Angel Garden Of Stars - Rose Angel (2006)
by Thierry Mugler

In the battle of Angel vs. La Rose, Angel has prevailed in ANGEL LA ROSE, a flanker explicitly claimed on its packaging to be a tribute to the unmistakeable, unforgettable--and, to me, utterly unwearable--ANGEL. To my nose, ANGEL is the perfumic equivalent of a garbage pizza. I am therefore relieved to be able to report that fully half of the notes which conspire to make ANGEL such a concoction have been edited away, leaving a luscious caramelized patchouli base to buoy the rose. Because the base is so strong, however, it really does drown out the floral quality of this composition, with the overall effect of the ANGEL base plus a few rose petals attempting with limited success to break through the wall of sweet patchouli.

In spite of its lack of subtlety, I like ANGEL LA ROSE. I regard this as a successful composition because it manages to capture the spirit of ANGEL while actually being enjoyable to wear--within the privacy of one's own home. Definitely not appropriate for the office or public transportation or any other hors de boudoir context which comes immediately to mind.

12nd August, 2011.

I love Angel for its uniqueness and dominating presence, so I was really eager to try the Angel Garden of Stars range.

This fragrance was the first one I tried and honestly I disliked it at first. My nose was assaulted with a strong burst of pink pepper, coumarin and heavy, old-fashioned rose. The opening was so loud that I was almost shocked, which is weird because I usually love bold and 'out there' fragrances.

It pays to be patient with La Rose. After the loud and incredibly rosy introduction subsides, the rose note softens into a beautiful powdery and feminine scent. It's hard to believe its the same fragrance that I had been smelling only minutes before.

The delicate rose note transcends effortlessly into the drydown to blend with the vanilla, caramel, chocolate and patchouli which makes for a truly delightful gourmand experience. The patchouli in La Rose is much dryer and lighter than in the original Angel where it can become quite overbearing.

Overall the lasting strength and sillage is as good as Angel, it will last and last. The drydown was the highlight for me by far. One of the most beautiful gourmand blends I have ever come across

5th June, 2011.

Interesting. What is here? Something herbal? Salty crackers? Pineapple juice in a tin cup? Old rainwater?
Whatever it is, the rose is nowhere to be seen.

19th February, 2011.

Very nice variation of the original Angel; lovely and comforting...lasts forever...heaven...

12nd January, 2011.

Patchouli is one of my favorite notes, I love Borneo 1834, Montale Patchouli Leaves and Coromandel. Could never do Angel though. It is popular as hell among designer fragrances but on me, a complete disaster. I still shudder at the memory of trying Angel at a Macy's some years ago and driving home in my compact car in the blistering heat with all the windows open, my only thought being "must shower, must shower now"! This Mugler offering is something I can get on board with. It is rose, not the down & dirty rose I usually pal around with, but a warm, fully blooming rose, not sharp, but certainly present. The patch is there from beginning to end and this fragrance has the lasting power and sillage I seek, a good 4+ hours. Anything less than that is usually a dealbreaker. I have been on a rose kick as of late and I think this one will be used often. It layered very well with my Montale Black Aoud. A pleasant interesting rose for sure, not unconventional or shockingly original, but nice and easy to wear.

20th June, 2010.

I love this one, sexy, intense, last me through from 6pm til the morning after. Best from Thierry Mugler for me.

27th March, 2010.