Bois et Fruits
by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

A gorgeous fruity oriental that oozes seduction and a sort of sweet sumptuousness.
The fruity accords here don´t err on the naive side but rather it provides a bright and vibrant touch to the composition, varnishing the aroma of a layer of Orientalist luxury.
On the other hand , emerging from the heart, the aromatic notes of cedar wood provide the counterpoint to the kind sweetness of peach, apricot and plum trio.
big thumbs up for this delicious combination of Orientalist fruit.

21st December, 2011.

I was quite excited a few months ago when I read that many of the Serge Lutens "bell jar" fragrances were going to offered in the US for a limited time in the standard Lutens containers. Unfortunately, the one that I'd most like to purchase, Bois Oriental, isn't one of them. So I tried what I thought would be the next best thing: Bois et Fruits, which has left me feeling quite underwhelmed.

I have now tested it several times, hoping for some breakthrough, perhaps, but the results are always the same: a nice but less than energetic cedar base and some strange substance that doesn't come off as fruity to my nose--unless the fruit is of the wax variety.

Actually, Bois et Fruits reminds me very much of the original Shisedo Feminité du Bois, about which I feel much the same as I do about this fragrance. Beeswax was among the listed notes for the vintage Feminité, and I'm quite sure that was what I found so off-putting about it. It isn't listed for Bois et Fruits, but I smell something waxy that is neither fresh nor (to my mind) attractive. The sillage is decent if less than spectacular while it lasts--and it only lasted for about an hour, perhaps two, in my tests.

I appreciate and respect the reviewers who have drastically different perceptions of this scent, but that isn't how it works on my skin. I really did want to like this one, but Arabie and Ambre Sultan fill this niche much better for me.

12nd September, 2010.

Before I get to a long-forgotten holiday fruitcake, Bois et Fruits inflicts clouds of rancid butter or ghee. Before it vanishes, there is a suggestion of an Arabie-soaked platter of dried figs, dates, apricots and raisins. Nasty!

1st September, 2010.

A compilation by Sheldrake of a couple of his other creations… Yes, it does remind me of Feminite du Bois and a little of Arabie. It’s quieter and softer than Feminite du Bois. It’s not as radical as either, but, reminiscent or not, it does have its own character as well as the character of a Luten’s fragrance. Bois Et Fruits is fruity, but not the fresh, juicy fruity... rather the dried fruits of Arabie. It’s woods stand out more than in both of its Sheldrake progenitors. The top and middle notes are primarily a dried fruity presentation similar to Arabie but without the abundant spices or the abundant abundance. The woodnotes are smooth and rich but for a long time remain in the background of the fruit accord. When the cedar does come forward, it is quite diminutive, and the end is near. I find Bois Et Fruits a highly enjoyable scent while it lasts, but it is way too short on longevity on my skin… Too bad for its poor longevity, it would have been a sure purchase if it had lasted longer on my skin.

1st February, 2010.

Somewhat understated woody-fruity scent with hints of oriental and floral notes. This is not quite as lasing or as sharply delineated as Bois de Violette, but is a nice down-tempo scent with a distinctly elegant air. The sillage and longevity are relatively strong, and, thought it seems a bit like a "skin scent," it has a definite flag zone, from inside which it can easily be recognized. A good choice for a relaxed day or event.

30th November, 2008.

3 parts Feminite du Bois, 1 part Arabie.

27th June, 2008.