CaFleureBon Violets in Perfumery “No Shrinking Violet” + 12 Best Violet Perfumes Draw

Vanithe¦ünez a nez

Photo: Vanithe¦ünez a nez

Violet perfumes are polarizing. They can smell green, sweet, dry, fresh, out dated or modern. Violet pretty's face and delicate leaves conceal a complex fragrance. She is a multi-faceted floral—the very definition of violet with notes of delicate flowers, green stems, beautiful woods, and fresh leaves.  Her scent has graced royalty and her fragrance is found in many, many perfumes.

Violet (Viola odorata) carries within flower and leaf the ionones that give the fragrance of the tiny flowers a floral sweetness with powdery and woody notes reminiscent of orris. The absolute of the flowers (extremely rare and expensive) is an unparalleled and addictive scent. When the leaves themselves are extracted for scent, the green aroma is rich as a springtime woodland with nuances of cucumber, water, and metal.

parma violet botanical illustration

Parma Violet (Viola Odorata) Botanical Illustration

The Duchess of Parma, Napoleon’s second wife Maria Louise of Austria, is often associated with the demand for violet fragrances and perfumers of that time pioneered the extraction of the violet flower’s scent in the early 1800s. Perfumers in Grasse also fell in love with the amazing aroma and grew the plant for perfumery using warm enfleurage initially then turning to solvent extraction. The low yield of the flowers and high cost of labor caused floral extraction to be discontinued but flowers continue to be grown in the area for their leaves.

ionones alpha beta violets

ionones ionones alpha beta violetionones alpha beta violetviolet aromachemistry

In 1893 fragrance chemists Tiemann and Kruger first described and produced ionones using lemongrass and acetone. The family of aromatic chemicals includes alpha ionone and beta ionone, methyl ionone, and irones. Beta ionone is most true to the violet flower with alpha ionone adding to the effect. The various methyl ionones are more woodsy and reminiscent of orris. The advent of ionones and later methyl ionones quickly replaced violet flower absolute as a less expensive and more readily available option during a time when the art of perfumery moved from a cottage industry in the 19th century to an international business by the early 20th century.

vera violetta roger et gallet perfume

Roger et Gallet Vera Violetta courtesy of Author M.J Rose 's Blog

The first violet perfume using ionone was Vera Violetta from Roger et Gallet created in 1895.  According to Contributor Kevin Verspoor,"The greatest violet perfume by which all were measured was Yardley's April Violets".  Guerlain's Apres L'Ondee (1906) has a violet/orris note with anisic aldehyde, Hawthorne, heliotrope, jasmine, and orris.  Quelques Violettes from Houbigant in the original from the 1920s celebrates the violet, violet notes serve to sweeten chypre accords as in Chanel No. 19, and may also tame down leathery and animalic notes. Lipstick Rose (2000) from Frédéric Malle blends violet and rose for a very feminine perfume (Note: Ionones have the effect of numbing the nose so that they can’t be smelled after the first few seconds. Perfumers may add a bit of eugenol or cinnamates to support the ionones. Not limited to violet alone, other flowers with ionone include iris root or orris, rose, osmanthus, and boronia. Ambergris also contains several types of ionone, accounting for its beautiful pairing with florals in a perfume).

Violet leaf absolute is produced through solvent extraction of the freshly harvested leaves and is readily available to the perfumer. The powerful green-leaf odor with hints of cucumber and metal, when diluted, also has a distinctive delicate floral nuance. The leaf absolute is used in small quantities to provide nuanced notes of complex green.

bouquet-of-violets-in-a-vase-1882-lautrec

 Bouquet of Violets in a Glass Henri Toulouse-Lautrec

Violets likely originated in North Africa and are now cultivated in the south of France and in Italy. During the Napoleonic war a French soldier, who was also a gardener, found the lovely fragrant violets while on tour in Italy. This young man had left a wife at home in Toulouse and he brought enough back, perhaps carried in his knapsack, for them to plant together. The violets thrived in the area and now surround this city of pink buildings with a skirt of purple flowers each spring. Although the violet was once found throughout France in private gardens and in greenbelts around the towns, they eventually disappeared in most areas, surviving mainly in Toulouse.

napolean and duchess of parma  fan perfume violets

Napolean and Marie Louise images on a fan 1810   

In the town of Parma, Italy spring is a time for violets to cast a purple veil across the lawns and greens. It is there that Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise, fell in love with the “graceful little flower” after being sent to rule the area. She surrounded herself with the color violet and images of the flower on everything from vases to stationery. In her desire to find a way to keep the fragrance always with her she commissioned the monks at the Monastery of the Annunciation, skilled in alchemy, to figure out how to extract the scent. It is there also that the old-fashioned perfume Violetta di Parma was made by the local perfumery Borsari for more than 100 years. it is from this scented town that the Italian Luxury perfumery Aqua di Parma derives its name.

edouard-manet-bouquet-of-violets

Edouard Manet Bouquet of Violets

Napoleon also loved the flower and would often keep a bouquet on his desk, reminding him of Josephine on their wedding day when she wore violets. It is said that he mourned her by planting violets over her grave and kept one of the blooms in a locket until his death. Another royal Marie Antionette, lover of all things floral, had a floral perfume containing violet notes created for her by Jean-Louis Fargeon.

candied violets from toulouseviolet perfumes labels vintage

Sugared violet candies from Toulouse and A vintage collection of Violet Perfume Labels

In addition to its use in perfumes, violet flowers are used to create the violet liqueur Crème de Violette with a distinctly floral aroma and taste. This sweet liqueur is often used in the classic cocktail Aviation. When visiting Toulouse you can find, along the Marché aux Violettes des Jacobins, violet-flavored everything from sugared violet flowers to violet syrup, candies, and macaroons.

John William Godward Ionian Dancing Girl

John William Godward Ionian Dancing Girl

For a headache Pliny prescribed a garland or wreath of violets to be worn on the head to dispel the fumes of wine. Ancient Britons used the flowers as a cosmetic and recommended steeping it in goats’ milk to increase beauty. Guerlain continues the tradition of using violets in beauty products, scenting their Meteorites face powder (and many of their beauty products) with the indulgent scent of violets.

Violets by Pre-Raphaelite painter James Dromgole Linton

Violets by Pre-Raphaelite painter James Dromgole Linton

The violet flower traditionally represents calmness, faithfulness, and a love that is modest and gentle. In Greek mythology one of the nymphs of Artemis pledged to remain ever a maiden. When Apollo, Artemis'  twin brother, relentlessly pursued her the nymph was turned into a violet by Artemis for protection—forever associating the violet flower with modesty. To dream of a violet is a sign that fortune is coming your way or perhaps that your future spouse will be younger than you are. Although the plants themselves are extroverted,  (part of the viola family of flowers that include pansies which grow abundantly and colorfully) in our lexicon, the phrase "shrinking violet" is used to describe a very shy person and came about in the Georgian Era when the romantic poets  Shelley and Byron wandered the English  woodlands and it was their close friend Leigh Hunt who first coined the term.  "There was the buttercup, struggling from a white to a dirty yellow; and a faint-coloured poppy; and here and there by the thorny underwood a shrinking violet". 

milla jovavich ultraviolet movie 2006marvel comics shrinking violet

Milla Jovovich as Violet Song and the Superhero Shrinking Violet

Conversely, she can be bad-ass like Marvel's Shrinking Violet (1961) the 13th person to join the Legion of Superheros and who has powers to vary her size from subatomic to Leviathan. There is  Violet Song Jat Sharaff from the 2006 Sci-Fi Movie Ultraviolet who combats a fictional vampiric pandemic and overthrows an evil government.

detail violet wreath ophelia painting millais

Detail of Ophelia by John Everett Millais, 1851-52

Shakespeare used the flower’s connection with death when he linked the tragic Ophelia with violets in his play Hamlet.  She uses the language of flowers to communicate difficult emotions for which she has no words and alluded to the death of her father when she said “I would give you some violets, but they wither’d all when my father died.”

maria oakey dewing girl with violets painting

Maria Oakey Dewing Girl with Violets painting

It is for their sweetness, beauty, delicate modesty, and unparalleled fragrance, however, that violets will always be remembered.

"To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
 To throw a perfume on the violet, . . . Is wasteful and ridiculous excess."
-Shakespeare in King John

Elise Pearlstine, Monthly Contibutor and Perfumer for Tambela

Art Direction, Michelyn Camen, Editor-in Chief

For our Best Violet Perfume Draw:

violette fumee mona di orio

WORLDWIDE  With gratitude from our friend Jerouen Oude Sogtoen for 100 ml Les Nombres D'Or Violet Fumee with violet leaves and flowers, Perfumer Mona Di Orio

sous le toit de paris atelier cologne

EU, Canada and USA  Merci to Gerard Camme and the Team at Atelier Cologne 30 ml of Sous La Toit  de Paris  with French violet leaves, Perfumer Ralph Schwieger (a CaFleureBon best of 2012 Fragrance)

Lightscape bottle

EU, Canada and USA  Many thanks to Uli Lang of ULRICH LANG NEW YORK  for 100ml of Lightscape, with violet flowers and violet leaves (Dufstars Deutscher ParfumPreis 2013 Finalist aka the German FiFis)

blanc violette histoires de parfums best violet parma

USA  Courtesy of Euro Perfumes distribution 2 oz  Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette with Parma violet

serge lutens bois de violette best violet perfume

USA  From our friends at Fragrancex.com 1.69 oz of Serge Lutens Bois de Violette Edp with violet flowers and violet leaf, Perfumer Christopher Sheldrake

Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise CaFleureBon

USA   Thank you to Imaginary Authors 60 ml Violet Disguise with Violet and the Month of May, Perfumer Josh Meyer

violets and rainwater liz zorn soivohle

USA With gratitude to Soivohle for bringing back 11ml  Violets and Rainwater as a limited edition, Perfumer the lovely Liz Zorn

vert pour madame 1 dram mini flask dshperfumes

USA  The always giving DSH Perfumes for 1 dram mini flask of Vers la Violette, with violet leaf absolue and wood violet, Perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz (From the Passport to Paris Collection)

meadow and fir phoenix botanical perfumes violets

WORLDWIDE  Many thanks to Phoenix Botanicals for 4ml of Meadow and Fir with infused Violet, Perfumer Irina Adam  ALL NATURAL BOTANICAL

gracing the dawn natural perfume violets roxana illuminated

USA Our gratitude to Roxana Illuminated Perfume for 1 gram  of Gracing the Dawn with a hand made tincture of  wild violet flowers, Perfumer Roxana Villa ALL NATURAL BOTANICAL

 

npg logocafleurebon green

amazing bottle JOANN BASSETT

USA  Thank you to JoAnne Bassett Perfumes for a large Travel Spray EDP  Amazing (From the Natural Perfumers Guild's Outlaw Perfume Internet Project), with violet leaf  ALL NATURAL BOTANICAL

verdigrisperfume

USA From our wonderful author Elise Pearlstine of Tambela  for 15 ml Verdigris (Created for the Natural Perfumers Guild's Mystery of Musk Internet Project)  with violet leaf ALL NATURAL BOTANICAL

 

andy warhol violets flowers painting 1965

Andy Warhol Purple Flower Painting Violets 1965

Thank you to all the fabulous artisan and artistic  perfumeries who contributed Violet Perfumes for this post.

To be eligible for our  Violets in Perfumery draw, please leave a comment about what you learned from this article and as many of the fragrances you would like to win (Country restrictions, so read eligibilty and country restrictions). Be sure to include at least one Violet natural perfume when you post your choices or you will be disqualified. If you only wear naturals please put that in your comment. The draw is random but we will try to match you with your choices. Draw closes  May 15, 2014

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

 

 

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109 comments

  • julesinrose says:

    I love these posts about perfume notes, and violet (one of my favorites) is no exception!! I really enjoyed learning something about comic book heroes – I didn’t know Shrinking Violet *was* a comic book superhero or what her powers are! – most unexpected!! I’m in the US (still) and would love, love, love to win almost all of these. I really do love violet notes! Here’s my list in order of preference (but I’d be happy with any!): Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee, Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette Lightscape, Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Tambela Verdigris.
    What a generous and lovely draw & Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂

  • Kim Morgan says:

    I loved this so much! I’m especially glad you mentioned “Hamlet,” since flowers are used so extensively in the play. Faithfulness (the violet) and its counterpart betrayal are huge themes.

    I would love either Blanc Violette, Violette Fumée, Sous le toit de Paris, and Gracing the Dawn.

  • Near Iris, violet is my fav note. Love it in any form and combination. Warm, cold, green, grey, powdery or metallic.
    I had no idea there was a superhero inspired by this flower or that it was present in the Greek mythology. Neither about its medical properties.
    There is always something new to learn.

    I would love to win: Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette, Lightscape, Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Tambela Verdigris. I live in US.

  • I loved this article. Violets are a favorite flower, and whether or not I have a headache I now want a garland of violets to wear on my head, as prescribed by Pliny. 🙂

    I would be pleased to win any of these fragrances, but Gracing the Dawn, Violets and Rainwater, and Violet Fumee would be my top choices. Thank you for the chance!

  • What an interesting article. Was not aware that Violets originated in North Africa.
    I live in the U.S.and would like to win IA Violet Disguise, Liz Zorn’s Violets and Rainwater and Gracing the Dawn.
    Thanks for the draw.

  • Violet is one of my absolute favorite notes, and a large part of my collection revolves around the note. I had no idea about the Violet superhero connection lol

    I would love to win Violette Fumée (oh, this one especially!!!), Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, Gracing the Dawn, or Vers la Violette.

    I’m in the US, and thank you so much!

  • I love violet perfumes so this post was a real treat!
    I dream of violets so perhaps I will find good fortune or a husband younger than me. Interesting that Roger & Gallet Vera violetta was created in 1895 and that the best violets are from Parma Italy
    The art was stunning—Manet, Godward, Millais , Linton and Warhol
    Should I be so fortunate I would love to win Bois de Violette, soivohle violets and rainwater ( I have read so much about this ), violette fumee, atelier sous la toit de Paris, Blanc Violette, Amazing and Vers la violette

  • I had heard the word iononies before, and now I know what they are and where they come from.

    I would like to win here Lightscape, Violette Fumee, Verdigris.
    Live in US.

  • I did not know so many historical figures valued the smell of violets so highly, and I did not know that Josephine wore violets when she married Napoleon. I would love to win Lightscape, Violette Fumee, Sous le Tout de Paris, Violets and Rainwater, Gracing the Dawn, or Bois de Violette. I am in the US, thank you!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    I loved reading about the town of Parma… and the rest of the article of course! I would love to win Bois de Violette, Violette Fumee, Meadow and Fir or Gracing the Dawn. I’m in the US, thank you!

  • silvrolive says:

    I didn’t know that violet and iris were related by ionones and also that Napoleon loved violets. This was a wonderful article!

    I am in the US and would love to have any of these: Violette Fumee, Lightscape, Blanc Violette, Violet Disguise, Vers la Violette, Gracing Dawn, Amazing

    Thanks for the draw!

  • leathermountain says:

    Fascinating to learn about Toulouse’s special relationship with violets. I was there many years ago and hadn’t noticed that at all. Now I’m eager to return in the springtime! Thank you for the lovely article.

    I’m in the US and would love to have any of these: Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee , Violets and Rainwater, Vers la Violette, Meadow and Fir, Gracing the Dawn, Amazing, or Verdigris. What a wonderfully wide selection of naturals in this draw! I do wear multi-media, though.

  • Monica H. says:

    I too really enjoyed this article! I am a fan of every type of violet in perfumery and it is great to see the great names like Toulouse and Parma connecting the physical place to perfumes. I would love to win either MdO Violette Fumee or Meadow and Fir available worldwide, since I’m in Taiwan =)

  • I love the violets and article is very lovely too)
    I didn’t know about this: ” To dream of a violet is a sign that fortune is coming your way or perhaps that your future spouse will be younger than you are.”
    I would like to win Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee or Meadow and Fir.
    Thanks for the draw^^

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I really enjoy this articles about the notes and i always learn a lot about them.Like violet flower traditionally represents calmness and also that Napoleon loved them and for a headache Pliny prescribed a garland or wreath of violets to be worn on the head to dispel the fumes of wine. Also as a personal note one of the first fragrances that i really liked as a young person was Gray Flannel and it is a great violet fragrance.
    I live in the US and my picks are Mona di Orio Violette Fumee , Ulrich Lang Lighscape and Basset Amazing.
    Thanks.

  • I enjoyed reading how violets were in France but the mostly surviving in Toulouse, the place where a solider brought them back from Italy for he and his wife to plant together. Seems very romantic to me that that is where the are surviving in France 🙂 Elise I always enjoy reading and learning from your posts and EIC the art is always so beautiful. I am in the US and would love MDO Violette Fumee, and Violets and Rainwater LE. Thanks to all the generous sponsors for the draw.

  • Interesting to learn that the first violet perfume using ionone was Vera Violetta from Roger & Gallet created as far back as 1895. I’d love to win Phoenix Botanicals – Meadow and Fir and Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee with violet leaves and flowers- lovely review and draw thank you Elise.

  • I find the chemistry aspects most interesting (I was a physics/math major).

    The perfumes I’m most interested in trying are Gracing the Dawn, Meadow and Fir, and Verdigris. I do, in fact, only wear naturals! (Most products i use are fragrance-free.)

  • How curious that violets were in France and mostly surviving in Toulouse, where a solider brought them back from Italy for he and his wife to plant together. That’s so beautiful. I’d like to win JoAnne Bassett Perfumes Travel Spray EDP Amazing and Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise and Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee from Perfumer Mona Di Orio. I’m in the US

  • Nyal Dillimore says:

    I would like to try D’or violet Fumee and Meadow and Fir. I live in New Zealand. Aside from Lily of the valley and Rose, Violet is one of the ultimate vintage flowers. I have samples of Berdoues Violettes Divine and Bond no.9 Broadway nites, which I think are both wonderful violet fragrances. Thank you for the opportunity to win lovely samples of a beautiful scent, Violet:)

  • I learned that the tiny but mighty violet packs a big punch of fragrance both in the flower and the leaf! I would be happy to try any of these but most intrigued by the all natural creations Meadow and Fir, Gracing the Dawn, Amazing and Verdigris. Thank you!!! xo

  • I was most surprised to learn that violets are thought to have originated in North Africa! I have always thought of it as a quintessentially European, French, flower:)

    I live in South Africa and so I would choose Les Nombre D’Or Violet Fumee, or Meadow & Fir from Phoenix Botanicals!

  • I love these features on notes in perfumery and this violet edition is no exception. I was interested to hear about the town of Parma, Italy, and their perfume making background. I would be happy to win any of these, but top preferences would be: Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, violette Fumee by Mona di Orio, Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise, Lightscape, Sous le Tout, Meadow and Fir , Amazing. Thanks for a violet draw!

  • I think I repeat myself, but I LOVE these ‘notes in perfumery’ posts, they are excellent and all round. It was so exciting to read that ionone can numb you sense of smell, because I wondered at that when I was playing around with my mini perfume organ. Or indeed that ambergris also had ionones. I also am all the wiser for knowing that shrinking violets originated in Georgian era poetry.
    Thank you for sharing all this knowledge, and for the wonderful draw.
    I’m in the EU and would love the chance of winning Mona di Orio’s violette fumée, and from the naturals meadow and fir.

  • Difficult to state what I learned from the article, because I sure learned a lot. My favourite little fact was the origin of the shrinking violet term.
    I’m in the EU and would like to win the UlrichLang Lightscape or the Atelier Cologne Sous La Toit de Paris or the natural meadow and fir. Thanks for the draw.

  • What a gorgeous article to read on a Monday morning! Funnily, my love for violet perfumes came after I got seriously addicted to violette bonbons.. I would buy them everywhere( speciality shops all over France and even stores on highway stops). Its representation in Greek mythology is so beautiful and interesting as is the fact that dreaming of violets brings prosperity and a younger spouse.
    I live in France and I would love to win Mona Di Orio’s Violette Fumee or Atelier Cologne ‘s Sous le toit de Paris.( If I were in the States I would so go for DSH ‘s Vers la Violette as Dawn can do no wrong)./
    Thank you for this generous draw.

  • oh I forgot to mention that all natural Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir on my wish list. Thanks again.

  • I didn’t know the Greek mythology linked to violets, I like the idea of the flower being associated with modesty.
    I’m in the EU and would love to be in for Mona di Orio’s violette fumée, Meadow and Fir, Lightscape or Sous le Toit,
    ty

  • Interesting article. Sometimes, I wonder if the famous “Gasoline” accord (Violet+ Leather) typical of Christian Dior’s “Fahrenheit” (1988) could still be considered a “violet” scent. You have to stay focused to separate “Violet” from “Leather”… or simply smell Gasoline in a Perfume. Quite an experience, indeed.

  • ringthing says:

    No need to enter me in the draw but just wanted to comment on how much I enjoy these posts! My yard is full of wild violets right now and they’re so beautiful to look at.

  • I sure did not know the first ionones were developed with lemongrass! I always learn something new from your posts. I’d love to try Roxana’s Gracing the Dawn, Lang’s Lightscape, or Serge Lutens’ Bois de Violette. I’m in the USA.

  • FearsMice says:

    Elise’s posts are always fascinating. I was interested to learn that ionones can numb the sense of smell. I wonder if ionones have ever been used as a medication (aside from Pliny’s headache cure!) or an anesthetic. I’d love to win Bois de Violette, Violette Fumee, Blanc Violette, Lightscape, Violet Disguise, Violets and Rainwater, or Gracing the Dawn. Thanks for the draw.

  • Ifi Genial says:

    What a lovely review !!! I really enjoyed reading with so many information all in one article about violet which happens to be one of my beloved flowers…. I like it for its modest character yet exquisite smell.
    What I did not know was the country of its origin (which is North Africa) since I was left with the impression that it grew mainly in France and Italy.
    I also learn that if you see violets in your dream it means that fortune awaits for you and that your spouse will be younger than you are…. hm…. lets wait and see if a likewise dream of mine comes true 😉
    If I win I would love experience the followin perfumes:
    1. Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee by Perfumer Mona Di Orio.
    2. Sous La Toit de Paris by Perfumer Ralph Schwieger.
    3. Lightscape.
    4. Meadow and Fir by Perfumer Irina Adam all Natural Botanical.
    I thank you for this lovely article with its also amazing illustrations, and its lovely draw ! I live in EU .

  • I enjoyed learning the traditional meaning of the violet flower- the significance of different flowers has always been something I’ve found very interesting. I also love the artwork used for this article. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US and would be interested in trying Violette Fumee, Blanc Violette, and Verdigris.

  • Great article! I found interesting the last part of the article, where violets are connected to death by Shakespeare. I have read Hamlet, but never noticed this connection. A great read!

    I would like to win Violette Fumee, Sous le Toit de Paris and Meadow and Fir. I live in Eu.

    Thanks!

  • It was fun reading about what dreaming of violets means and the origin of why violets are associated with modesty. 🙂

    For draw: Violet Disguise, Violette Fumee, Lightscape, Sous La Toit de Paris, Verdigris. USA ty

  • I will admit to not knowing that particular Greek myth although can’t say it came as a shock, since the solution of turning someone into a plant or animal was the norm when it came to preventing rape back in the days of myth… (and the latter tended to backfire from time to time, so plant was the safest choice). I can’t recall ever having smelled a violet perfume (although many violet leaf themed ones like Fahrenheit) but I do like sugared violets very much!

    My choices would be Lightscape, Sous La Toit de Paris, Violet Fumee or Meadow and Fir

    Thanks for the choices cafleurebon and Elise for the beautiful article. I live in EU

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    this article explains why i find violets to smell so differently in different fragrances…it was also surprising to know roger & gallet’s vera violetta is the first violet perfume..i have it but i think it is not usable since oils have separated…for this draw i would have chosen Ulrich Lang Lightscape but the bottle is already on the way to me and i also own Lutens Bois de violette so instead my choices will be:

    1. Mona di Orio Violet Fumee
    2. Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette
    3. Soivohle Violets and Rainwater

  • Elise’s articles are always full of fantastic information, incredible images and beautifully written. I always learn so much! I learned new things about ionones but especially enjoyed learning about the traditional meaning of the violet flower. -Tati
    1. Les Nombres D’or Violet Fumee
    2. Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir
    3. Roxana Gracing the Dawn
    I am in US- thanks for entering me in the draw-Tati

  • The best on the list is definitely Mona D’Orio. I liked her violettes fumees. I also am a big fan of Roxana so I wish to win those two and maybe the Imaginary Authors since they do interesting things as well. Im in the US.

  • Such a fascinating post about violet perfumes and beautiful imagery. I was very interested in learning about ionones and how each molecule creates a different type of violet scent. My choices would be serge Lutens bois de violette , lightscape , Histoires de Parfums blanc violette, Liz Zorn violets and rainwater and for natural Phoenix botanicals meadow and fir USA reader

  • It was new to me that the first artificial violet perfume was already made in 1895. Also wasn’t aware that it was so difficult to derive the real essence.

    My choices would be Violet Fumee, Meadow and Fir, Sous la Toit de Paris and Lightscape. I live in the Netherlands.

    Thank you ÇaFleureBon an perfumers for this lovely draw and Elise for shedding a light on violets.

  • Napolean had an obsession for fragrance and it was interesting that both his wives are associated with violets
    Now I know where aqua di Parma got its name as I never associated the name with Italy
    Another great benchmark violet fragrance is aimez moi by Caron
    There is so much to learn in this beautifully written and illustrated ode to all things violet
    I would love violet fumee , sous la toit de Paris, lightscape, soivohle violet and rainwater, Dsh Vers a violette , blanc Violette and meadow and fir
    Lovely way to start the week

  • Marcopietro says:

    I am a true illiterate about anything related to chemistry and I was very intrigued by the discovery of ionones and their spread in the perfumery at the end of the nineteenth century.
    My choices would be MdO Violet Fumee, Lightscape, Sous La Toit de Paris.
    I live in Italy.
    Thanks!

  • Very few flowers can boast so many legends and historical references like violets: it seems they accompanied soldiers, queens, kings, poets, perfumers through time, and that’s no surprise because violets are capable to evoke feelings and to stimulate imagination with their amazing scent and kind of mysterious appearance. So little and shy, but so refined and perfectly fragrant! I adore the retro feel this note conveys to fragrances, and I am fine both with violet classics and modern takes like Insolence EdP.

    I really loved reading this article, it offers a pretty wide and interesting view on this flower’s history and utilization in perfumery that’s totally worth the read: I learned from here that ionones have the power to numb one’s nose, and I didn’t know of the existence of a Violette liquor (I will have to look for it!). But I am familiar with candy violets and violet scented licorice… really yummy.

    Thank you for this amazing draw, Cafleurebon! I am in EU and would love to win of the following: Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee, Sous La Toite De Paris, Lightscape and Meadow And Fir.

  • Violet notes in perfume are tricky for me, like Goldilock’s and the Three bears, it is either too sharp, too powdery or just right. When it’s right it’s amazing. I did not know about all the royal women who favored violets and all their splendor. I’m always intrigued when someone mentions violet candies as it’s something we don’t readily have here in the states, truly must be a unique taste. I am in the US and would love to enter for a chance at one of these fragrances.
    Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee, lightscape, Bois de Violette, HdP Blanc Violette, Violet Disguise, Vers la Violette, Amazing.

  • I’m a chemist but I had no idea that there are so many aroma chemicals responsible for the smell of violets, so thank you for this nice chemistry lesson.

    I’d like to win Violette Fumee or Sous le Toit de Paris
    (I live in Poland)

  • It’s quite interesting to read about violets. It is not a flower that I am familiar with and the rare few experience I have with violets in perfumes have definitely reaffirmed the idea that the scent intended to portray. A flower all about modesty, representing calmness and faithfulness. I must visit Toulouse one day to drink in violets in all its glory!
    Thank you for the draw! I’m an international reader, so that would mean my picks will be Violet Fumee or Meadow and Fir.

  • THnaks so much for this article. I loved all the historical information and pre-Raphaelite paintings. Violets are my favorite flower. In bloom where I live right now, although the unscented type. Thanks for the draw. I prefer natural fragrances please!
    Gracing The Dawn
    Meadow and Fir

  • rodelinda says:

    I’ve always loved the Ophelia painting by Millais, and in all these years of looking at it I never once noticed those violets around her neck. I’m in the US, and my choices would be Violet Fumee, Blanc Violette, Bois de Violette, Violet Disguise, Violets and Rainwater, or Verdigris. Thanks!

  • I have been in Toulouse a month ago and I didn’t know there’s a Marché aux Violettes. But I bought “pétales de violettes cristalisés”: caramelised violet’s petals! And another thing I must buy there is the Crème de Violette, it’s the first time I’ve heard about it.
    If I win I would like Violet Fumée, or…Lightscape or the natural Meadow and Fir.
    Thanks.

  • Wonderful article Elise! I am fascinated with the discussion on the aromachemicals. Specifically that beta ionone is closest to the true violet smell and alpha ionone add to the effect. Also that ionones numb the nose so you can’t smell them after a few moments. Pity they can’t go on and on. Please enter me for Meadow and Fir, Les Nombres D’Or Violette Fumee, Sous La Toit de Paris, or Lightscape. I am in Canada. Good luck everyone.

  • I learned that ionoes can be enhanced with the use of cinnamates and euginol. Thank you for this, I love this kind of practical perfumers info.
    Would like to win: Elise Pearlstine’s Verdigris
    JoAnne Bassett’s Amazing
    (I have a sister in the US who would recieve my perfume, should I be so lucky as to win)
    Thank you again,
    Hemla

  • Interesting to be sure, that violets in perfumes can be traced back to Napoleans 2nd wife. Sad to hear, however, about the difficulty and cost of obtaining violet essence. I never knew that you could get a metal scent from the leaves, I dont quite understand the absolute. It doesn’t surprise me to hear that they originated in Africa and were brought back to Europe for their beauty and fragrance. However, I have never had a Violet Liqueur. Strange that Shakespeare ties them with Death. Anyhow, I am from the USA. Thank You for the draws.

    100 ml Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee
    ULRICH LANG 100ml Lightscape
    Serge Lutens Bois de Violette Edp
    15 ml Verdigris

  • Great article. It is interesting to read about Napoleon and how he kept a violet bloom in his locket to remind him of Josephine. How romantic!

    I’m in Canada. If I win, I’d love Les Nombre D’or Violet Fumee, Sous La Toit de Paris, Lightscape or Meadow and Fir.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Such an awesome article. My great grandmother had violets growing all around her house. Was such a cheerful sight. She could break of a leaf and start a new plant in no time. The entire article was a learning experience and a job well done. Creme de Violette what in the world. I must hunt this down. Interesting all the different ionones. Also, the various smells. I had no idea. Also, the history of how far back this goes to the first creation of perfume with violet. Hard for me to process how perfumes where made in the late 1800’s and how they might have smelled back then without the restrictions. Thank you Elise for the hard work on this article. Going to share with mom on this one. She will find it fascinating. I’m in the USA and would choose: Mona Di Orio D’Or Violet Fumee and JoAnn Bassett Perfumes Amazing. Thank you for a splendid draw.

  • Great article. I enjoyed all of it, but I was most interested in the use of ionones.

    I am most interested in Vers la Violette, Violets and Rainwater and Gracing the Dawn. I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • Jennifer B says:

    Great article – I always learn so much! I would love to win Mona Di Orio’s Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fume or Imaginary Author’s Violet Disguise. I’m in the US. Thank you!

  • Laurentiu says:

    Interesting read! I found interesting the connections of violet through different periods of time in literature, from Shakespeare to the romantic poets like Byron or Shelley. I also liked the little story of one of Artemis’ nymphs.

    I live in Eu and I would like to test Violet Fumee, Meadow and Fir and Sous le Toit de Paris

    Thanks!

  • Tourbillion says:

    I was really interested to know the origin of synthetic violet scents. I never would have guessed that lemongrass and acetone are the source.

    I would especially like D’or Violet Fumee, Violets and Rainwater or Amazing. However, since I love violet fragrances I am sure that any would be lovely. Am in USA.

  • Violets, violets, violets! They are one of my favourite flowers of all! Where I used to live had about 20 different kinds of wild violets growing naturally and I used to enjoy smelling each one of them. They all had totally different smells… I never knew that the ionones was first produced using lemongrass and acetone. How fascinating!
    I really love violets so I would be happy with any of the fragrance but I’ll choose Violet Fumee, Lightscape, Sous La Toit de Paris, or Meadow and Fir.
    Thanks for the draw!!

  • Best article I have read on a simple little flower the violet which I never gave much thought to before. I learned chemistry, mythology and geography all in a few paragraphs! Loved the literature and art. Such a romance for Napoleon and both wives loving violet.
    Really enjoyed the shrinking violet comic character too.
    My choices:
    Violette fumee
    Bois de violette
    Lightscape
    Atelier cologne sous la toit de Paris
    Meadow and fir
    Soivohle violets and rainwater
    Thank you and I am in the USA

  • I learned way more than I thought I would. Great piece as always Elise! 🙂 Ambergris has ionones! *smacks forehead* makes sense now…also the oldest violet perfume was R&G Vera Violetta-1895 I did not know THAT!

    I am amazed and enthralled that someone else remembers the original (DC) Legion of SuperHeroes!! I used to collect those back for years when I was a kid and had the limited edition graphic novel with the marriage of Lightning Lad to Saturn Girl on Mons Olympus, Mars! Total time trip, thanks!

    I have an odd violet rich perfume from Borsari called “Il Mio Songe” that is violet heavy and sumptuous, no wonder it is so rich. You have shed some light on many unknowns for me in this post and for that I am grateful.

    POSSIBLE PRIZES
    MONA DI ORIO Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee
    ATELIER COLOGNE Sous le Toit de Paris
    ULRICH LANG Lightscape
    SERGE LUTENS Bois de Violette
    SOIVOHLE Violets & Rainwater
    *natural perfumes* JoAnne Basset AMAZING
    *natural perfumes* TAMBELA Verdigris

    It’s like the seven violet wonders of the world…what a draw and what a post! GREAT JOB EVERYONE and thanks so much to all the companies who gave such beauty so freely! Good luck to everyone!!

  • alexander says:

    Wow great artical,thanks for posting it was nice to read it!
    Full of any information about this beautiful and fragrant flowers.I liked the detailed information about th ionones and the other chemicals used to support them.I also enjoyed the facts about the violet plant related to history.The love of Napoleon and Josephine for that beautiful flower.Also making association with greek mytology making the violet symbol of modesty.
    My first choice would be Mona di Orio Violet Fumee
    I wanted to try this fragrance so much and I really appreciate their work.
    Atelier Cologne is another favourite brand and I would like to try Sous le Toit de Paris.
    I haven’t tried anything from Ulrich Lang so Ladnscape sounds great for brginning the exploration.
    I love natural perfumes and Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir sound amazing.I’m in Europe.

  • “In 1893 fragrance chemists Tiemann and Kruger first described and produced ionones using lemongrass and acetone.”

    i think that’s what shrank the violet, but i didn’t know this before, so i’ll give it more thought. 😉

    actually, i didn’t know much of the chemistry of ionones, so it was very enlightening… seriously actetone and lemongrass? these are just not things i think of on a tuesday.

    thank you for another engaging post elise, and CFB for yet another draw.

    my choices would be:

    Amazing by JoAnne Bassett
    Verdigris by Tambela
    Gracing the Dawn by Roxana Illuminated
    Meadow and Fir by Phoenix Botanicals

    i reside in the usa.

  • I had no idea that the ionones present in violets can smell powdery and woody like orris. I find that quite fascinating. The fragrances I would like to win are : DSH’s Vers la Violette, Amazing by JBassett, Verdigris by Tambela, Gracing the dawn by Roxana or Meadow and Fir.nim in the US and thanks for he draw.

  • I love Greek mythology but did not know about the nymph that turned into a violet – interesting! I also did not know what there is a creme de violette and violet macaroons, yum!
    My choices would be:
    Violette Fumee
    Sous le Toit de Paris
    Lightscape
    Meadow and Fir
    I am in the EU (Greece).

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Virginia Artemis says:

    Violets are wonderful! They are one of those flowers that seem diminished when in grown indoorsin pots, yet perfectly magical when found in the woods. I love the way violet seems to wear very close to the skin, making it a very personal scent.
    I am in the USA, and would be delighted to win any of the scents, however my first choice would be Mono Di Orio’s Violette Fumee.
    Many many thanks!

  • Blue Salvucci says:

    I’m so glad you chose to write about violetsb its one of my favorite scents -both the flower and leaf though they are so different.
    Your article was great. I didn’t know about violets royal history or the superhero!
    I would love any of them but specifically love to win:
    Verdigris
    Violet and rainwater
    d’or violet fumee

  • I didn’t know that ionone was extracted for the first time from lemongrass with acetone!
    Thank you for the incredibly detailed article and the draw – violet is my most favorite floral note in perfume!
    I am in the EU, so I’d like to win:
    1. Lightscape – Ulrich Lang
    2. Les Nombres d’Or Violette Fumee – Mona di Orio
    3. Meadow and Fir – Phoenix Botanicals
    4. Sous La Toit De Paris – Atelier Cologne

  • It is sad to say, but I will confess it: I have taken the “shrinking violet” stereotype to heart most of my perfume-smelling life and avoided the dreaded “powdery violet” note in fragrance as if it were the plague. Until I tried a sample of Violet Fumee and was slapped upside the head with the gorgeousness that violet can embody. So I learned quite a lot about this “graceful little flower” in this article: its cultivation in Parma, Italy, its connection with the court of Napoleon in his later years (and second marriage), the patronage of the Duchess of Parma which brought violet in fragrances to prominence, and the many techniques and applications of extracting violet flowers AND leaves for perfumery and culinary enjoyment. An incredible read!

    I would LOVE to win a bottle of Violet Fumee, but would also enjoy Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette, Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise, Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, DSH Ver la Violette, Roxana Illuminated Perfume Gracing the Dawn, or Tambela Verdigris. I am in the US and thanks to all the generous sponsors for the draw!

  • hotlanta linda says:

    I learned some chemistry here!! I live in the USA 🙂 Would like to try: Blanc Violette, Violet Disguise, Vers la Violette, Verdigris….Beautiful photos!! Thank you!!

  • I love reading about the history of violets in perfumery. I find it so romantic. Who knew that a garland of violets was prescribed for headache, “to dispel the fumes of wine.” I could’ve put that information to use some years ago! I would love to win Mona di Orio Violette Fumee, Liz Zorn Violets and Rainwater, Meadow and Fir by Phoenix Botanicals, or Elise Pearlstine’s Tambela Verdigris. Thanks so much for the draw! I’m in the U.S.

  • carole macleod says:

    I love violets, too. They grew wild in the woods where I grew uo. I was surprised to learn about the French soldier who brought them back during the Napoleonic war. How lucky the plants self seeded!

    Will you please enter me for Sous le Toit de Paris, the Violet Fumee, Lightscape, and of course the Meadow and Fir, which sounds amazing.
    Thank you,
    Carole

  • I just love violet scents and have been semi-obsessed this spring with trying to sniff out some good ones–thanks for this wonderful draw! I had never heard the myth of Artemis’s nymph and how violet came to be associated with modesty. If chosen, I would love the Mona di Orio Violette Fume, Sous le Toit de Paris, Lightscape, Meadow and Fir, Gracing the Dawn, Blanc Violette, Bois de Violette, Violets and Rainwater, or Vers la Violette. I am in the US and have liked the Profiles page on Facebook.

    Thank you so much!

  • I learned a great deal from this article, including that ion ones numb the nose, and that there exists a violet liqueur. (Great artwork, by the way.) I’m in the US, and I’d love to win Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, or Tambela Verdigris.

  • maysamassimo says:

    Hi! I love violet fragrances and I really liked to learn that ionones are what give the fragrance a floral sweetness with powdery and woody notes reminiscent of orris.
    I’m in the US and I would like to win the following fragrances:
    – Mona di Orio – Les Nombres d’or Violette Fumee
    – Atelier Cologne -Sous La Toit de Paris
    – ULRICH LANG NEW YORK – Lightscape
    – Serge Lutens – Bois de Violette
    – Soivohle – Violets and Rainwater
    – Phoenix Botanicals – Meadow and Fir

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Thanks a lot for this wonderful essay on the cultural history of one of my favorite flowers! I learned so much, e.g. I didn’t know that the Marvel universe has / had a superhero called “Shrinking Violet”…
    I would love to win any of the following: Phoenix Botanicals “Meadow and Fir”, Ulrich Lang’s “Lightscape”, AC’s “Sous La Toit” and of course my favorite from Mona di Orio “Violet Fumée.
    I am in the EU.

  • Barbara B says:

    As always, I learned so much from Elise’s article. I knew nothing about violets except for the existence of the candy and my husband owns the movie Ultraviolet, so this was all new to me,
    Have never tried a violet fragrance, Would like to start with Mona di Orio Les Nombres d’or Violet Fumee Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise, and Roxana Illuminated Perfume Gracing the Dawn. Thank you, I am in the US.

  • Thanks for this article – I found the information on the different facets of the smell and the extraction methods very interesting.
    I’m an international reader and would choose Phoenix Botanicals’ ‘Meadow and Fir’.
    Thanks for the draw.

  • Another lovely entry from Elise! I studied the Romantic poets in college, but never knew that it was Shelley’s and Byron’s contemporary, Leigh Hunt, who coined the phrase “shrinking violet,” a term I use not infrequently! I’d be thrilled to win any of these, but, in order, I’d like to win: Mona di Orio’s Violet Fumee, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Atelier’s Sous la Toit de Paris, Ulrich Lang’s Lightscape, Soivohle Violets and Rainwater, Elise’s Verdigris, Imaginary Authors’ Violet Disguise, and DHS Vers la Violette. I live in the U.S., and thanks for the draw!

  • Love those violets! And, of course, any flower with a history makes it very interesting. Thanks so much for the comments and for reading, everyone and to Michelyn for her knowledge of marvel comics and Byron and Shelley

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    Very interesting! I now know why I liked the scent of Guerlain’s Meteorites face powder (scented with violets). If I won, I would love to try Lightscape, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette Edp, Violet Disguise, Violets and Rainwater, or the natural Meadow and Fir or Gracing the Dawn. I live in the US.

  • I am in the US. Thank you for this great violets draw! As much as I love violets in perfumery, I did not know about the work of Tiemann and Kruger in producing the proper ionenes to replace violet absolute in fragrances. I loved reading about the properties of specific types of ionenes, and it was interesting to learn that they can numb one’s sense of smell after a few seconds.

    My choices are:

    Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee ( I loveee this one, and wish to own a bottle)

    100ml of Lightscape (Sounds beautiful)

    30 ml of Sous La Toit de Paris (Can’t go wrong with Atelier Cologne)

    1.69 oz of Serge Lutens Bois de Violette Edp (Another I’ve been wanting a bottle of)

    All Natural:

    JoAnne Bassett Amazing (have been wanting to try JoAnne Bassett, and this sounds lovely)

    Verdigris 15 ml (Seems so beautifully made. )

  • Violet is one of the most interesting notes in perfumes. This is very comprehensive article on violets. It is a valuable source of information about the usage of various parts of violets in perfumery. Now we understand how the chemistry contributed to the development of violet perfumes and how the chemists tried to compensate very expensive natural raw material as well as we learn about ionones and their characteristics. It also introduces us to the greatest violet perfumes, as Yardley’s April Violets. I didn’t know that April Violets was so important violet perfume “by which all were measured”. I also love the story of French soldier who came back home to France with violets.

    I’m in the EU so I’d love to win Violette Fumée, Sous La Toit de Paris, Lightscape or Meadow and Fir. Thank you.

  • ChristineB says:

    I never realised that there was a violet liqueur. Having learnt from this article (which was a fascinating read) that there is a Creme de Violette I shall have to try it.

    If i were lucky enough to win I would choose one of the following:

    Les Nombres d’Or Violet Fumee
    Ateliet Sous la Toit de Paris
    Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir

  • I did not know and thought it was sweet and romantic that a French soldier found the violets in Italy and brought them back to Toulouse where his wife lived to plant them together.

    I too am an international reader and would absolutely love to win either Mona’s D’Or Violet Fumee or Phoenix Botanicals’ Meadow & Fir.

  • Very good article on Violets, so much things I did not know before about this flower. One thing that stood out for me in this article about violet is the story of a French soldier bringing some of the flowers home to Toulouse. I think that’s both romantic gesture and genius idea. Its very nice to see that Toulouse has embraced this flower and now populates it, including its uses in foods. Also was interesting to read about its uses in perfumery because I seem to enjoy scents with violets such Fahrenheit.

    I am interested in either Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee, Atelier’s Sous La Toit de Paris, Ulrich Lang’s Lightscape, Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Imaginary Author’s Violet Disguise, or Verdigris

    USA

  • This may seems silly. I never knew that Millais’ Ophelia had a necklace of violets around her neck. I’ve loved the painting for a long time and hadn’t noticed this beautiful detail.
    Thanks for the draw, and a great essay on a gorgeous scent.
    I’d be thrilled to win Lightscape, Blanc Violette, Violets and Rainwater or Verdigris. I am in the U.S.

  • USA
    Thank you for this article and all articles in the series!
    I love learning about the properties of scents, whether they’re new to me or I know and love them already, it always deepens my understanding and appreciation of perfume.

    In this article, learning about ionones was especially fascinating–the chemistry side of fragrance has a surprisingly long history! And I want to learn more about it as well as the biology–why some scent molecules like ionones numb the nose.
    Fragrance is an art as well as a science–loved the art in this piece!

    I would be happy with any except Amazing (because of allergies), especially:
    Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee
    Blanc Violette
    Phoenix Botanicals Meadow and Fir
    Violet Disguise
    Violets and Rainwater
    Lightscape
    Bois de Violette
    Verdigris
    Gracing the Dawn
    Sous La Toit de Paris

  • Such an excellent roundup, I rejoice!
    Artemis your Violet Nymph is my hero, ever more revealing of the mythos of enchantment contained in her flower. In early spring she arrives to soothe the winter weary and I collect her blossoms by the handfuls. Terribly curious to take an excursion through this lineup and expand my scent education. Violet flavored everything indeed. I will set to dreaming of violets and the Italian alchemist monks of the Annunciation.
    Violet may be the scent of my soul.
    THANK YOU for bringing together this beautiful collection!

    USA

    Lusting for ALL NATURAL BOTANICALS…
    Meadow and Fir
    Verdigris
    Gracing The Dawn
    Amazing

  • sara levy says:

    I loved reading about the role of violet in literature and history. I would like to win:

    Violette Fumee, Sous le Toit de Paris, Bois de Violette (#1), Verdigris, Gracing the Dawn, Amazing, Meadow and Fir, Blanc Violette, Lightscape, Violets and Rainwater, Blanc Violette, or Violet disguise. I live in the US. Thank you!

  • meganinstmaxime says:

    Loved the historical vignette re Napoleon and his love of violets due to his beloved Josephine. I really need to read up on him a bit more.

    I’m in the EU so for me Violette Fumee, Sous le Toit de Paris or Phoenix Botanicals.

    Thanks!

  • US. I loved learnign about Napoeon and his wives love for Violets. I loved learnign about isonones and the origins of synthetic violet. Thank you! My choices are:
    Histoires des Parfum Blanc Violettes
    Atelier..Sous la toit de Paris
    Serge Lutens Bois de Violette
    Natural…Verdigris

  • Learning about The Duchess of Parma and her rule and role in violet absolue production was very interesting as well as that she was napoleans second wife who clearly had a thing for violets and planted violets on Josephine’s grave
    The origin of the term shrinking violet from poetry and the wreath of violets around Ophelia neck by Millais were my favorite tidbits from this informative article
    And the art was spectacular
    I never knew Toulouse latreuc painted still lifes for some reason
    My choices
    Mona di Orio violette fumee
    Ulrich lang lightscape
    HdP blanc Violette
    Serge Lutens Bois de Violette
    Atelier Cologne sous le toit de Paris
    Violet and rainwater by Liz Zorn
    Dsh perfumes Vers la violette
    Gracing the Dawn by Roxanna illuminated
    Fir and meadow by Phoenix Botanicals
    Thank you really terrific article and I reside in the US

  • Mary Beth says:

    Love the fact that violet stands for calmness, faithfulness, and a love that is modest and gentle. It explains why it’s become the go-to the last 8 months of playing nursemaid extrodinaire, And, of course, I’m a sucker for any story about a soldier and his love.

    Choices –
    Violet Disguise (Love his work!)
    Gracing the Dawn (Roxana’s, too!)
    Bois de Violette (Can’t have too much.)
    Violet Fumee

    In the US

  • tomate farcie says:

    I had no idea that Marie Louise is associated wih violet fragrances.. My choices are Violette Fumée,, Lightscape, Sous La Toit de Paris, Blanc Violette, Violet Disguise, and Gracing the Dawn.
    I’m in the US.

  • I would love to try violet in a drink…or in candies…or most interesting – in macarons! My mouth is watering now! I would love to win Bois de Violette, Violet Disguise, or Gracing the Dawn. I live in the U.S. Thank you!

  • I have only tried one violette perfume and it was not a pleasant experience but I am eager to try again! I had no idea violet was edible. I need to try Crème de Violette. It was also interesting to learn the term shrinking violet. I am interested in Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee , Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette and Verdigris! Thank you!

  • I have always found violet to possess a sort of leathery quality while being floral fresh. its very distinctive and versatille flower like rose, iris and jasmine. unfornately i dont have one violet scent:(. Anyhow it was interesting to know how the Italian Luxury perfumery Aqua di Parma derived its name. If I win I would like:
    Les Nombres D’Or Violet Fumee
    ULRICH LANG NEW YORK Lightscape
    Serge Lutens Bois de Violette
    Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette OR
    Verdigris
    Thanks USA

  • As a geek, you would think that I would know one of my favorite notes has action heroes associated with it…but I didn’t until now. Thanks!

    Violette Fumee is absolutely my first choice to win, as I’ve been desperate for a bottle of the scent. I’ve been hoarding my samples fiercely! I’d also love any of the following: Sous la Toit de Paris, Blanc Violette, Violets and Rainwater, Violet Disguise, Vers la Violette, Meadow and Fir, Amazing, or Verdigris. I’m in the US…thanks for the draw!

  • I found it really interesting to learn that Violet flowers are used to create a Violet Liquor. What a decadent drink that would be. Shakepeare’s connection with violets reveal for me the timeless beauty of these most precious flowers.
    Violets remind me of my Grand-Mother, old worldly and very precious. If I was fortunate to win I would be content with any of them! They are all so beautiful.

    I live in Australia, could not find where to read your terms and conditions sorry, I hope I’m applicable.

    Thankyou, thanks for the opportunity!

  • Am I late ? 🙂
    PLease, count me… If you are so nice….
    Violet flowers were my greatest smelling pleasure in my childhood.
    Many years I dismissed violet perfumes as old-fashioned, simplist and naive… I rediscovered them two years ago, and I literally fell in love.
    It is nothing that ladylike, as a good violet perfume.
    PLease count me for Violette Fumee or for Sous les Toits de Paris.
    I live in Romania, E.U.
    Thank you