Violetta by Penhaligon's, 1976

A lovely smoky kind of violet scent. It's not sweet or musky, but more earthy, I like it a lot.

It depends of the feeling you have with violet leaves the evaluation that express about it since Violetta is a single note dominant fragrance which is surrounded by notes that play just an accessorial role. The citric opening pushes  up the starting angularity of a violet flanked by an astringent ad opaque earthy geranium. In this phase the fragrance is still just an hint aqueous (or better alcoholic), hesperidic and a bit herbal. The following evolution is radical. The base is indeed basically soft musk and powdery woods (sandalwood and cedarwood) in order to push up a sort of dry talky smell of violet. The cedarwood is dry and powdery while the sandalwood impresses a woody vibe and a certain level of structure. Romantic and nostalgic.

Penhaligon's has been alarmingly disappointing to me thus far. Granted, I've only tried this, Castile, and Hammam Bouquet, but all fell so short of expectations that I'm beginning to think the house is overrated, and more egregiously, over-priced. Violetta hits the skin in a burst of alcohol and synthetic violet, and after a few seconds settles into a fuller version of the flower, with support from a stale and chemical vanilla. I get the concept here; there is something pleasant about the powdery quality of violets that conjures impressions of soil and dust. The stale vanilla base is probably meant to lend Violetta this quality, but it simply doesn't. While staying fairly linear, the scent simply whimpers through a few hours of blatantly synthetic violet before fading away (leaving a headache in its wake). If you're a violet lover and want a natural-smelling take on that note, I recommend you skip this and spend your time and money on Grey Flannel instead. It smells much better, and at a fraction of Violetta's cost.

For those not familiar with the scent of violets this would be described as powdery and sweet, with a hint of musk. It is perhaps reminiscent of berries or sweets, so for those who enjoy that kind of scent give it a try. Of course most will be familiar with the smell of violets, and this take is a pleasantly sweet and likeable one. It has a nostalgic charm about it and wears well on both sexes. It can be a little cloying so it is advisable to wear it sparingly rather than compulsively. A simple and sweet fragrance with a something a little different.

It's cool, delicious and keeps me happy all day. Nicer than La Violette by Annick Goutal.

Well, I've had to eat my words regarding violet perfume. I suppose I've met one I really enjoy. Of course it would be from Penhaligon's, because they're amazing. The thing I love about Violetta is its deep purple but resilient green nature, much like the flower itself. There is no sickly sweet candy, no stray Choward's mint found in a Harris Tweed coat pocket. This violet isn't trying to choke me or take over my world (I'm not going to make another Napoleon and his love of violets reference here, even though I just did), it's simply a lovely, elegant fragrance. Darn sexy, too.

Sweet, sweet, feminine violet. Definitely for the ladies and not a crossover scent for men. Luckily, men have Trumper's superb Ajaccio Violet cologne to fall back on. For those who love violets, this is a beguiling, strong, true scent.

6 notes:

Top: Citrus, Geranium
Middle: Violet
Base: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Musk

Fresh? YES!, Clean?, YES!, Unisex? YES! Light and office worthy? YES! A perfect light vioet, even for those who are shy of the little purple flower? YES! Is there a but here? YES! Violet fades fast. I've been told that ones nose adjusts to the scent of violet very quickly, so I don't know if it fades, or my nose adjusts.... Either way... it turns a nice clean soapy fresh scent within an hour or two... with a nice sharp bit. Also - on a side not. The bottle is GORGEOUS!!!!

this is a wonderful violet definitely unisex one of the most beautiful around

I have not personally tried this fragrance. I have friend though that owns a fragrance shop (qedusa.com check it out) and he says this is his best selling violette fragrance for MEN! As a woman's fragrance i'm sure this would be great but as a guy who has been addicted to the violette scent since using trumper's violet shave cream, i have heard nothing but strong reviews.