Fragrance Review:  Parfums Dusita Mélodie de L’Amour (Pissara Umavijani) 2016 + Chanson D’Amour Draw

Edith Piaf singing Chant d'Amour wikipedia

Men and women have been singing songs of love (or of ritualistic fertility, as some would have it) since ancient times.The history of love songs and melodies dates back thousands of years.  Before the Greek writer Sappho penned her love poems, the Egyptians were writing and singing about romance. Today, when I think of love songs, the first one that comes to my mind is Gabriel Faure's 1883 setting of Paul-Armand Silvestre's poem "Chanson d'amour":

"J'aime tes yeux, j'aime ton front, ma rebelle, ô ma farouche.

J'aime tes yeux, j'aime ta bouche,Où mes baisers s'épuiseront…"

("I love your eyes, I love your brow, 
 oh my rebellious, my timid one. 


I love your eyes, I love your mouth, 
upon which my kisses will be spent…")

I also hear the dark, melancholic voice of Edith Piaff singing her own "Le Chant d'amour":

"Oui, mais ceux qui se sont aimés,

Vraiment aimés, aimés d'amour,

Ils se retrouveront un jour…"

("Yes, but those who have loved each other –

Truly loved – loved by love

They will meet again one day…")

A gardenia from Sandi's garden

Many of the most beautiful love poems and songs refer to flowers.The Song of Solomon, surely written from a woman's perspective, announces that " I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys…" Roses and lilies, of course, are not the only flowers mentioned in romantic song and verse. In the Victorian language of flowers, gardenias, their delicate white blossoms, glossy green leaves and unforgettable fragrance, were said to denote purity. A gift of gardenias was meant to convey the message of secret or hidden love. But there is much more to the gardenia (or any flower) than a pristine wedding bouquet, simple prom corsage or hints of an infatuation.

Unknown Artist – Lovers Kissing At A Piano

"A flower's fragrance declares to all the world that it is fertile, available, and desirable, its sex organs oozing with nectar. Its smell reminds us in vestigial ways of fertility, vigor, life-force, all the optimism, expectancy, and passionate bloom of youth. We inhale its ardent aroma and, no matter what our ages, we feel young and nubile in a world aflame with desire." – Diane Ackerman – A Natural History of the Senses

Pissara Umavijani

In her 2016 fragrance Mélodie de L'Amour, (a 2017 Art and Olfaction Finalist in the Artisan Category),Pissara Umavajani of Parfums Dusita has done wonders with the passion and life-force of white flowers, especially gardenias. Pissara, the founder and amazingly talented perfumer, is the daughter of one Thailand's great modern poets Montri Umavijani (1941 – 2006).  Prompted by the scent of gardenias in Mélodie de L'Amour I recall poems, melodies and songs, both old and new. 

Richard Conte, Nat King Cole, Anne Baxter in The Blue Gardenia

I remember the voice of Nat King Cole appearing in and singing the theme song from the 1953 movie "Blue Gardenia" (and Dinah Washington's 1958 version of the same), Ray Noble's 1933 "Dinner at Eight" and even the lyrics of Iggy Pop's slightly raunchy "Gardenia" from his 2016 album Post Pop Depression. 

Aline Weber by Liz Collins for Numéro #132 Vogue fused with gardenia flowers

Like these and many other "love" songs, the scent of gardenia, and that of every flower, is less about purity than about seduction, fertility and the deep erotic secrets hidden behind a façade of innocence.

Reflected Beauty, Thai artist Taveepong

Parfums Dusita Melodie de L'Amour Extrait de Parfum begins with a bouquet of gardenia, jasmine, tuberose, muguet and (perhaps) neroli, blooming like a realistic new, fresh and slightly green gardenia.  Cool and pristine, elegant and uncluttered, this first phase of the fragrance reflects the poetry of the perfumer's father: "My feeling for you is like a flower blooming in an empty room.” – Montri Umavijani

  

Jean Harlow by George Hurrell, 1932.

Within minutes these fresh, newly opened blossoms ripen into a somewhat understated buttery, honey-sweet, indolic scent; a not quite, full blown gardenia, carefully and skillfully supported by a woody freshness that reminds me of cedar and the fruit-filled, mahogany profile of Borneo oud oil. This smooth, sensuous heart elicits visions of old Hollywood glamour from the 1930s, of Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard wearing shimmering, bias cut, white satin evening gowns.

Carole Lombard 1930s

Sleek, fresh and fluid, this undeniable sexuality lasts for several hours. The intimate sillage beckons those nearby to "Come a Little Bit Closer" (Jay and the Americans, 1964). After several hours, as the perfume dries down, I am left luxuriating in a musky peach and delighting in the scattered petals of the original bloom.

Richard Borrmeister – Lover’s Tryst©

Parfums Dusita Melodie de L'Amour sings of affection, love, desire and lust. "It is at the edge of a petal that love waits." – William Carlos Williams 

Notes:Gardenia, tuberose, white flowers, wild honey, cedarwood oil, musk, peach, Italian broom, lily of the valley and Indian jasmine.

Disclaimer:  I would like to thank Pissara Umavijani and Parfums Dusita for sending me samples of the beautiful Mélodie de L'Amour.  My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Editor

Art Director, Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Thanks to the generosity Parfums Dusita we have one 50ml  bottle of Melodie de L'Amour Extrait de Parfum for one registered reader anywhere in the world (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, tell us where you live, what appeals to you about Gail's review,  your favorite fragrance by Parfums Dusita and if you have a favorite love song. Draw closes 4/30/2017.

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

 

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49 comments

  • Roger Engelhardt says:

    Connecticut, USA. The best part of the review was the line, its sex organs oozing with nectar! Never heard a description as such!! I love all of Pissara’s work, but my very favorite of the line has just been released, Le Sillage Blanc!! As a matter of fact I am wearing it now from the sample set I purchased from the website!!
    Divine❤️❤️

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    I would say that I enjoyed the romantic nature and imagery of this review the most…after all, romance is the inspiration for a great majority of perfumery. Of this house, I have only sampled Issara but Melodie de L’Amour sounds more my style. My favorite love song is sung by the musical group Bread; ‘Everything I Own’ is so poignant and so many can relate to its sentiments. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway. I am in the US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Buttery, honey sweet, and indolic describes this scent well. I love it and would love to win a bottle. While gardenia isn’t the only player in this, the note is so amazing. My favorite love song is “hey there” from the pajama game. I’m in the us and thanks for the draw!

  • Richard potter says:

    ChansonD’Amour is one of my favorite Faure songs, one I have performed many times. Melodie de L’Amour is one of the finest releases of 2016. What I love most about this review besides the fragrance description are the typically stunning illustrations chosen by Michelyn

  • Oh gosh, gardenia and peach? I can’t think of anything more perfect. I love Gail’s (and Michelyn’s) examples of Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard – “old Hollywood glamour from the 1930s” evokes such a specific time and vibe, I can just imagine the scent of Melodie de L’Amour. My favorite Dusita fragrance is La Douceur de Siam, and my favorite love song is I Could Fall in Love by Selena. Also, Mandy Moore has a song called ‘”Gardenia” that is quite nice as well. In the US! 🙂

  • lorenzo.belardinelli says:

    Dusita is one of the most intriguing new brands now on the market. The review of Melodie de l’Amour is really tempting! I already love other fragrances from the brand, e.g. Issara.
    I live in Italy. Thank you!

  • Beautiful review in every detail ,I love the photos and songs too! I think that L’Hymne a l’Amour by Edith Piaf is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written.
    I haven’t tried any Dusita perfumes. Thank you for the chance!
    I live in EU.

  • I have not been able to try any of the Dusita perfumes,but have been reading a lot about them.I love the images chosen for this article,esp.Edith Piaf,what a fabulous photo!My favourite love song is the Faure you mentioned,sung by Janet Baker.Thank you for this draw!

  • This review is so wonderful. I very like the description of this perfume. Unfortunately, I have never had a chance to try any fragrance by Parfums Dusita, but this one sounds incredibly fabulous. I would very love to own it. My favorite love song is My heart will go on – by Céline Dion and the Davy Jones’s theme love song from The Pirates of the Caribbean.
    Thank you very much for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Beautiful perfume! it is all desire, telling to the world you are there to be loved…
    Creamy and buttery gardenia with a bouquet of other feminine flowers ! I have sampled Melodie and other Dusita’s in Milano, and my favourites were La douceur de Siam and Melodie (and Sillage for spring and summer!) , amazing collection I must say.
    My favourite song of love is a desperate song of “Don’t leave me ” Ne me quitte pas de Jacques Brel.
    I am in Europe (Spain)
    Thanks for the draw.

  • fazalcheema says:

    This is a lovely review. Gail is right roses and lilies do not have monopoly over love as gardenia have also been celebrated as a flower of romance. Melodie de L’Amour is a lovely composition because it also incorporates other powerful flowers like tuberose and jasmine. My favorite perfume by Dusita is Oudh Infini. My favorite love song is Ilu Ilu from Indian movie Saudgar. I am in the US.

  • cardinalmind says:

    I might be back home to the Philippines when this is drawn so I’ll input that as where I’m living. The one that made Edith Piaf famous, “La Vie en Rose” is my favorite love song. Especially Mr. Bocelli’s rendition of the song which is readily found in youtube. That love song and Ms. Gross’ review somehow matched which I like this review. Haven’t smelled any of Parfums Dusita’s fragrances.

    I want to introduce’s Ms. Pissara’s creation to our region (SEA), and I crave it since I’m really happy to see someone from the same region become a perfume creator. Have a nice day!

  • I like about the review that it behaves similarly to a little art lesson: I found out about Sappho, Gabriel Faure, and Paul-Armand Silvestre, persons I never heard before.
    I haven’t tried any of Parfums Dusita fragrances, but I think “Le Sillage Blanc” would be a winner as chypre is my favourite category of scents.
    Love song: “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” by Air Supply.
    I live in Romania, EU.
    Thank you.

  • Though I love all flowers, for about the last year or so I have seriously fallen for the white flowers. I like most of them and love a surprising number of them. I have not tried any Parfums Dusita but Melodie de L’Amour is the one that interests me the most. Gail’s post makes me even more interested than I already was. “Parfums Dusita Melodie de L’Amour sings of affection, love, desire and lust.” Sounds like fun. No love song comes to mind right now. Live in the US.

  • I have been reading about Parfums Dusita and am intrigued. It is hard to find in Canada. The love songs Gail used in her review and the lyrics really were beautiful as were the images of Edith Piaf and the Hollywood stars. I did not know that the Perfumer’s father was a poet. I must look up his writing. Melodie de l amour sounds like my dream white floral. My favorite love song is unchained melody
    Thank you for the chance

  • This house has so many fragrances that are highly spoken and haven’t tried any of them…I am so mad!
    It sounds like a delightful floral perfume, one that is of high quality, as it was reviewed, no doubt! I live in Europe.

  • I find gardenia scents fascinating. It is such a mercurial note and can smell so differently in the hands of each perfumer. I’m in the US.

  • Esther Bausch says:

    Thank you for this draw…I’m not so flower head but this review triggers me to try a perfume with gardenia, tuberose and other flowers…my all time favorite love song is The Rose performed by Bette Midler, I haven’t the oppertunity to try anything fromParfums Dusita but that will come…I live in the Netherlands

  • Gardenia, Gardenia, Gardenia – is what appeals to me and the way Gail describes the perfume’s stages sounds like a lovely perfume to wear. I love gardenias, and each year grab one from Trader Joe’s and I was lucky that 2 of my plants are still around, having lasted indoors in my porch through winter. They are now outside and I cannot wait until they bloom the lovely beautiful fragrant flowers. I have not yet had a chance to try any Parfums Dusita fragrances, the oudh sounds lovely. I would love to try this one. Thank you. I am registered and in the US.

  • BethMongold says:

    I love this perfume, as almost all of the Dusita line. My favorite is La Douceur de Siam, not yet released (I think?) Perfect review–Melodie de L’Amour is definitely “less about purity than about seduction, fertility and the deep erotic secrets hidden behind a façade of innocence.” And the universality of making music/ poems about love is one of the wonderful things about being human 🙂

    I have a few lines from an old Tantric love poem:
    And how did you and I meet ever?
    But in love our hearts were as red earth and pouring rain:
    mingled
    beyond parting

  • Fabulous review! This was my favorite part.
    Sleek, fresh and fluid, this undeniable sexuality lasts for several hours. The intimate sillage beckons those nearby to “Come a Little Bit Closer” (Jay and the Americans, 1964). After several hours, as the perfume dries down, I am left luxuriating in a musky peach and delighting in the scattered petals of the original bloom.
    I love all of Pissara’s gorgeous scents but Oudh Infini is my favorite. I live in the U.S. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
    My favorite Love song is Ambrosia’s ” How Much I Feel “

  • NiceVULady says:

    This sounds absolutely gorgeous. There are so many wonderful things said about this house. What a lovely review. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • Gail’s description of this one was very poetic. You are so Beautiful by Nicholas David is my favorite love song. I chose it as my wedding song… It makes me love my wife more every time I hear it.

    Thank you for the draw! I live in Europe

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Dusita is one of the most emerging perfume house & Pissara herself is like a Portrait of the Thailand. The review has done full justice with Melodie de L’Amour by defining from the top to the base & dry down of Melodie de L’Amour. An outstanding review. Almost all the Dusita fragrances are on my want list.
    Thanks to the generosity Parfums Dusita and Caflerurebon for the opportunity.
    Peshawar, Pakistan

  • I liked Gail’s references of Nat King Cole. Alas, I have smelled ani Dusitas just yet.

    My favorite love song would probaly be “Something.”

    I live in the US. Thanks for the draw.

  • scensodine says:

    I have never had the luck of testing anything from Dusita yet and i must say that i would love to start with this as tuberose is my most favorite note of all!
    I read the whole article as it is fascinating from start to finish (and that while i’m not a reading person at all!)
    The first songs that popped up in my head where “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by UB40 and “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
    But there are numerous that give me chills in a positive way, haha!

    Oh and i live in the Netherlands (Europe)

  • Just like this wonderful review I keep reading wonderful things about the Dusita fragrances. Melodie de l’amour sounds like heaven and it would be my first choice. I haven’t had the opportunity to test any of Dusita fragrances, but I woukd love to. My favorite loves ong is Queen’s Crazy little thing called love. I live in EU. Thank you for this awesome draw!

  • I love your review. I never thought I enjoyed white florals (tho I always have loved gardenias) until I found Roja Scandal. But now I’m looking for the perfect fragrance for my wedding. I’m thinking this could be a contender.

    I’m all awash in love songs putting together our playlists but I think my favorite right now is “I choose you”. After waiting 47 years to find the love of my life, it makes me misty.

    Thanks for the draw and the review!

  • Beautifully written review, about what sounds like a beautiful fragrance! I particularly loved the poetry snippets. Gardenia is one of my favourite flowers. There is such a romance about them! I would love to try this perfume. I haven’t been able to try Parfums Dusita scents, but have heard good things. I live in Canada. Thank you for the generous draw.

  • Dusita is such an amazing brand and never stops surprising you.. The quality of the perfumes is undeniable and of course Pissara’s story is so inspiring ( I recently went to Bangkok and followed Pissara’s guide to the city- shops and restaurants- and trust me- this woman has amazing taste!!)… Issara initially drew me in with its classic spell but this review of ´Melodie de L’Amour’ made my mouth water… white flowers, gardenia….check…and a sultry indolic perfume with ´undeniable sexuality’ … perfection!
    My favourite love song would be ´Strangers in The Night’ by Frank Sinatra…
    I live in France…

  • I love the comparison between scent and sound. Gail does a great job of explaining each fragrance I’ve not had the pleasure of trying any Dustin fragrances so I hope to win this one. My favorite love song is “How Long Will I Love You” which was played at my wedding. I’m from the U.S.

  • doveskylark says:

    I love when fragrances recall movie stars and Hollywood glamour( especially of the 1930s. I loved the photos of Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow. Gardenia is such a sultry fragrance. I am very curious about the interpretation from Pissara.
    I have not tried anything from this line, but I have heard a lot about Oudh Infini.
    My favorite love song is “I’m Glad there is You” sung by Sarah Vaughn.
    I live in the USA.

  • I loved the descriptive nature of the review: Gail does a wonderful job of expressing the cool, refined, elegant nature of the white flowers here, while contrasting it with their underlying seductive quality. There’s a spectrum of come-hitherness with these blooms and Gail does an excellent job of placing Melodie de l’amour at the glamorous intersection of siren and refined beauty!
    Reading lots about Dusita recently, and would love to try this. Canada please and many thanks to Pissara Umavijani for the generous offer!

  • Wow!Cool and green gardenia this sounds fabulous and right up my alley! I have not tried this line yet.

    Sway by Dean Martin is one of my favourite love songs.
    Thanks for the draw! I live in the US.

  • Pissara is a love song all by herself!
    Another love song I like is “Ne me quitte pas” (Don’t leave me…) but it’s much sadier than Pissara’s love song all by herself.
    Oudh Infini is my favorite Dusita Paris perfume.
    I live in Europe.

  • Anna Egeria says:

    This review has inspired me to seek out this fragrance. I, unfortunately have never tried any perfume from the house of Dusita. My favorite love song is A. Bocelli’s L’Ultima Re. I’m in the US and thank you for this draw.

  • Passion and flowers have always been linked in my mind. Gail has done a great job of making that link with the perfume.Back home in India, we had a plants of gardenia and rose in our garden, the smell mixed was my favorite.

    Thanks to the generosity Parfums Dusita and Caflerurebon for the opportunity.
    I really really wish to win this.

    I am in USA.

  • If it smells like old Hollywood with elegance and sensuality, it really must be great.

    Favorite love is : Leonard Cohen-Dance me till’ the end of love.

    I am a reader from the EU. Thank you!

  • The review was full of romance and sensuality. My favorite fragrance from Pisaara’s amazing creations is Issara, but they are all amazing. It would be such honor to win this bottle! I live in Colorado, USA.

  • The whole review is beautiful and Gail spent time for each word in the review. What I like about the review is using special words to describe some part of the story. for instance, using “sleek” and “fluid” for the longevity and “I am left luxuriating” for the closing part of this beautiful story. Honestly, it is good enough for me.
    My love song is “Dance me to the end of love”-Leonard Cohen.
    Thank you for the review and draw. Live in the US.

  • The notes in this one sound really fresh and elegant. I know my mom would love this one! I haven’t tried anything from this house but I’ve definitely heard of them. I’m in Canada and thanks!

  • This sounds like one great floral perfume and judging by the usual reviews of Dusita, this should be indeed a great one. Would love to try it, as I haven’t tried anything from the house. My favorite love song is Pretenders “I’ll stand by you”.
    I live in Europe.

  • This is probably the favorite gardenia scent I’ve ever smelled. The review captures the lush essence of this scent. And I love the photos you’ve chosen to illustrate the story. It’s hard to pick a favorite from the line. They’re all special. I would say either this one, Issara, or Douceur de Siam. That doesn’t narrow it down much, does it? Gorgeous perfumes, all. Thank you. USA.

  • I hadn’t associated Chanson d’Amour with an actual song before, but it does go well with Edith Piaf’s sultry music. I’ve sampled three Pafrums Dusita fragrances so far (still need to try Le Sillage Blanc and Le Douceur de Siam), and Chanson d’Amour is my favorite. In fact, it’s one of my very favorite perfumes that I’ve sampled from the last few years. The buttery aspect of the florals is just gorgeous! I’m in Seattle, and my favorite love song is a tie between Otis Redding’s These Arms of Mine and Sam Cooke’s Bring It on Home to Me. Thanks for the drawing!

  • ntabassum92 says:

    I am in the US. I love reviews that showcase the eroticism of floral perfumes…that tell us how sexy flowers are, instead of just pure and innocent. They have so many ways of speaking! I have never tried a perfume by Parfums Dusita. I do have many favorite love songs – most of them are in languages other than English 🙂

  • laureneboucher says:

    I live in New Hampshire, USA. There was so much to learn in reading this review, not only about the fragrance but how flowers have been used for so long to express love and seduction. Very fascinating post! I don’t think I have tried a Parfums Dusita fragrance before but I would love to! And as for my favorite love song? I’ll go with the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding “Ain’t that a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin.