BOIS 1920 La Vaniglia Rapturous Labdanum, Le Voluttuose part 2
La Vaniglia is part of the Le Voluttuose (the Voluptuous) series from the Italian perfume brand BOIS 1920. The Voluptuous line consists of three scents: Notturno Fiorentino (reviewed before), Rosa di Filare and La Vaniglia. The line is dedicated to the mysterious and enigmatic world of women.
Unlike what its name might suggest La Vaniglia is all about Labdanum (Cistus Labdaniferus). Cistus Labdaniferus is obtained from the Cistus plant around The Mediterranean. It comes in absolute and oil. Cistus essential oil is obtained from the twigs and leaves of C. Labdaniferus. The Labdanum absolute comes from extraction from the resin.
I am quite in rapture about La Vaniglia. After applying the perfume it changes from liquid warm butter and some rum to dusty labdanum. In the beginning a pinch of spicy pepper can be scented, after which a mentholic mint becomes more prominent. Traces of labdanum are already present with some added dryness from vanilla. The vanilla is not prominent more a slightly bitter addition to the labdanum. There is an air of dryness and powderiness through the whole wear of La Vaniglia. The powderiness reminds me of the dustiness of small woolen carpets on tables in Catholic Churches.
My favorite part of La Vaniglia is the dry down, the dry and powdery labdanum mixed with some bitter vanilla which lasts for hours.
According to Susanne Fischer-Rizzi in her book Complete Aromatherapy Handbook Labdanum (Cistus Labdaniferus in latin) works erotisizing on a mental psychic level. I can imagine it does. It is a fragrance very suited to get into a sensual mood. La Vaniglia is a scent about seduction which can work at quite a deep level while wearing it.
Amazingly La Vaniglia has gotten little attention. It deserves much better !
Which fragrance brings you in a sensual mood ? What is your favorite seductive fragrance ?
Fragrance family: soft oriental
Official notes:
Top: Mandarin, Bergamot, Mint, Pepper
Head: Incense, Patchouli, Woods, Ginger
Base: Vanilla
Sillage: stays very close to the skin
Longevity: quite good, 6-8 hours
Origin of sample set: I bought a Le Voluttuose sample set online and now own a very pink bottle
Sources: Jennifer Peace Rhind, Listening to scent
Susanne Fischer-Rizzi Complete Aromatherapy Handbook
Side note about Labdanum and Cistus, Kafkaesque interestingly mentions in her latest perfume blog both Cistus Absolute and Labdanum Absolute. She says “many people and sites call Cistus “Labdanum” but AbdesSalaam finds a difference in aroma. Arctander has pages on the two, noting very technical differences in the type of plant species, geographic location, olfactory forms, and types of extraction.”
Painting made by Spanish and Andalucian painter Julio Romero de Torres, La Chiquita Piconera/The coal little girl, 1930
August 20, 2015 @ 16:20
I love labdanum! 🙂 I also think Bois 1920 have some great perfumes. I will definitely try to get my hands on this one.
August 20, 2015 @ 17:00
If you like labdanum and Bois 1920, La Vaniglia is a must try ! Which other BOIS 1920 do you like, Ines ?
August 20, 2015 @ 17:11
Rose en Noir by Miller Harris is very seductive for me right now. But after reading this description I must try La Vaniglia!
August 25, 2015 @ 10:43
I like Sushi Imperiale and Vetiver Ambrato. I’m pretty sure I tried some others but as I’m really bad with names, I can’t remember what they were. 🙂
August 25, 2015 @ 11:17
They sound lovely, don’t they, Ines ? Funny as I must have tried Sushi Imperiale and Vetiver Ambrato as Well, but can’t remember them either 🙁
August 25, 2015 @ 11:15
You must really try it, Karin ! And let me know what your think of it.
August 21, 2015 @ 00:03
MMMMM, this sounds like a perfect fall perfume! Great review!
August 25, 2015 @ 11:18
Thank you, Houndie. It is a wonderful autumn fragrance !