Mona Di Orio Lux (2006), Tubereuse (2011) and Oudh Osmanthus (2011)+The 3 Mona di Orio Perfumes You Should be Wearing Draw

Perfumer Mona di Orio (rare photo from Jeroen's personal collection for this article) ©

Mona di Orio's passing in 2011 was a great loss not only to her loved ones, but also those of us the world over who admired her great presence and talent.  My interview with Mona  was one of the last she gave a journalist and of this I am very proud. I met Jeroen and Mona in NYC in 2008 at Bergdorf Goodman.  Mona spoke  to me for an hour of her detailed training in Cabris for 15 years with Maitre Parfumeur Edmond Roudnitska, of her very particular way of viewing the world and of the care she put into the materials she used when she formulated her unique work. I have always been moved by the ingenuity and her surprising signature; the interplay of light and shadow –olfactive chiaroscuro. July 19, would have been her 48th birthday and we think that Mona would have liked for us to celebrate her love of life and her passion for perfume as an art. –Michelyn Camen

Mona Di Orio (photo from Jeroen's personal collection for this article)©

Classic, elegant and indefinable luxury is three words to describe this House and its Creators, Mona di Orio and Jeroen Oude Sogten. Within her collection, there are exceptional fragrances that embody her essence, and carry high her great gift for the Art itself.

Mona's favorite flower:The Poppy which is the flower of remembrance (Irving Penn)

Since my love of Cuir and Vanille have been well- documented, I chose  three that you may not be as familiar with and should be wearing to honor the anniversary of her birth.

Mona di Orio Photo from Jeroen's personal collection for this article©

Lux: in this fragrance resides Mona's personal perfume, it is a piece of no small genius as it plays with the wearer as the absolute mark of Mona's work, the play of light and dark, this is a fragrance I have fallen in love with time after time.

Limonaria Siena,Italy 2016 -DanuSeith-Fyr

Opening moments, are exquisitely Mediterranean, a wonderful effusive lemon citrus, that is so intense I feel as if I have entered a warmly heated Limonaria filtered through with Azure glass concentrated air heady with the heat of citrus skin and leaves, there is under its first explosive rich invitation, the leaves which call out as a kafir lime, then the petitgrain enters through as an elegant flourish drawing back the veils of the effusive citrus for the heart notes.

Marlene Dietrich by Edward Steichen©

Here lies exquisite woods which are ethereal and indulge me in a creamy bathing of corporeal luxury, its a bathing in a wood filled heaven that is as indulgent as a blanket spread on warmed littered forest floor. Warm and inviting and surrounded in the rising woody resinous scents that pervade as once again the shifting of shadows and illuminations. The flickering of light and shade as a dance on skin, the shivering of visuality.Delving deeper a sense of the fecund, the darker aspects to balance the citrus at the opening, a warmed seething earthiness, preceded by the vetiver that is the opening of the dark, moist earth under fingertips with a light that plunges underground and exposes the dark rifts of soil to the sun. 

Marlene Dietrich, photographed by Milton Greene, 1952©

Always this juxtaposition, within her creations, but I have to say that Lux is the  pinnacle for me and was her own signature scent. Indeed it is High Art.

Notes: Sicilan Lemon, Litsea Cubea, Petigrain, Haitian Vetiver, Moroccan Cedarwood, Mysore Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Siamese Benzoin, Bourbon Vanilla, and Cistus Labdanum.

Tuberoses apped by MC

Les Nombres D'Or  Tubereuse: The entire “Les Nombres D’Or”  collection is nothing short of genius. I am incredibly hard to please when it comes to florals, this however is the one glorious explosive exception. It’s all about the Tumescence.

DOVIMA by Richard Avedon, October 1950 ©

It is fullest incarnation, Tuberose can be overpowering, here it is different, little by little, coquettishly revealing a glimpse, the fresh green verdancy offset by the pepper and undertones of narcotic nutmeg play with my illusions of this most indiscreet of flowers. Its verdancy verges on the olfactory promiscuous, so bold and strident it is, as stalks ready to burst into flower, it is the scent of the green flesh of plants at the point of bursting, all luscious green expectancy laced with a spices cocktail. This enticing and mysterious incarnation is all about the buildup, anticipation as your flesh reveals its Tubereuse heart, there is an intimacy, that she is revealing just for the first time to you.

Richard Avedon, Barbara Mullen, hat by Lilly Daché, New York, April 1951©

I find myself in the true narcotic overtones of the flower walking an edge between worlds, as Mona walked in the interplay of light and dark, so I too find as the scent reveals herself to be transported into an etherality that is beyond the conventions of this flower, there is in the deeper unveilings the Soul and Essence of this controversial bloom, Mona has managed to capture its radiant, entrancing quality that is rare and refined.  Such an invitation into the realms of the Essence of the Tuberose. Dare to, it will be well worth the trip.

Notes: Pink Pepper, Bergamot from Calabria, green leaves, Indian Tuberose absolute, Siamese benzoin, heliotrope, Amber, Coconut milk musk.

Edward Steichen Actress Anna May Wong, 1930

Oudh Osmanthus (formerly known as Oud): In my collection of fragrances, this one takes a certain prime position, not only was it the last fragrance Mona crafted before her death, which adds a certain poignancy to it, but it is truly one of the best Oud fragrances I have ever known.  It is unrestrained yet Mona captured all of that particular components most devoutly beautiful aspects. It is the illumination of the dark, in all respects. Shining bright indulgence as in its initial effects are as a lighting of a candle in the darkest night, it flares and bursts off the wrist with a beautiful display of the Hesperidian notes of the top chord. Oudh Osmanthus is a revelatory mystery, yes I know, that’s a contradiction, a paradox, but this is where Mona excelled. The heart is a soft opening that is revealing a luxurious center of unadulterated comfort, it enfolds and is redolent of freedom, to just curl up and relax in its warming center.

Edward Streichen Vogue 1941

Over the passage of time it is here that I find a smoky sensuousness that is absolutely addictive and calls as a sounding clarion bell me to my wrist over and over. The Oud, Laos in origin and of extremely high quality, never overly dominant, is creamy and warm; it is the best facet I have ever seen drawn out of Oudh. The underpinning of musk and ambergris so supremely indulgent in combination, it’s as the touch of a fine silk is on the flesh.

Notes: Elemi Phillipines, Green Mandarin from Calabre, Petitgrain Paraguay, Patchouli Indonesia, Absolu Osmanthus China, Nagarmotha India, Cedarwood from Atlas, Essential Oil Oudh Laos, Musc, Ambergris.

Sample received from with thanks from Jeroen, Mona di Orio, Opinions my own

Danu Seith-Fyr, Contributor

Art Direction and Contributions: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief  Old Holywood and vintage photos that were studies of shadows and light …chiaroscuro.

Thanks to the generosity of Maison Mona di Orio we have a draw for a registered reader worldwide for a full 75 ml bottle of the reader’s choice of Lux, Tubereuse or Oudh Osmanthus. Be sure to register or your comment will not count.  To be eligible please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Danu’s review, where you live and perhaps a memory olfactive or otherwise to celebrate Mona di Orio. Draw closes 7/22/2017

We announce the winners on our 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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60 comments

  • Sean says:

    I love how Danu describe the contradictions in the perfumes but resolve to an intriguing work off art. I live in the US and I rembered the first time smelling LUX. It was initial revoltion that had mysteries which eventually became an Obsessive love.

    My pref is the Oud osmanthus.

    Thanks for the draw.

  • Rae Lynn says:

    This is a lovely tribute to Mona. The one that stirs my interest is Lux. Manu’s description of the intense citrus opening sounds divine. Her description of the woods that come next, as “”warm and inviting” illustrates her idea of the play of light and dark. I live in the US and would love to win a bottle of Lux.

  • Yash says:

    I remember the days when Mona di Orio perfumes were exclusively found in the unique BY Terry dtore in paris next to the Louboutin store… a true treasure trove.. Lux and Nuit Noire made me or forces me into Mona’s mindset and her Nombre d’or series were an intellectual leap…Danu in her reviews captures the zeitgeist Mona was into and disdained… a creative monster… no limits – no compromise…
    I would love to win her Oudh Osmanthus… just for the archival purpose..
    I live in Europe… thank you for the draw

  • fazalcheema says:

    I have Mona’s original Cuir and it is, without a doubt, one of the most hardcore leather fragrances I have smelled. I am most intrigue by Oudh Osmanthus here because it was Mona’s last creation before her death and it makes use of oudh from Laos. It is also a creation that shows creamy side of oud. My choice will be Oudh Osmanthus. I am in the US.

  • Nancysg says:

    My entry into the world of niche perfume was opened with Mona’s fragrances. I had no idea there could be such roller coaster scents….from high brightness to low dusk. The reviews by Danu reflect her amazing skill. I would choose Oud Osmanthus. And I live in the US.

  • fqgouvea says:

    A fanrastic tribute. I was captured by the notion of a tubereuse perfume that doesn’t jump up and slap you on the face, but rather builds up to its ultimate heights. That’s the one I would choose. I live in Maine, in the USA.

  • Alex says:

    I came around Mona’s creations late. Around 2012 and then only the Nombre d’Or collection was around. Fell in love with Musc, Ambre, Cuir and later on with Nuit Noire in the relaunch. I loved how the memories come reading the reviews and I’d love to win Oudh Osmanthous. I live in Spain. Happy birthday Mona!

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I love Mona’s creations and think this is a fantastic tribute to her. I enjoy Danu’s focus on light and dark (and the interplay between the two) when it comes to Mona’s work. I find that aesthetic sensibility really holds the line together in the absence of a “guerlainade,” “tauerade,” “Creed drydown” etc. In that way, the collection feels very unified but also distinct. I loved all of the scents she created, especially Violette Fumee. As for a scented memory: hiking for the first time during a humid summer day and smelling the dirt, undergrowth, and sweet scent of ferns on the forest floor. This was way too late (12 or 13)–wish I had discovered nature earlier! I’d be thrilled to win Oudh Osmanthus, a tie or second place runner up with the Violette as my favorite scent of hers. Thanks for the draw–I’m in the US!

  • Gigigirl says:

    I have never had the pleasure to try any of the Mona di Orio line but recall vividly the news of her passing, and the shock and sadness that spread through the perfume world. Danu’s review has made all sound enticing but the image of lounging on the warmed forest floor makes me pine to try Lux.
    I’m in Canada and thank you for the draw and lovely tribute to Mona.

  • Beata Dufresne says:

    First I fell in love with her Vanille and then Violet Fumee. I was so intrigued by these scents and the bottle design that I had to do a research on who the perfumer was. That’s how I got to know Mona. I had a tiny sample of Oudh Osmanthus and immediately fell in love with it. When I read Manu’s review about this scent and how it was Mona’s last creation before her death, I knew that if I win this bottle or later on I manage to own it, it will always have a special place in my collection and in my heart. I’m located in the USA.
    Thank you!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    What an elegant woman Mona was, and how fortunate for us that she lives on in fragrance. Beautifully written tribute to Mona, she would be so pleased. I adore her vanille fragrance. If I am the lucky winner I would choose Lux since was her signature fragrance. I did not previously know that tidbit. Always interesting info that leads my future fragrance sampling in new directions. Thanks for the info.

  • mrpeeck says:

    Being very interested in the facets of Oud having many complex characteristics and how different fragrances reveal it’s true expression. Oudh Osmanthus seems to be a wonderful expression of that! I do live in the US. And Oudh Osmanthus would be my choice to explore. THANK YOU!

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    After learning about the perfume house of Mona Di’Orio only last year, I have read so many tributes to her; I have not had the opportunity to sample anything of hers but I am very intrigued by a woman and a perfume house that engenders such affection. The reviews are so beautiful that it is difficult to choose which I would like the most but after much reading , I think I would like to try Oudh Osmanthus. Thank you for the chance…I am in the US.

  • Jackie b says:

    I love the review of Lux, Mona’s own scent, (I did not know that) I have this one and indeed, it is light and dark at the same time. I will wear it today in honour!
    I would love to try Oudh Osmanthus and I am in Australia.

  • ntabassum92 says:

    Lovely reviews. Each one is unique describing a truly unique fragrance. The first fragrance sounds amazing, with lime and woods, but then again, the others sound awesome, too. I am always looking for new takes on tuberose, and one of the best Oud fragrances ever? You’ve got me interested. I am in the US. I have tried a Mona di Orio that I loved, but I’ve forgotten what it was – I know that it was floral, maybe yellow floral? It was one of my first lesser known niche samples that I tried, and I was very very excited! I would like to try Oudh Osmanthus – even though they all sound amazing.

  • Shaye says:

    The descriptions of all three were enticing (Marlene Dietrich is divine imagery!), but it was the description of the last, Oudh Osmanthus that captured my imagination the most; “illumination of the dark”. For nearly six months I have felt as though I have been in the dark – wondering many things, but mostly who is this person we placed in power here in the USA? I’ve been afraid. But I have also watched some really special things happen as a result – an “illumination” of sorts. Sometimes the dark serves the purpose of showing the brightness of the light. Sorry for getting off topic here, but something about the phrasing of this review opened a piece of me that has been rather shut down. I love you, Mona! Happy Birthday!

  • Diana D. says:

    I love the description of Lux!!

    This article was my first introduction to Mona di Orio. I’m intrigued by the line and would love to win a bottle!

    I live in the US.

  • NiceVULady says:

    Danu’s review is such a stirring testimony to Mona and her art. I think Lux tantalizes me the most of the three described. I have tried one of her fragrances in the past and liked it. Thank you for this lovely draw. i live in the USA

  • bill says:

    The pairing of oud and osmanthus is intriguing! I’d love to smell that! Thank you for the draw! I live in France.

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    This is one of my favourite perfume gouses, I love her way to create scents. I would love to have all three, but my choice would be LUX. Thnaks for this wonderful draw!!! I live in the EU.

  • Akahina says:

    Your reverence for Mona is well expressed and your descriptions of opposites is right on point. Mona is very missed. “Back in the day” I bought a cofret with most or all of her scents, every one at least very good if not classics. I still have those 5ml (?) bottles and occasionally open it and remember all over again how well done they are. If I were to win I would choose the perfume previously known as Oud which has always been a standout for me. I live in the US.

  • philippe says:

    I agree with the review: Mona’s perfumes are pure and true art. Such a sad loss for the world and, incidentally, so many masterpieces forever buried.

    I own, in the old flaconnage, Amyitis, Oiro, Vanille, Vétyver, Eau Absolue, Musc, Violette Fumée and, in the new flaconnage, Lux and Nuit Noire. I have also broken a flacon of Ambre ;-(

    I love them all. I also really enjoy the first Les Nombres d’Or Oudh but only own 3 samples 😉 During its evolution, Oudh remembers me some stages of Lux, Nuit Noire and even Vanille!

    I would therefore love to win Oudh Osmanthus!

    I live in Europe. Thanks for the draw and for this necessary hommage.

  • kaitracid says:

    I liked Danu’s review as a testimony and tribute to her creations. Each has something unique, but having to decide on one, it will be Oud Osmanthus because of descriptions like “absolutely addictive” and “the best facet I have ever seen drawn out of Oudh”.
    I remember the first time I’ve tried Vetyver and was very surprised of how complex and charming it was; I wasn’t expecting such a blend of ginger and labdanum over the gorgeous vetiver.
    Thanks for the draw and I’d chose Oud Osmanthus if I were to win. I’m in the EU.

  • marcopietro says:

    I remember the first time I sniffed an MdO creation, it was love immediately! It was her magnificent Cuir, I still wear it with immense pleasure and as a tribute to a great scent designer who disappeared too soon. I love many of her fragrances and one of my favorites is Oud Osmanthus, so that’s my choice. I live in EU.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • aurora_ru says:

    I am not familiar with any scents from Mona di Orio, so it was very interesting to read this article and comments – so many fans of her talant! Althought I don’t feel myself as elegant and self-confident, as we see it in Mona’s portraits, I still would like to try my luck to win her signature scent LUX. Thank you Cafleurebon! I live in the EU.

  • Roxana says:

    I liked the expression “a luxurious center of unadulterated comfort” describing Oudh Osmanthus.
    Every time I read something about Mona di Orio perfumes, there are only excellent reviews. So I would love to try her creations.
    I live in E.U.
    Thank you.

  • Hannea says:

    I had to look up limonaria 😉 This article is really a beautiful remembrance, Danu, thank you for sharing. I think we all battle on the inside with making our mark in the earth. Sometimes I think it can happen in a hazy, unfolding and melodic way. Other times there is great intentionality behind what we do to bring significance to the world around us. What I enjoyed about this review is how Danu captured the beautiful legacy that Mona expressed and has left behind thru her fragrances. Her impact in the earth continues. Thanks for the chance to win. These all sound so beautiful. But if I had my druthers, I’d choose Oudh Osmanthus. I live in the USA.

  • Cynthia says:

    I remember reading that last interview and the sadness of her death at such a young age. This is a very nice tribute to a talented woman. I love the descriptions of the perfume. I think you have captured the richness and classic lines of the perfume. Both Lux and Tubereuse sound delightful. Thank you for this informative review of perfumes and tribute. USA

  • zam says:

    I have only tried Vanille and Oudh Osmanthus from the house. Both are very potent and beautiful. I was looking for a chance to explore her perfumes more and I found it right here.
    Thank you for the review and the opportunity.
    I would choose Lux and I live in the USA.

  • Steve A. says:

    It’s great to read the Lux fragrance is not forgotten. I did not know Lux as Mona’s signature scent, that makes it all the more special. My first real fragrance bought (outside of drug store and dept store etc was Lux. I’d love to win the Lux. US

  • Mirin says:

    My interest for perfumery grown recently so my culture in that field is quite limited. I am sad to discover Mona di Oro solely at the occasion of her death. Seemed to be a great woman, a really inspired creator. I am really interested by Tubereuse. I love the strong presence of this flower in perfumes and Mona’s interpretation appear to be of great quality. So of course I would choose Tubereuse. I am in France, thanks for the draw!

  • Anna Egeria says:

    This is a beautiful tribute to Mona di Orio. I have only owned Violette Fumee. I would love to win Tubereuse. I’m in the US and thank you for this draw!

  • gregorysop says:

    Since my birthday is monday the 24th this is a perfect opportunity to be lucky. Mona Di Orio has been on my radar since I started reading reviews here. You guys seem to do an amazing job each time she has a new frag or review. I love everything about what she does, the scents and the bottles are instant classics and I am very thankful for the opportunity to win any of them. In oudh a smoky sensual fragrance is perfect as I certainly have had oudh gone wrong lol.
    It was a difficult choice but I would chose Oudh…thank you.
    from USA

  • Tom Schroeder says:

    What a beautiful tribute to Mona di Orio, Danu. I especially like the imagery comparison with Marlene Dietrich, someone who always gave the impression of being her own person and instantly recognizable character. For me, a balanced Oud fragrance seems hard to achieve, something that is memorable and appealing, and that is what most intrigues me about Mona's abilities. Same goes for creating a Tuberose fragrance that a man can wear. I would love to win Oud Osmanthus and live in California. Thank you for having this draw and to the generosity of the house of Mona Di Orio.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I love the first picture of Mona! A beautiful article which is a great tribute to the beautiful Mona! I finally managed to get to try some of the creations from Mona di Orio house and whilst the favourite for me was Lux, I am very curious about Oudh Osmanthus. That exactly paradox of soft osmanthus and somewhat brutal oud makes me be on pins and needles every time I read about this particular perfume. Therefore, Oudh Osmanthus woul be my choice if I were to win.

    I live in EU. Thanks for the draw!

  • Vahagn says:

    Thanks a lot for short, but very interesting reviews and for giveaway.
    I appreciate Mona di Orio pefumes- very classy, chic and very balanced perfume, but as many perfume-lovers I find in Mona di Orio’ perfumes something “tragic”, sad. Most of all I like her Cuir and Vanille.
    I would love to win Oud Osmanthus.
    Now I live in Armenia.

  • ionutcb says:

    I like how photogenic Mona is in these pictures. Very interesting the fact that the poppy was her favorite flower, quite original.
    I live in Romania, Europe and if I were to win I would choose Oudh Osmanthus.
    Thanks for the draw guys.

  • Francesca Brice says:

    The Graphics, the tribute iboth so beautifully formed. Thank you Danu. What an extraordinary woman Mona was- I have always held her in awe and longed to try a Mona di Orio fragrance- a legend indeed.Oudh Osmanthus would be my first choice- an “illumination of the dark’ and that paradox Danu tells of that only Mona could balance. I definately hunger for that. I’d love to win it, Thanks for the draw.

  • Raee says:

    I have been interested in this house for sometime now.
    They have great perfumes and the presentation is great too.

    I have not tried Oudh Osmanthus and will love to try this.

    In USA.

  • Rustee46 says:

    I love the sound of Lux, which seems to come across as an empowering fragrance, a she-who-is-in-charge impression. Recently I tried Vanille from this perfumer and found it to be an interesting, mature take on vanilla. I live in the US.

  • karo says:

    What I enjoyed about the review the most is the descrption of Oudh Osmanthus using high quality Laos Oud and the unique combo with Osmanthus. I also loved the mention of Mona’s favorite floral being poppy. Oudh Osmanthus is my choice if I win please. I’m in the US. Thank you so much.

  • mariannep says:

    I love the poetry of Danu’s writing and the love and respect for Monas work that shines through in the text. Monas creations are so wonderful and the world lost one of its shining stars much too early. Should I win I would love Lux to commemorate Mona and her artistry. I live in Sweden.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    What a lovely way to honor Mona, with this tribute. Beautifully done. And the art direction is perfect.

    Oud Osmanthus seems like such a contradiction, like Mona’s works. For that alone I would love to smell it. But at the top of the list must be LUX, especially if it was her signature scent. Thank you again for this tribute.

  • joefresh says:

    Great review,the description of lux i really loved .Mona has some fantastic creations cuir is great and Vanille is a stunning vanilla best fragrance on par with spiriteuse dbl vanille.

    So if i win man it would be Oudh Osmanthus i think

    I live in canada

  • femmelady says:

    I love this tribute to Mona and the descriptions of each scent, especially Lux, her personal choice. I have a gorgeous bottle of Oudh in my Mona collection, which also includes Rose e’Toile, Violette Fumée and my personal favorite Ambre. I also have the Coffret. I remember reading that she didn’t want to work with Oudh until she came across this Laos version and thus she created a masterpiece! Hard to choose but I guess I’d go with Lux, her fragrance. I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    I have just now, sat and read with great emotion everyone’s responses here to my written expression of my great esteem and admiration for Mona Di Orio. I write to give form to things often neglected in this world, to those things of Soul, Beauty and Grace.
    It is a small act of defiance in a world losing its touch on these attributes. These very aspects, Soul, Grace and Beauty, Mona Di Orio embodied, I unfortunately never met her, but my life in fragrance was revitalised by contact with her Nombres d Or collection and so it began.
    These as with with all those touched by the Muses, came through in her work. Unmistakable, unrepeatable, a High Art practitioner.. thank you all for your generous words and devotion read in them for this incredible Artisan and Woman . She was and is beautiful and is greatly missed.

  • doveskylark says:

    I have always admired the artistry of Mona Di Orio. She created many treasures. I particularly love Nuit Noire. As I was reading Danu’s review, I was leaning towards Oudh Osmanthus at first. But then re-reading the review of Lux, I became intrigued by the description of the “warmed seething earthiness.” Such beautiful words.
    I would choose Lux. I live in the USA.

  • Timea says:

    This is a really nice article about Mona. Unfortunately I have never had a chance to try any perfume from this brand, but I have read of it many time. My choice is Oud Osmantus. I live in Europe. Thank you for the chance.

  • mait says:

    Dany, I love your juicy green/mysterious Tuberose description. I’m actually very excited to try this.

    I live in EU and never tried any perfumes from this house. Thank you for the draw!

  • Reg says:

    There is no Mona di Orio’s perfume of those I have tried which I couldn’t appreciate, Les Nombres d’Or Vanille & Rose Etoile de Hollande being my favourites. But even as a sceptic of Musc, the perfume of the same name for me is an unusual and beautiful composition of a respectable perfumer who passed away far too soon.

    I love the description of the rich citrus opening and the development in Lux, a perfume I haven’t tried and which would be my choice if I happen to win.

    Thank you for the draw.

  • tarena says:

    Very sweet of Jeroen to share his personal photographs of Mona <3 Mona di Orio is a house that's still very new to me. I actually just recently acquired a sample of Vanille, which is lovely and one of my favorite vanillas. I'm curious about their other fragrances and Lux sounds like a great one to start with. I think Lux being her personal scent makes it just a bit more special and it gives you this kind of intimate look into her personality and taste. Not to mention the contrasting vibe Danu mentioned sounds so interesting, inviting yet mysterious. Thanks for the draw, US.

  • psebi101 says:

    All three have something that appeals to me, but Oud Osmanthus is the one that truly speaks to me, because it’s an oud, it’s the last perfume Mona created and Danu says it’s one of the best ouds he knows.
    So sorry Mona died so young. I came to know about Mona di Orio house and smell her creations because of my perfume passion, which came as a refuge after my father died of cancer.
    I would love to win Oud Osmanthus, I live in Europe.

  • cyndih says:

    My most treasured memory of Mona Di Orio is experiencing her Oud (as it was called) for the first time. It was truly transcendent and brought tears to my eyes. After all this time, and even living in the Emirates for 3 years and smelling thousands of Ouds, this is still my absolute favorite. I agree with Dana – her creations are masterpiece works of art. If I won I would love the Oud Osthmanthus!

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Fantastic review! Although Mona is no longer in this world but she will be remembered by every perfume lover for her amazing creations and we pray for her rest in peace. She is indeed greatly missed as commented by Danu Seith-Fyr the reviewer. All the three reviewed sounds great, but Mona di Orio Oudh Osmanthus is alluring more than the other two as I love Oud based perfumes and it’s the last perfume she created.
    Thanks to the generosity of Maison Mona di Orio and CafleureBon for the opportunity. If I win my choice is Oudh Osmanthus. Pakistan

  • Jawad Afridi says:

    Incredible review! This is a great tribute to a woman and artist. We miss her a lot & her creations will remind about her. The description of LUX is tempting and is my choice if I win. Unfortunately I have never had a chance to try any perfume from this brand.
    Thanks for the draw. I live in Pakistan

  • Lellabelle says:

    A beautiful tribute to a woman who impacted the landscape of perfumery. She left an indelible mark. Jeroen’s personal photos are so beautiful and natural; they show a rare insight into the person behind the perfumes: what grace and presence!

    All three perfumes sound wonderful and appeal for different reasons. I’d be delighted to receive any of these, though my choice would be Lux. Thank you for the opportunity. Canada, please.

  • Laurels says:

    I really enjoyed the way both the review and the accompanying artwork embody the chiaroscuro that the perfumes are known for. I hope I’m not too late for the drawing–it’s still the 21st here. I recall the first time I smelled a Mona di Orio perfume. It was Vanille, and despite the fact that I had read several reviews, it was a complete surprise. It took a little while to let go of my expectations, but when I did, I was able to experience the loveliness of it in full. I’m in the US.

  • slopez4 says:

    I enjoyed the description of Mona as I came to the perfume world after her tragic death. I love the description of Mona’s work as light moving through the dark earth into light.
    I live in New York City.
    As I didn’t know about Mona while she was alive and I am sad I never met her. My favorite memory is the fact that reading about her and wanting to smell Cuir and Oud is what drew me to MIN in New York and there the journey officially started.
    Thank you for the beautiful tribute.

  • Greg Sh says:

    What a great read and wonderful draw! Lux would definitely be my choice if I win! Thanks for the draw and I’m in Canada!