Gardenia by Crabtree & Evelyn, 1974

l remember seeing this for sale way back in the eighties, long before it was discontinued. Foolishly l never got around to sniffing it, but a few months ago l stumbled across a bottle on ebay, & couldn't resist a blind buy. When first sprayed, this scent appears deceptively light, pretty & simple, but as it warms on the skin, it opens up into a big tuberose & jasmine, with tremendous sillage, & a distinctly animalic undertone.The impression is of an elegant-looking lady wearing very naughty underclothes. After two hours, it settles into a clean & soapy white floral, & lasts a good seven hours. This is not a true gardenia fragrance, but no matter, it is a lovely spring floral in a classic style. Too bad that it's no longer available, but it's still possible to get a good deal on ebay if you feel like giving it a shot.

The heavy and intoxicating aroma of gardenia is here! I think that is why it has been d/c by C&E; not a fragrance that can be worn easily. It enters the room before you do. I only have the powder left in my fragrance collection. I like to use it on summer nights after a shower.