Le Parfum de Venise by Jean Patou c1999

"Parfum de Venise" by Jean Patou, launched in 1999 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Jean Kerléo, captures the essence of Venice in a bottle. This exquisite fragrance was sold exclusively at the Parisian boutique of Jean Patou, offering a unique olfactory journey through the storied canals and vibrant streets of the Serenissima. The perfume embodies the romantic and mystical spirit of Venice, blending notes that evoke the city's rich history, art, and atmosphere.

Complementing the fragrance is a book titled "Flavors and Scents of the Serenissima," which further immerses the reader in the sensory tapestry of Venice. This book, a collaborative effort published by Clairsud editions of Toulouse, was released in January 2000. It delves into the culinary and aromatic heritage of Venice, providing a literary backdrop to the scent's creation. Together, the perfume and the book offer a multi-sensory experience, inviting enthusiasts to explore Venice's enchanting world through both scent and narrative.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a a spicy floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: marine notes, bergamot
• Middle notes: resins, spices, flowers
• Base notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, musk

Scent Story:

As I step into Venice, a city draped in romance and mystery, the scent of "Le Parfum de Venise" by Jean Patou begins to envelop me, guiding my senses through the winding streets and shimmering canals. The air carries a delicate, briny freshness from the marine notes, reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea lapping at the city's foundations. There's a bright hint of bergamot, a citrusy zest that intertwines with the salty breeze, invigorating my senses as I wander along the cobblestone pathways.

The middle notes emerge as I pass through the bustling markets and hidden courtyards. A warm blend of spices and resins wafts through the air, mingling with the floral scents from the myriad of flowers adorning the windowsills and balconies. The fragrance is rich and multifaceted, with each step revealing a new layer. The spices evoke images of vibrant stalls filled with exotic goods from far-off lands, their aromas dancing in the Venetian sunlight. The resins add a sweet, balsamic undertone, grounding the fragrance in a sense of timelessness.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the city, the base notes of "Le Parfum de Venise" come to life. The earthy, mossy scent of oakmoss blends with the creamy smoothness of sandalwood, creating a serene and comforting backdrop. There's a touch of vanilla, sweet and inviting, that brings a sense of warmth to the cooling evening air. Amber adds a rich, honeyed depth, while musk wraps around me like a soft, velvety cloak, enhancing the sensuality of the night.

I find myself at a small, charming café overlooking a quiet canal. The sounds of gondoliers singing in the distance mix with the gentle splash of water against the wooden piers. I take a sip of my drink, tasting the complex flavors that mirror the fragrance itself—bold and spicy, yet balanced with a sweet finish. The glass feels cool and smooth in my hand, contrasting with the rough texture of the ancient stone table beneath my fingertips.

As I continue to explore, "Le Parfum de Venise" lingers on my skin, a constant reminder of the city's allure. Every corner I turn, every sight I behold, and every sound I hear enhances the symphony of scents woven into the fabric of Venice. The fragrance captures the essence of this magical city, a place where history, art, and nature converge, creating a timeless experience that resonates with every breath I take.

Bottle:

"Le Parfum de Venise" by Jean Patou was offered exclusively in an exquisite 7.5ml (0.25 oz) size, making it a highly coveted limited edition. This rarity was not merely a fragrance but a cherished companion to the book "Flavors and Scents of the Serenissima." The petite bottle, though small in volume, contained an olfactory journey that encapsulated the essence of Venice, making it a treasure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Each bottle was a work of art, designed to reflect the elegance and opulence of the city it represented. The crystal-clear glass, adorned with intricate detailing, housed the golden elixir within, capturing the light and reflecting a spectrum of colors. The luxurious packaging underscored the exclusivity of the perfume, ensuring that each owner felt they possessed a piece of Venice's mystique.

This limited edition was available only at the prestigious Parisian shop of Jean Patou, adding to its allure and inaccessibility. The intimate size of the bottle ensured that every drop was savored, encouraging its wearers to experience the scent with mindfulness and appreciation. The pairing with the book enriched the experience, as readers could immerse themselves in the sensory descriptions of Venice while wearing the fragrance, creating a multi-dimensional connection to the city.

The rarity and limited availability of "Le Parfum de Venise" enhanced its value, making it not just a perfume, but a piece of art and a tangible connection to the Venetian narrative. Owning this fragrance was akin to possessing a fragment of the Serenissima itself, a fragrant echo of the city's enchanting beauty and history.

"After the gastronomy of ancient Rome, discover - in 80 recipes from the fourteenth century to the present day - the culinary heritage of a timeless city by dint of history. Located at the confluence of the Mediterranean and the Austrian Alps, a true melting pot of cultures as diverse as distant (Roman and Byzantine, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Jewish but also Slavic and Germanic), Venice knew how to elaborate a specific cuisine halfway between Orient and Occident: Ambroyno (Chicken with almonds and ginger) (XIV), Oyster pie (xvr), Turkish rice cake ... without forgetting the wines and their history: Cyprus and malvoisie, prosecco, wines of Frioul etc .

Echoing these refined flavors, Jean Kerléo (perfumer-designer at Jean Patou and founder of the Osmothèque de Versailles) evokes the scents of which was intoxicated the one that was at the very heart of the spice trade.

As for the image of Venice that the author (the painter Michèle Teysseyre) proposes to us, it is that of a secret, intimate city, born of solitary wanderings in a place where she stays frequently."