Velvet Hour by Kate Moss, 2008

I never expected this fragrance to be so unique and interesting. Since testing Kate, her first fragrance, I assumed that all her scents would be safe and unoriginal. Velvet Hour transcends past the common stereotype, and becomes something distinctive and alluring. I'll start by saying that Velvet Hour is a sillage monster, a scent that lasts and lasts. Because this fragrance is so strong I would most likely recommend this scent for Winter or night use. It's sweet, peppery, dark, intense and strangely beautiful. I'm so surprised that this fragrance sells so cheaply. I think its price may have something to do with the lack of promotion, because it definitely isn't based on the quality of this fragrance. Velvet Hour opens with the soft and powdery freesia note, with the incense and pepper creating a smoky yet spicy quality. This opening on its own is very impressive. The patchouli becomes quite strong after a few minutes of wear but the nutmeg mantains a certain softness and femininity which is delightful. The drydown is a little bland, however I do still enjoy this fragrance. Amber ends this fragrance with a warm and sensual closure. I'd make this fragrance a top pick for a unique evening scent that will certainly have you noticed and admired.

Yet another to join the endless "run of the mill" celebrity fragrance bandwagon. I for one, am yet another that detest this trend for cheap scents, that has more to do with marketing/profit than the actual fragrance.
However, I must add that I was actually quite pleasantly surprised by "Velvet Hour". If you are a freesia lover and looking for a very affordable alternative, then I would recommend giving this "woody floral" a sampling (at very least).
It's been mentioned before in the press, that Guerlain's - L'Heure Bleue, is Ms.Moss' favourite perfume. So that has been her obvious inspiration here, in name at least, if not in the actual scent (which smell nothing alike).
The "nez" behind the scent is Emilie Copperman (the creator of Burberry Brit Sheer , Lalique Pour Homme Equus , Diagonal (Six Scents: series1/fragrance4), Black XS For Her ... amongs others,)
The fragrance opens with a Blue Pepper Accord ...(Blue Pepper ???, but I don't find it very peppery, this is a delicate pepper), with the added notes of Freesia, and Cashmere Incense (cashmere incense??? or is this an incense and cahmere woods accord ??). This segues into an accord of Patchouli, Amber and Nutmeg. (Also not overtly patchouli, it's just right, giving it some depth). Finally ending on a base of Sandalwood, Amber and Ebony Wood.
The blending is beautiful with no note being too prominent over the others (except the freesia in the opening) and the overall feeling is smooth, rich but soft and not at all too strongly woodsy. The longevity is pretty decent too, for it's price point. Personally, I would have prefered it heavier on the woods, as it might have been more suitable as a unisex scent then, (yet some men that wear TFord's Black Orchid might enjoy this one too.)
Overall, a very good effort and I too have to give it a thumbs up, (as much as I was hoping not too!)