Norell (1968)
by Norell

sultry foral and green notes... sophisticated, dressy, elegant. for grown up Women, Divas and babes. a classic,

Norell is an extremely retro green, floral, leather chypre. I have a history with Norrell. I always sniffed it appreciatively when I was a child, marvelling at the unusual smell but never knowing why. Surprisingly, I never put it on because I considered it too "grown-up." Now, years later, I get to try the new formulation which, I am pretty sure, comes close to the original intent.
Now I know why I always was attracted to Norell. It is a Chypre! Before I even knew what they were, I loved them. Top notes smell strongly of galbanum, a personal favorite of mine. Middle is dry, red roses, like potpourri, another favorite, possibly some hyacinth, all with a mellow spiciness. And the base? Well that is what surprised me most. After it develops on the skin, the mildly ambery base becomes animalic and leathery. Overall the whole composition is dry by today's standards. In the end, it becomes more soapy than I like, but that is what happens with some green chypres, and anyway, it adds to the retro feel. I like it. Not an everyday fragrance, but quite the thing when I feel like a blast from the past.

A foggy version of Estee Lauder's Private Collection ... not nearly as in focus or dynamic, though certainly worthy of both wear and ownership. I want to use the word chalky to describe this scent ... like its greenness is tempered with a softness. Still very interesting and affordable ... but for a couple bucks more get the full bang from the EL counter.

Classic, beautiful and memorable, every woman should try this. It is a little formal, but works as a casual fragrance as well on the right lady. It has an enigmatic element to it, both knowing and yet vulnerable; sophisticated and yet unaffected. A woman I knew and loved wore this, and if I ever catch a fleeting trace of it, I am filled with memories both happy and a little sad. Like Chanel No. 5, it is in a class by itself. Easy to overlook, it is very special. Strange how that happens. I am not sure I am thinking of the fragrance or she who wore it. What a way to add to memories!

Quite sensual, but strongly sophisticated at the same time. Essentially a green fragrance, Norell’s opening offers citrus, primarily white florals, as well as the dominant green, galbanum, to create its sensual, classy accord. The sensuality is centered around the strong indole emanations from the jasmine. The green continues through the heart florals that are smoothly blended and individually unidentifiable to my nose. The heart florals never take prominence, but simply round out the green, citrus and the florals. The base is a wood / amber / moss that has been greened, but it is more than that: There’s a real touch of dark and brooding hidden deeply in it, but I can’t account for its origin.

I would describe this fragrance as sensually self-indulgent — it is a fragrance self-centeredly at ease, and it sensually languishes in its own sense of time and place. This is one of those fragrances that wear the wearer rather than vice-versa, although it is very considerate and gentle as it does so. 1968 seems a little too late for its introduction – to me it has much in it that is indicative the 1940s or 1950s, and I mean that as a high compliment. It might be called old fashioned, but I believe “sensual” never goes out of fashion … especially when it is combined with “sophisticated.” Norell is excellent, impressive, and classically time-proof.

Norell is slightly reminiscent of Fidji, but more seriuos, a rather green fragrance for sophisticated ladies.
It is no longer available in Germany (what a pity) and certainly a great classic you always come back to.
It's great for daytime business-sort of activities... gives you an aura of competence and seriousness.