Lapis Lazuli
by Galimard

Galimard LAPIS LAZULI is a fairly typical “old lady” floral aldehyde, with all that that implies. Basically, if you know that you cannot do aldehydes, you'll want to stay away. If you like aldehydes but only in a crystalline, pristine, limpid form, you'll also want to stay away. If you like your aldehydes slightly dusty and dirty—à la JOY or FIRST—then you might really take to LAPIS LAZULI, which also appears to contain a dash of civet or reasonable facsimile.

As a floral aldehyde lover, I'm inclined to like such a composition, but I don't think that LAPIS LAZULI can really compete with my favorites of this genre, CALECHE and WHITE LINEN extrait. I'm sure that many young perfumistas would find this composition far too old ladyish, but it definitely represents an important moment in the history of perfume, whether one happens to appreciate it or not, and it is entirely within the realm of possibility that the floral aldehyde moment will recycle after a time—perhaps after people have had enough of oudh and fig and office-ready fruity-floral frags and skin scents and personal hygiene aids masquerading as perfumes. On ne sait jamais...

The name of this perfume strikes me as a non sequitur...

2nd July, 2011. (Last Edited: 10th July, 2011.)

This is a pleasant, feminine and versatile fragrance. It's versatility lies in its balanced treatment of fruits and florals with a soft base, and a feminine easy-going personae. This makes it appropriate for daytime or evening wear. I find it to be a fragrance that sort of 'fits in' wherever it's at, and part of that trick is that it doesn't have an assertive sillage, just a gentle wafting around your person. I think the name is a little misleading - I was expecting something more oriental, or less floral than it is.

8th November, 2006.