Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda –Fragrance Review + Art Meets Perfume Draw

Gail's Collection of M.Micallef Perfumes (2016) 

It surprised me that with all my M. Micallef perfumes I had never experienced the original Ananda composed by House perfumers Geoffrey Nejman and Jean-Claude Astier in 2005. It was the first in the Ananda series, was followed by Ananda Black (2011), Ananda Dolce (2015) and Ananda Tchai (2017). Each fragrance in the collection has a very distinctive and unique personality and scent profile. I love them all. The new limited edition Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda gives a new look “pop” meets elegance to the original scent; beautiful hand painted and silk-screened flacons.

Ananda Tchai by Gail

Martine Micallef, designer and co-founder of M. Micallef, travels the world on a regular basis to visit her shops and boutiques, meet her customers and demonstrate painting, bottle engraving and decoration. When Alex Doll came to visit the M. Micallef boutique in Moscow, Martine Micallef was immediately impressed by the dazzling work of the young artist.

Martine Micallef and Alex Doll via M.Micallef©

Alex Doll was born in Russia in 1990 and today he is already one of the leaders of a new generation of designers and painters, bringing his fresh perspective to pop, expressionist and impressionist styles alike.  Alex is a member of honor of the Russian Academy of Artists and is currently exhibiting his work at the National Museum of Liechtenstein. "When I discovered the joyful and poetic universe of this promising young artist who had an unconditional love for the floral universe, we shared an instant artistic connection!" – (Martine Micallef).  Alex Doll was equally taken with the fragrant world of perfume and artwork created by Martine Micallef, Geoffrey Nejman and Jean Claude Astier. 

Alex Doll via  @doll_alex

Alex Doll was invited to come to Grasse and work together with Mme. Micallef, designing and painting the limited edition flacons for M. Micallef's best sellers, Ananda and Royal Vintage.

Art by Alex Doll©

Like the meaning of  the Sanskrit word "ananda", Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda blesses with a surfeit of happiness, an experience that treats the senses to a blissful infusion of joy, contentment and peaceful pleasure. Alex Doll for M. Micallef Ananda opens with a meditation on the scent of plums, pears and green peaches, a diffuse silken breath of warm, juicy fruit – a veil of fragrant bliss. This sublime haze of scent comes into focus after a few moments as hints of black current and citrus add a slight edge and tang to the diaphanous blend. M. Micallef Ananda is all about the serene and the sublime, yet the bright modernity of Alex Doll suits the scent perfectly.  At the heart of the fragrance, the peachy warmth of ylang-ylang and the seductive sweetness of jasmine add an exquisite richness – a subtle body, so to speak – to the ethereal opening. A hint of violet and rose waft a delicate, fresh breeze over the initial translucent fruit. The heart of M. Micallef Ananda lingers on my skin and clothing for a good five hours. As the fragrance dries the presence of mimosa inspires powdery, honeyed recollections of childhood innocence, even as the velvety vanilla and white musk insist on intimacy. After more than ten hours I can still sense the peace and bliss, the reflection and self-realization that is M. Micallef Ananda. 

Notes: Blackcurrant, lemon, plum, pear, violet, rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, vanilla, mimosa and white musk.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank M. Micallef for my treasured set of the new limited edition Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda. My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen – Editor in Chief 

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @doll_Alex parfumsmicallef and @azarsmith

Gail's limited edition 100 ml bottle of Alex Doll and M.Micallef Ananda and the 10 ml behind it©

The  bottles of Ananda and Royal Vintage are hand painted by artist Alex Doll and each are unique as a snowflake, sold throughout the world in their 100 ml version/€245 at M.Micallef boutiques (for information call +33 (0) 4 93 60 48 27). The 10 ml screen-printed hand finished travel size is available in all sales outlets as well as on the e-shop for €29. They were officially launched at Esxence 2018.

Michelyn's Bottle is no 150 ©

Thanks to the generosity of M. Micallef we have one LIMITED EDITION UNIQUE Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda 100 ml bottle available to one registered reader anywhere in the world or you may choose 10 ml of Alex Doll and M.Micallef Royal Vintage (notes here and read our review here). Be sure to register or your comment will not count.) To be eligible for the draw, please tell us where you live and what appeals to you about Gail's review of Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda, and if you choose Ananda or Royal Vintage. Tell us what do you think of this collaboration? Do you love the bottle as much as we do? Draw closes 4/26/2018

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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38 comments

  • Patsi says:

    What a beautiful exciting bottle and indeed a piece of art. I would love to try Ananda and love the notes. I’ve not tried any M.Micallef scents yet, so hope this might be my chance.
    I’m in the UK and thanks for the draw,

  • doowtnehpets says:

    Live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The uniqueness of the bottle is what appeals to me for sure. The jacket with all the flowers is a bit much, but the box and bottle look great. Ananda sounds great. Nice idea for a collaboration. Wish all fragrances had this much thought put into them

  • fazalcheema says:

    This is interesting background story that also tells us how much chance sometimes play a role. If Martine had not been in her store and had not met Alex Doll, this collaboration might not have happened. Martine was impressed Alex is a devotee of the floral universe so this collaboration makes sense. the perfume, indeed, focuses on many floral notes including violet, rose, and jasmine. Thanks for the generous draw of Alex Doll and M. Micallef Ananda. I am in US.

  • Maya says:

    I always like a happy story and the meeting and collabertion of Alex Doll and Martine Micallef definitely qualifies as one. I like Alex Doll’s artwork. The Ananda bottle is very pretty and the perfume would be perfect for spring. Ananda would be my choice. In the US.

  • Just Add Light says:

    The bottle is a testament to spring – the simplicity and colours evoke an aura of youthful exuberance amidst the cool conformity of the glass. It’s such a joy to see young artists becoming involved in what can quite easily be called a collegial art form. Gail’s description of the scent meshes harmoniously with its presentation; and although I’m curious to sniff Royal Vintage, it would be a real honour to include Ananda in my collection. I’m in Canada, but I also have an address in the US.

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I loved reading about the artistic meeting of Ms Micallef and Mr Doll, it’s wonderful when two people creating such different forms of art collaborate – and with such a result!
    The bottle is a pure delight, something that would make one smile just by looking at it. Its uniqueness adds even more to its charm.
    The fragrance, which I’ve yet to try, sounds like a pure delight, too. I’m impressed to hear about its longevity, which enables it to fully display its olfactory potential through its long evolution on one’s skin.
    I’d choose Ananda in one of these unique bottles, if luck favours me.
    I live in EU.
    Thank you very much!

  • Mr_Sillage says:

    Gail Gail Gail…. How you manage to write about a fragrance and use your words as a symphony that’s so elegant and beautiful is beyond my comprehension! Wow… When she said “..opens with a meditation on the scent of plums, pears and green peaches, a diffuse silken breath of warm, juicy fruit – a veil of fragrant bliss.” Her love and excitement for this fragrance literally bounces off the text! Very very well done
    I live in the US and if I were to win, I would pick Royal Vintage . Thank you fit the opportunity

  • Alen says:

    That bottle is fire! I need that in my collection When 2 great people collaborate, the result must be amazing. Pretty much the juice is a fantastic one and i would love to test it. In case i win Ananda would be my choice, thanks for the draw, i live in the EU.

  • Teresa says:

    What a happy scent and bottle…I feel Gail and I would both share a love for this one! If I am so lucky as to win the draw, I would choose Ananda. I am in the US and thank you all for the chance.

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I love the concept and I hope this will not be the only collaboration between them. Very nice, joyful and artful bottle! I would go for Ananda, as I already know Royal Vintage. Thank you for the draw!

  • kaitracid says:

    The Ananda bottle is a gorgeous thing to look at, no doubt; it evokes a happy feeling with the colorful painted flowers, but I would chose Royal Vintage. Thanks, I’m in Europe.

  • sarka says:

    Thanks for the giveaway. It’s a fantastic choice of design to bring new life into the classic perfume. Great choice of the collaboration artist.

    Ananda would be my choice.

    Greetings from Switzerland!

  • yukon1 says:

    Fantastic collab,the bottle is in its own right a piece of art and I love that each is unique and are all hand painted.Also Gail love your 2016 pic of your M.Micallef collection ,the minis are great !!. Wonderful review as always so Thank you Gail and I choose the 100ml Ananda if Im lucky enough to win.

    Canada here

    Thanks for this stunning giveaway ,very generous .

  • Timea says:

    So lovely bottle! Like the spring itself. Really artistic and looks so happy. The article is also very enjoyable. If I would be as lucky to win I would chose Micallef Ananda. This fragrance sounds incredibly fabulous. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • doveskylark says:

    I was impressed with how Mme. Micallef brings together the art and fragrance worlds. Alex Doll’s art is instant happiness, just like I am sure the latest Ananda is. I would choose the 100ml if I were the winner. I live in the USA.

  • Franca says:

    I have never heard of Alex Doll but he has such s cheerful style
    I enjoyed Gail’s review of ananda. I like black Ananda so I am curious to try the original
    Eu

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I did purchase a sample of Ananda Dolce through Luckyscent recently and would have also tried Ananda and Ananda Tchai had they been available at the time. It is the time to bring on the fruity florals, the snow has all but melted where I live and happy relief from winter has lifted everyone’s spirits. I love the bright impressionist flower decorations, and it is a creative idea to have each bottle a unique piece of art–I want one! 🙂 If I am fortunate to win, I would be so pleased to win a 100 ml bottle with the beautiful design. I live in the US and thank you to you and M. Micallef for this chance.

  • audesko1 says:

    Artistry, beauty and ingredients. The fragrance sounds wonderful and I would love a try. Thank you and I live in the US.

  • Dosva says:

    I have never listen about Alex Doll and read this article with big pleasure. I like Alex Doll and Micallef bottles- very ellegance.
    I would like to win Ananda- I like its floral beauty.
    Armenia

  • NiceVULady says:

    I liked reading about the blending of art and fragrances with hand painted bottles which reflect exuberance and joy. I would love to win the Ananda as its sounds like a really beautiful floral. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • Vahagn says:

    i think the bottle of Ananda by Alex Doll is very beautiful, feminine and very “sprig”. This painted flowers make my to smile. Although I like Martina Micallef painting very much- she is very talanted.
    I would love to win the Ananda.
    I live in Armenia.

  • James2473 says:

    Hi, great article, and thank you for the giveaway!The bottles and fragrance go well together, and it being limited editions make them even more special! Such an amazing collaboration of two unique artists of their crafts. I’m on the United States. I would pick Ananda between the two choices!

  • Wood4Ever says:

    This sounds like the most wonderful meet-cute of artists, I can only imagine how lively their first conversation must have been! Alex’s flowers seem to capture the breezy, juicy accords described. I live in the US and would love to win the Ananda, thanks!

  • Hasib says:

    That is a nice looking bottle. Haven’t tried any Micallef fragrances. Sounds like a nice fragrance too. I would like to go with Ananda.
    Sounds good for the warm days. Thanks for the giveaway
    Califonria

  • RoseMacaroon says:

    There seems to be a kind of synesthesia between the gorgeous vibrancy of the bottle and the juicy freshness of the notes. Overall there’s a theme of youthful exuberance (not related to age, but to a state of energetic dynamism and untroubled joy) that both feels seasonally on point and has also boosted my mood a few notches, which is saying something. Yes please I would love to try the Ananda! Thank you so much for the delightful review, and the chance!
    I’m in the US.

  • esz says:

    The artwork is beautiful – what a great collaboration! I would love to win the Ananda – I am in Melbourne Australia

  • roxhas1cat says:

    What a beautiful springy bottle. How could a person not smile when they picked up this bottle for a spritz! Violet, rose and vanilla…what a trio!! Great happy pictures! Thanks for the draw. USA.

  • Annatar says:

    This floral design sure is a joy to look at, and it looks like a perfect match for the promise of “serene happiness” Gail talks about in her beautiful review.

    I’d be happy to own a gorgeous and unique bottle of Ananda. Thank you for the draw. I’m from Russia

  • jeremyn87 says:

    I really enjoy plum notes. I have a few frags with it, and it gives a kind of deep and rich vibe without being overly fruity. The bottle looks quirky without being out there. I’m in the US. I’m interested in the Ananda

  • laureneboucher says:

    I love this post! The Ananda sounds very appealing to me and I’m sure it would be something I would love. The bottle is beautiful and reminds me of the perfect spring day. I live in New Hampshire. Thank you for the draw!

  • Catanosmia says:

    I’m in the US and I would love to try the Ananda. I think the bottle suits the notes. The bright, simple flowers on the bottle make it look cheerful and fun for such a high-end brand. I find the mention of plum and peachy notes appealing for spring as well. Thanks for the draw!

  • StaceyW says:

    I have never tried Ananda but I adore the painted flowers adorning the bottle and have a feeling I would love it based on Gail’s review. I am in the U.S. Thanks for lovely draw!

  • Tveta says:

    Reading the description of Ananda, I am sure I would love it. It sounds like a basket full of fresh, dewy fruits. The flowery, artsy bottle is definitely another plus. I am from EU and I would pick Ananda. Thank you for the draw!

  • bumbuliuki says:

    What a beautiful edition. M.Micallef keep surpassing their artistic designs. Ananda sounds beautiful and serene.
    Thank you Gail for such a marvelous article.
    A very nice to idea to decorate the bottles with hand drawn painting.
    Would love to win Ananda. Thank you for the draw.
    I’m from the EU.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    What a great description “opens with a meditation on the scent of plums, pears and green peaches, a diffuse silken breath of warm, juicy fruit – a veil of fragrant bliss…At the heart of the fragrance, the peachy warmth of ylang-ylang and the seductive sweetness of jasmine add an exquisite richness – a subtle body… A hint of violet and rose waft a delicate, fresh breeze over the initial translucent fruit.” It’s like i can smell the fragrance all over me.
    The bottle and overall presentation is beyond beautiful and most importantly hand painted , so you’re able to buy one of a kind bottle ot Ananda.
    I’d love to win 10 ml of Alex Doll and M.Micallef Royal Vintage.
    Virginia USA most of the time and London UK from time to time.

  • Gail says:

    Thanks to everyone for commenting and participating in the draw! Please check back with CaFleureBon for the winner. I am sure you will love this limited edition Ananda.