The Velvet Collection Raises Its Seduction A Notch With Two New Scents

What does seductive mystery mean to you? The image of sitting in sheer stockings on a velvet couch, slowly sipping on a glass of wine? Or is it receiving a compliment from a stranger on the fragrance that lingers as you walk? Dolce&Gabbana’s exclusive Velvet Collection introduces its two newest scents, both rich in elegance and moving seamlessly between lightness and depth. Seduction is something perfumery often strives to achieve, looking to luxury notes and dreamy locations for inspiration. The result is a magical elixir of honey and smoke allure, as The Velvet Collection Raises Its Seduction A Notch With Two New Scents.

Not many countries beat Italy in their seductive reputation. The two scents are grounded in Italian history and culture. Most places fuse the influences of other cultures amidst their own, and Sicily isn’t an exception. The capital city of Palermo, rich in history and architecture, couldn’t be what it is without the Arabian influences. Paul Guerlain, the mind behind the fruitier perfume of the duo, Velvet Passion Oud, kept this cultural encounter in mind when creating the scent palette.

Paul Guerlain, Perfume Genius

Guerlain comes from a line of renowned perfumers, and being the grandson of the last master perfumer from the founding family of Maison Guerlain, Jean Paul Guerlain, he grew up around smell. His own approach puts constructing dialogue at the centre of perfumery.

In this ‘dialogue’, he discovers how different notes complement or oppose one another, how they reveal themselves together and individually. Formerly a student of Anne Flipo, a perfumer known for her intuitive, sensual approach to fragrances, Paul Guerlain, too, has an eye for opulence.

Unveiling The Mystery Behind Velvet Passion Oud Perfume

He describes the mood of Velvet Passion Oud as a voluptuous and mysterious kind of seduction, one that strikes a perfect balance between playfulness and depth. As an Ambery, Oudy scent that is wrapped in refreshing fruitiness, it has a sophisticated and enrapturing scent palette.

Opening up with top notes of addictive and tropical Passion Fruit and smoky yet delicate Narghile Accord, which blends tobacco, honey and amber, its invitation is flirtatious. At the heart of the fragrance are warm Saffron, indulging in the Arabian influences, and sweet, timeless Rose. What lingers on as the base are piquant Smoky Citrus, tangy and uplifting, and musky, subtly sweet Oud, giving the perfume its precious richness.

The passion fruit has a lively, citrusy, whimsicality that manages the sweetness of the perfume, without stepping into the gourmand territory. Its counterpart, however, is for the gourmand lovers.

Velvet Honey Santal Perfume By Aurelien Guichard

The Honey Santal of the Velvet Collection is a sweet homage to Il Miele Di Sicilia, the honey of Sicily. It is a modern take on the mystifying idea of what nectar of the Gods would smell like.

The perfume opens up with rich, buttery notes of decadent Golden Honey and milky, sensual Creamy Sandalwood, a fixative note that ensures longevity. It then segways into complex and unique Basaltic Styrax, which gives the scent its leathery sweetness with hints of cinnamon and incense, and Gurjum Balsam, a spicy resin that adds depth and highlights the woodiness of the fragrance. Finally, the Sweet Amber and Warm Benzoin reveal themselves, adding a touch of vanilla-like spice.

An Exciting Contrast

The Velvey Honey Santal is sunny and shimmering, warm in its seduction, whilst Velvet Passion Oud is more intense and striking. Both scents have a story to tell, taking influence from Italian culture and tradition to create new, enigmatic scents. Part of a larger collection, it’s up to you to either discover a single, signature scent or let your creativity flow and experiment with layering. In Guerlain’s words, creating a dialogue between various scents.

If you enjoyed The Velvet Collection Raises Its Seduction A Notch With Two New Scents, available at Harrods.com why not try New View Of Anselm Kiefer, A Love Letter To Women?

Cent Magazine, London; Luxury Mindset