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.
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."
| Perfume Name | Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady |
| Year Introduced | 2010 |
| Perfumer | Dominique Ropion |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Strength | Eau de parfum, edp |
| Notes | Top notes of cinnamon and raspberry; middle notes of Turkish rose essence, rose absolute, sandalwood and incense; and base notes of amber and patchouli. |
| Country of Origin | France |
I've been purchasing samples for over a year now(chanel,tom ford,serge lutens,le labo) without having come across any that really move me...until this! It's hard to define what makes this so fantastic. I hate rose perfumes, so I was a little hesitant to try this. I'm so glad I did. It is so much more that a rose scent. Fresh, yet complex, spicy, rich, long lasting. I guess that's why it costs so much $$$. I'll be ordering more samples from you S2C!
I've been searching for that fragrance that would turn heads and I've found it!:) At first I really wasn't sure if I liked it but as the day progressed I totally fell in love, not to mention, everyone throughout the day kept asking, what are you wearing? or Wow, you smell amazing! I can't wear any other fragrance now, even the ones that I really liked. I'm definitely in love with this perfume! I SMELL AMAZING:-D
I've been purchasing samples for over a year now(chanel,tom ford,serge lutens,le labo) without having come across any that really move me...until this! It's hard to define what makes this so fantastic. I hate rose perfumes, so I was a little hesitant to try this. I'm so glad I did. It is so much more that a rose scent. Fresh, yet complex, spicy, rich, long lasting. I guess that's why it costs so much $$$. I'll be ordering more samples from you S2C!
I've been searching for that fragrance that would turn heads and I've found it!:) At first I really wasn't sure if I liked it but as the day progressed I totally fell in love, not to mention, everyone throughout the day kept asking, what are you wearing? or Wow, you smell amazing! I can't wear any other fragrance now, even the ones that I really liked. I'm definitely in love with this perfume! I SMELL AMAZING:-D
I bought the sample of this perfume bc my favorite news personality stated that it was her favorite scent. Initially, I wasn't sure of the scent but I wore it to work anyway and it was a WINNER!:) All my patients and coworkers were asking, "what are you wearing?" "Wow, you smell amazing!" I keep sniffing my wrists all day. I LOVE IT!:) I'm definitely getting the full bottle.
It's everything I imagined it would be. I took a chance and won. [big time]
I never thought I would like a rose fragrance...well, I LOVE this one! Portrait of a Lady is one of the most beautiful perfumes I've sampled, (and there have been many :) I, literally, crave this scent! This is definitely one you will want to try! I'm saving my money for the fb!
Okay, so I'm a guy and the first time I smelled this was at a dinner party with a good friend. In attendance was Nicole Kidman's children's nanny. She was in town and I could not keep from catching the scent of her perfume. After the evening was nearing an end I asked what she was wearing and she told me. Of course it was purchased in Paris and I was thinking there's no way I'll find it in the US. It's available, but very $$!! Honestly, it's listed as a unisex perfume and I ordered a sample. I've had more comments than I can tell you. The smell is a little strong at first, so don't let that keep you from it. I've since ordered a sample for my mom and she too has had numerous compliments. The most common between the two of us has been, "what is that perfume/cologne you are wearing?" "It's so different from anything else I've smelled." So, this stuff is seriously an amazing fragrance and it lasts forever (the scent) and changes over time! I will be purchasing the bigger bottle, but at $350 for 100ml...that's expensive stuff, but worth the cost 100%.
At first I was overwhelmed by the richness of this fragrance. As I got used to it, I began to enjoy it as a superior rose fragrance, still rich and somewhat complex. But as a man I find it a bit too feminine, too opulent, and I wish it had more pungent notes to counteract that cloying sweetness-- more incense perhaps.
I read descriptions of this perfume and thought it sounded perfect. I ordered a sample and hoped I wouldn't like it, only to find myself bewitched by this beautiful fragrance. I'm going to have to order a full size bottle soon, because I keep regretting it every day I wear a different scent.
Fantastic rose-patchouli scent, complex, and with forever lasting longevity. Be carefull with its power... it can easely goes from classy and confident to exaggerated and disturber. Althoug i think its unisex, as a man i would love a little less sweet/floral, and that's why my personal taste give 4 stars.
Love love love.
A pleasant fragrance to enjoy. Makes me feel like I am quite the classy dame.
A dark rose opening, surrounded by spices and an earthy depth; the rose seems to fade, but the fragrance retains the spicy darkness with rose intertwined throughout. Fairly linear, but the complexity makes it remain very interesting. Downright wonderful!
A lovely fragrance, so elegant. It brings to mind a different time, a different world, glamourous and mysterious. I love it!
I had never tried any perfume products by Frederic Malle before. I received a sample pack at Christmas and immediately loved Portrait of a Lady....soft but provocative at the same time. It lasts all day and I get many compliments on it. I have people coming up to me to ask me what I am wearing. I will continue to order it and recommend it to all!
