Dr. Vranjes Fragrances
Dr. Vranjes fragrances caught my attention recently, after I saw them mentioned in a Beautyhabit newsletter and later on in a Bergdorf Goodman catalog. Needless to say, samples were ordered promptly. Looking at the hefty price tag, for some reason I cynically assumed it was yet another pompous perfume line that prides itself in exclusivity more than anything else. Little did I know it’s actually produced by the creator of Antica Farmacista (a well known Italian home and personal fragrance line created using ancient artisan techniques). This fact alone added a bit more credibility, and off I went to test the scents (just the three women’s ones, for the time being). According to Beautyhabit, Dr. Vranjes is a Florence based artisan perfumer who has his own boutique-laboratory where he works primarily with the finest essences as well as doing “research into the fields of cosmetology and fragrances for personal use and for the home.” The line is marked by luxury and antiquity, perhaps a bit too much for my taste, yet I found testing the fragrances a pleasant and slightly hedonistic experience.
Cassiopea - with notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, iris, rose, and rosewood, the scent has a luminous, glowing effect. It starts out as a sweet, almost balsamic rose and ylang-ylang blend, with the heart centered around iris, and a charming, slightly spicy drydown. Rose is at the center of attention, lounging on balsamic ylang-ylang cushions. Cassiopea is all about repose and luxury.
Esperia - algae, wood, moss, saline accord. Basically, an ozonic light floral. Airy and fresh, reminiscent of a fresh ocean breeze. Typically, a red flag for me but to give it some credit, it is indeed nicely done. The mossy accord gives it a slightly green quality reminiscent of fresh cut grass. Overall, Esperia will appeal to the lovers of fresh, aquatic florals. (Sorry, not much eloquence here).
Elettra - iris, jasmine, amber, myrrh. My favorite of the three, Elettra is a sensual, plush floral oriental. It starts out with a sweet, jam-like iris and jasmine, accentuated by honeyed ambery warmth. There’s also a touch of patchouli-like dirtiness that eventually melds into the composition. The drydown is marked by viscous, sweet myrrh that’s simultaneously stirring and comforting.
Final verdict: while I find the fragrances well blended and quite delightful, I notice they’re not exhibiting much development on skin and seem to possess the home diffuser quality, i.e., they’d make excellent home fragrances. Perhaps the price is somewhat off-putting. Regardless, they manage to keep my heart still and do not cause any rash behavior which, I might add, is a bit disappointing.
Image source: www.beautyhabit.com
13 comments November 20th, 2006