Rue Royale
by Hove Parfumeur

If you're relatively new to Basenotes, you may not have caught wind of two of the most wonderful perfume sources in the U.S.: Hové Parfumeur <hoveparfumeur.com> and Bourbon French Perfume <neworleansperfume.com>. Cannot urge you strongly enough to visit these shops in the French Quarter if you ever get to New Orleans. Alternatively, do yourself the kindness of ordering samples.

Frustrating though it may be, notes are not published for Hove's lineup. Their compositions are guarded better than Seinfeld's Soup Nazi's recipe for mulagatani soup. At times I've ventured to suggest Rue Royale may contain vetiver (one of Hove's famous ingredients) and something floral (rose?). My latest mystery ingredient reckoning is mineral oil, because both RR and Hove's Camille, have reminded me somewhat of baby oil. The promotional literature teases with this text: "A hint of musk pervades this basically dry and light fragrance, selected most often by fair brunettes who wish a quiet elegance."

All mystery aside, I can declare the fragrance to be Old World in style, soft but distinct, and a sincere pleasure to wear.