Dear Shaded Viewers,
In the realm of olfactory artistry, a new fragrance has captured my attention and transported me to another era. I recently received a bottle of Ambre Liquide by Astier de Villatte, and as is my custom, I first applied it to a testing stick. Intrigued by its initial allure, I took the next step and allowed it to unfold on my skin. While I typically shy away from sweet perfumes, there’s something undeniably mysterious and otherworldly about this scent that has drawn me in, evoking a sense of history far removed from the contemporary world.
Ambre Liquide is a masterful creation that draws inspiration from the legendary pomander of the Middle Ages, a scented charm believed to possess protective power. Master perfumer Dominique Ropion has skillfully reimagined a recipe dating back to 1348, infusing it with a captivating blend of notes that bridge centuries.
Upon first encounter, Ambre Liquide envelops the senses in a warm embrace of amber and vanilla, with a subtle sweetness that comforts without overwhelming. As the fragrance evolves, it reveals a tapestry of aromas that includes the opulent Damask Rose, known for its honeyed sweetness, and a wild shrub native to Spanish scrublands. The composition is further enriched by styrax resin, imparting subtle leather tones, and a whisper of frankincense that adds a touch of sacred mystery.
This fragrance is more than just a scent; it’s a sensory journey through time. The spicy-resinous notes evoke images of medieval castles, cobbled streets, and the opulence of a bygone era. It’s as if Astier de Villatte has captured the essence of a noble woman’s boudoir from centuries past, blending the aromatics cultivated in abbey gardens with the exotic spices brought by international trade.
Ambre Liquide stands as a testament to the enduring allure of perfumery throughout history. It captures the sophistication of medieval European perfume houses, which emerged as centers of innovation in urban hubs like Venice, Florence, and Paris. This fragrance not only pays homage to the past but also demonstrates Astier de Villatte’s commitment to reviving forgotten treasures with contemporary finesse.
Wearing Ambre Liquide is like stepping through a fragrant portal into a mystical medieval landscape, where each intoxicating breath transports you beyond the present—transforming the mundane into an immersive sensory film that awakens the imagination and stirs the soul with its rich, evocative narrative of amber, rose, and ancient resins.
Later,
Diane
