Calypso Mimosa (1999)
by Calypso Christiane Celle

Pleasant as it is, Calypso Mimosa gives some credence to Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez’s claim that straight-up soliflores do not make satisfying perfumes. This fragrance does a fine job reproducing the instantly recognizable olfactory outline of mimosa blossoms, but in its determined literalism misses the three dimensional quality that would make it interesting to wear. Sniff it once and it’s pretty. Wear it, and you may feel as if you’ve gone through your day to a tape loop of Ravel’s Bolero.

Note to self: A soliflore needs to do more than mimic a flower if it’s going to be effective. Scents as far afield as Diorissimo, Sa Majesté la Rose, Donna Karan Gold, and Carnal Flower all transcend their floral referents (lily-of-the-valley, rose, oriental lily, and tuberose, respectively,) with aplomb. Calypso Mimosa does not. As an olfactory “one-liner” it might work for me in a candle or a room scent, but not as part of the wardrobe.

7th July, 2011.

Fizzy blossoms of mimosa. You'll want to bury your nose in it and daydream. No spice, no fruit, just a mimosa tree, and no responsibilities. One of my all time favorites. Very unusual and individualistic. Not like any other floral.

19th January, 2009.

Just lovely. Fresh, sweet, flowery feminine, yet not cloying. It may need refreshing during the day, but sometimes that's a good thing. Dolce vita, dolce far niente scent. Can create a nice balance.

16th February, 2007.