malle Portrait of a lady

From Bois de Jasmin - "The creator of Portrait of a Lady, perfumer Dominique Ropion, is renowned for his ability to engineer powerful fragrances, the kind that leave a mile long sillage and yet still don’t push into the realm of “need to be banned from restaurants.” This comes from adjusting the elements of the composition in such a way that the heavy, rich effects are interspersed with the lighter, brighter ones. Portrait of a Lady is a good example of his technique and his ability to add nuance even to the heaviest and richest scents."

From the Malle Comprehensive review at Perfume Posse - "Every time I smell this, it takes my breath away with how audacious it is. Rose that slaps you hard, then curls around you and shows you how very essential it is to your continued existence.  Dominatrix Rose."

From Persolaise - "Whether you’re a man or a woman, try this astonishing new release and let yourself be transported to an empty church in a country where Christianity and Arabic culture happily exist side by side, a place like, say, Lebanon or Syria. The outside world is locked away behind heavy doors. The lights are low. The silence is complete. You sit down and see a polished, brass censer hanging from the ceiling. Emerging from the holes in its lid is a heavy, scarlet smoke, cascading to the ground like endless ribbons of iridescent fabric. Close your eyes and just wait. Before too long, you’ll be enveloped by the magic and completely trapped in its heady, floral spell."

From Olfactorias Travels - "It is definitely a perfume that needs time. Time to be appreciated in its entirety, not one of those you fall for at first sniff. At least for me."

More information and Frederic Malle reviews can be found at:

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