Divine Parfums slowly built its reputation upon the unbeatable pairing of refined composition and excellent price-quality ratio. Word of mouth recommendations helped the House become a favorite ‘secret” of perfume connoisseurs. The house founded by Yvon Mouchel is based in Dinard, Brittany, a seaside resort which became fashionable in the 19th century and its appeal still makes it a popular destination today.
Yvon Mouchel of Divine Parfums and Givaudan Senior Perfumer Yann Vasnier are both from Brittany
L'Âme Soeur (2004) is the second creation from Divine and composed by Yann Vasnier; he is a versatile nose known for his artistic and modern interpretations of classic French perfumeryand the exquisite subtleties of his work (I have a particular appreciation for his collaborations with both Divine and DelRae Roth of Parfums Delrae). L'Âme Soeur, "the soulmate", is an aldehydic floral which leans towards the classic side of the spectrum. Calling it an aldehydic floral is, however, as simplistic as describing Paris as a city or Vivaldi's spring merely as a concert.
"The Birth of Venus" Alexandre Cabanel, 1863
L'Âme Soeur inevitably brings to mind Chanel No 5 although, to my nose, it feels far more satisfying: full, generous and smoother than smooth. Comparing both fragrances side by side, wrist by wrist, No 5 feels more angular; L'Âme Soeur, in turn, is softer, more emotional than rational, though still incredibly elegant and poised.
Charles Joshua Chaplin – The pearl necklace (19th Century)
Its warmth and creaminess convey a maternal, comforting feel in an über glamorous way. Imagine the most tender, caring mother wearing her strand of akoya pearls …and pearls would be the perfect match to L'Âme Soeur, their soft pale glow blurring the lines between dream and reality much like the limits between aldehydes, rose, jasmine and ylang ylang are diffused in this creation which has become, appropriately, a timeless gem. L'Âme Soeur has beautiful diffusion and above average longevity on the skin.
Disclosure: Eau de parfum sample gifted with purchase at the Divine boutique, Paris
Caro Fernandez, Guest Contributor and author of Té de Violetas
Editor’s Note: Yann Vasnier who has a penchant for CHANEL and recently left New York for the charms of the Givaudan Paris office was featured in our Young Perfumer Series here. We have reviewed Divine Spirituelle,(2014), L’Homme Infini, and L'Être Aimé Femme (2008)
Thanks to the generosity of Yvon Mouchel of Divine Parfums we have a draw for 50 ml spray atomizer of L'Âme Soeur for a registered reader worldwide (you must do this to qualify). Please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Caro’s review, where you live and if you have a favorite Divine Parfum. Draw closes 10/26/2015
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