Category Archives: Fragrances

Violetta de Parma

Nose: Lodovico Bosari

From http://www.hundredscents.com:
“To the common mix of violet leaf, violet flower and orris, Borsari adds heliotrope, rose and vanilla; giving us a dry, simple violet scent.”

Year: 1870

This is a very light violet compared to many others. It’s literal, pungent green quality reminds me of Coty Muguet Des Bois. Actually…I do wonder if Bosari also added lily-of-the-valley because I’m pretty sure I smell that note and it’s also very commonly added to violet, it seems.

It’s very bright. Not particularly sweet. And again, very literal. It’s slightly reminiscent of sweet tarts.

My bottle is from the 1980’s.

Devon Violets

Year: 1921

Made and sealed in Devon England. In the 1930’s, 1940’s or 50’s? Lownds Pateman made these for tourists, I believe, visiting the British seaside for holidays. So you’d go home and think of lots of good memories and smell this.

My guess on the notes would be: violet, vanilla, musk, sandalwood and lily-of-the-valley?

This is a very sweet fragrance! Golly. But it’s so fun. …The sandalwood and vanilla musk (?) are ambery and smokey, with this sweet, pastel, very old violet note emerging like a seaside reveler darting around on a cool, windy, sunny beach at the height of an old British summer.

Truthfully…this smells very similar to Misia. I find that intriguing.

This is definitely a perfume every perfume aficionado needs to smell.