New Fragrance Review: Shay & Blue Framboise Noire + Berry Stained Forest Gown Draw

nigella lawson covered in  caramel

Nigella Lawson dipped in salt caramel sauce

I love Shay & Blue. It’s no big secret. I’ve followed them loyally since the very beginning and have all their fragrances (except the Sicilian Limes… just not a huge lime fan… but it’s a bracing salt-washed lime for those that do…) piled high in my study in their beautiful Regency blue boxes. My first piece for Çafleurebon was on their gorgeous Salt Caramel, inspired by Charbonnel et Walker’s cult Sea Salt Caramel Truffles.

dom de vetta and julie Masse

Perfumer Julie Massé  and  Creative Director Dom de Vetta

Since the brand was founded in 2012, Creative Director Dom de Vetta (A CaFleureBon Best Creative Director of 2014) and House perfumer Julie Massé have launched a series of quietly innovative and accessible perfumes that riff on a variety of styles in ways that seem the most perfect combination of familiar and intriguing difference. There is a usually something just a little leftfield in the mix, a twist on a favourite idea: dulce de leche over rose in Amber Rose, burnt woods drifting over marmalade haze in Blood Oranges, beeswax and cognac spilled on dark wood in Blacks Club Leather and the weird drowned mimosa and nut tones of Almond and Cucumber.

watermelons

Shay and Blue Watermelons

Watermelons launched earlier this year and I described  it as ‘….rubicund, dripping and lashed to green mandarin, Julie Massé’s watermelon (note) is freshly cut and glossy with Jolly rancher charm.’ I finished my bottle very quickly, it was a delight to wear, a fruity wet throw of a  scent with oodles of easy charm and smiling pink joy. The combination of thirst-quenching melon, green notes, musk and vetiver made for a highly addictive cocktail romp, perfect for someone like me who struggles with citrus notes but sometimes craves a fresh clean scent with oddity.

handcrushingberries

Crushed Berries (MC)

Next from Dom and Julie at Shay & Blue is a fruit-themed composition, this time built around a dark shattered raspberry effect. It’s another one of their highly addictive essays in familiarity and surprise. It is something I love about the fragrances at Shay & Blue; these echoes and hints of otherness… familiar scented tropes but always with an added extra, a gift of the offbeat to beguile us. My first Shay & Blue fragrances were Almond & Cucumber and Atropa Belladonna. I still adore the lacteous wash of amandine mimosa, it is a fragrance I can drown in and Atropa Belladonna has an uncomfortable collision of narcissus and cassis that I relish at night.

ForestRobe

Fairy Tale Wedding Gown (TSF)

Framboise Noire sparkles intensely on skin. It is gathered and divine with a sweep of fairy-tale harvest. I imagine a shadowed forest wedding buried deep in flickered, firelit-trees. The spectacle may be real or imagined but the gowns are berry red, stained with treefall. The official ingredients list an imagined black raspberry accord, red berries, iris pallida, white oud, musks and woods. Julie Massé oozes fresh talent as a perfumer and her dexterity at Shay & Blue has demonstrated a willingness to play with form, genre and simplicity, balancing these with wit and charm.

berry-stainedfingers

Berry Stained Hands -TSF

Framboise Noire is no different; the synthetic musks initially buzz and swoop at the senses as the sloe-coloured raspberry effect effervesces across the skin. Red berries is a pretty generic term, we can interpret this in our own ways. There is a distinct spiced cranberry tone amid the draping of darkening raspberry, the smell of it tart with a twisted, aloof sweetness.

mixed berries  dress

There is a also a hint of grenadine syrup, the proper French stuff, thick and viscous, bought in tall metal tins, diluted with icy Perrier. All of these glimpses of berry-ness float in and out of my perception of this intriguing scent. The addition of iris pallida is seemingly redundant until the later stages of the drydown when the more smeared, jammier notes have died away, replaced by a controlled low volume effect of dirtied powder. It is deeply satisfying to wear with a frosted burgundy fade out. I like the fact you can be generous with the application, it doesn’t seem overtly strong at first and yet it has quite an entrenched presence as it settles in for its berried run. Framboise Noire is another pitch perfect addition to the Shay & Blue collection, the noire less night, more ripe and bruised harvest, shot through with musky sparkle and just enough glassy oud to suggest a kernel of darkness.

The Silver Fox, Editor and Editor of The Silver Fox

Disclosure – Bottle of Framboise Noire kindly supplied by Shay & Blue, opinions my own.

shay and blue framboise noire

Shay and Blue Framboise Noire

Thanks to Dom de Vetta of Shay and Blue we have a 100 ml Natural Spray of Framboise Noire for a registered reader in The EU, USA and Canada. To be eligible, please leave a comment with what appeals to you about TSF’s review, where you live and if you have a favorite Shay and Blue fragrance. (In the USA Indigo Perfumery was the first stockist to carry the line). Draw closes 8/13/2015.

We announce the winners on our 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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39 comments

  • Wow. This part of the review really got my attention.
    There is a distinct spiced cranberry tone amid the draping of darkening raspberry, the smell of it tart with a twisted, aloof sweetness. There is a also a hint of grenadine syrup, the proper French stuff, thick and viscous, bought in tall metal tins, diluted with icy Perrier.
    I love a lot of this house but Salt Caramel is a favorite. I live in the U.S., thanks for the draw!!

  • madeleine gallay says:

    Tart, aloof sweetness … ripe and a bruised harvest. Entirely enticing.

    Salt caramel is a favorite, of course, earthy and rich.

    In the USA, thank you.

    Lovely review with fantastic imagery.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Really excited about this release…i like berry notes but they often tend to be light and ethereal and often more suited to summer like mure et musc…this one seems the kind that is dense and equally suited to both summer and winter..Shay and Blue is a great brand in terms of offerings..it seems my fav. is also the one others most like, i.e. Salt Caramel. thanks so much for the draw. I am in the US

  • Thanks for the review and draw! Black raspberry, iris, woods-woof! I am curious about this one. Haven’t smelled any of Shay & Blue’s fragrances yet.
    US resident

  • Claire spriggy says:

    First of all that image on the Facebook post was so attention grabbing! So dark and messy and slightly disturbing. This sounds like a winner with it’s dark jammy red berries, plus I’m a sucker for musk and powder so I’d love to try. My favourite from the house is salt caramel, and it was your review Mr Fox that had me drooling all the way to M & S to sniff it out! I’m in the uk in case you hadn’t already guessed.

  • I usually don’t like fruity perfumes but Framboise Noire definitely could change my mind
    Loved the overview of all the fragrances. I also loved the photosof a woman’s hand crushing berries and the berry stained hand
    I don’t have a favorite Shay and blue …yet. But salt caramel sounds Yummy
    Usa here

  • Framboise is one of my favorite drinks. I love the depth of the smell. The berries in this fragrance sound like they are various. I love how you describe the buzz and swoop. I can picture people wearing all white drinking champagne and then let the berry fight begin. Infusing the air with smashed berries, clothes stained in various reds and purples. Oh, I’m loving this release. Wow. I love Sicilian Limes. Thank you, thNk you for a really great draw. In the USA.

  • I love the wording of this review so much, so beautifully descriptive. Love love love. I agree, Julie Massé oozes fresh talent as a perfumer and her dexterity at Shay & Blue. My favorite S&B is Salt Caramel, especially in this summer heat, it’s lovely. I’m in the US. Thanks for the review and draw.

  • I loved the berry imagery and descriptions, made me hungry! This line has me so intrigued but I have not had the good fortune of trying any yet. I live in the US. Thanks for the great draw!

  • Wow, I’m not sure if there’s ever been a scent I’ve wanted to try more after reading a review. I love fruit and I crave berries year round. This sounds like something that may be perfect for me, especially in winter when fresh berries are harder to come by. I’ve never tried a Shay & Blue fragrance (I’ve never even seen one in real life). Thanks so much for the draw, I’m in the uS.

  • I am drooling from reading this review! I love the smell of rich juicy black raspberries! Add in the oud and woods and oh my goodness!!!! Sounds absolutely heavenly! So far I’ve tried Watermelons and Salt Caramel and love them both! I am in the US.

  • “Highly addictive essays in familiarity and surprise.” What a complimentary description of Shay and Blue. It’s got me interested.

    I’ve not yet tried anything from this house, but I bet I would love Sicilian Limes.

    Thanks for the chance!

    I am in the US.

  • Wonderful review. I would very like to try that scent. From the review it sounds fabulous. I have heard a lot of about Shay and Blue fragrances, but I have never had a chance to try them. Thanks for this amazing draw. I live in Europe.

  • The pictures, and the juicy descriptions of this scent have made me want to rush out and get it immediately. I had visions of sensuous soft bruised fruit juice running down my body…. yum!! I have not tried any Shay & Blue fragrances yet, but boy, will i be wanting to try this baby! Great Review!! I’m hopeful,,,, and in the Uk…..

  • “Framboise Noire sparkles intensely on skin. It is gathered and divine with a sweep of fairy-tale harvest. I imagine a shadowed forest wedding buried deep in flickered, firelit-trees. The spectacle may be real or imagined but the gowns are berry red, stained with treefall.” I love this image that TSF uses in order to describe Framboise Noire new perfume by Shay and Blue house. This image makes it rather appealing to me.
    Favorite Shay and Blue is Salt Caramel since I am a gourmand perfume lover.
    I am a registered reader in EU, and I thank you for this generous draw.

  • Jennifer Witt says:

    TSF’s language, as always, paints a rich picture of this scent, I find myself with my nose pressed against my computer screen! I love all things raspberries and they grow wild around here in the summer, so I have fond memories of picking them as a child. I haven’t tried any other Shay and Blue scents, and therefore don’t have a favorite, but I hope to change that some day. I live in the US.

  • bunchofpants says:

    TSF make all the Shay & Blue fragrances seem so appealing! I’ve nerver tried any of them, but I’d love to smell Framboise Noire’s “musky sparkle and just enough glassy oud to suggest a kernel of darkness.” I’m in USA.

  • Black raspberry, woods and Iris….tart, dark, ripe, fairytale, I am smitten, this sounds delicious enough to want to eat 🙂 of course I would not, but I already love many of the Blue & Shay fragrances, another line I find easy to wear and pleasing to the nose. I would love to be entered. Thank you so much.

  • Great review! Appealing notes and the bottle is quite elegant.. I have not smelled any of Shay and Blue fragrances.
    I live in Europe. Thank you!

  • What appeals to me about this review, firstly are the pictures. They are amazing they go perfectly with the review. My favorite part of the review is ” Julie Massé oozes fresh talent as a perfumer and her dexterity at Shay & Blue has demonstrated a willingness to play with form, genre and simplicity, balancing these with wit and charm.”
    Sadly I have never tried any of the Shay and Blue fragrances.

    I am registered reader from the EU.

    Thank you for this opportunity! Wish you all the best!

  • I enjoyed reading everything – I like the pictures and the fragrance description.

    I would like to try Amber Rose.

    Thanks for the chance, I’m in Canada

  • Hello,

    I enjoyed hearing about the “backlist” of Almond and Cucumber, as well as Watermelon. I definitely need to investigate Shay and Blue further! I live in the US. I do not yet have a favorite Shay and Blue, but I will someday!

    Thanks,
    Deb

  • I’ve heard others rave about Shay and Blue fragrances, but have never had the chance to try them. The phrase that sticks in my mind from this review is “shattered” berry. It’s a lovely image, and I’m trying to imagine this quality in a scent. I live in the US. Thanks!

  • What appeals to me is this berries and woods scent is unisex. This is exactly the kind of unique fragrance that interests me. I would love to win this generous offbeat gift to beguile me. USA

  • Sounds delicious! I like the pictures that you have chosen, especially the one with berries being crushed in a palm. It is really evocative for me. I guess I’m a visual person.

    Thanks for the draw. I’ve never tried anything from this brand before. I live in Canada.

  • Great new house I discovered only by reading cafleurebon. 🙂 Very generous 100ml draw. There are great possibilities here with raspberries and musk. The photos capture the color I envision for the smell. U.S.

  • Framboise Noire sounds stunning! Fragrances with prominent berry notes tend to seem juvenile to my nose, but the way The Silver Fox has described it, I’m sure this is a much richer, more complex interpretation of berries. This is my first time getting acquainted with Shay & Blue. I am in the US.

  • I love the smell of raspberries, so this perfume obviously appeals to me, and the review also made me want to rush to the store for grenadine syrup to pour into my carbonated water. Yum! I’m in the US, and my favorite Shay & Blue so far is Salt Caramel. Thanks!

  • Oh, Framboise Noire! Oh, TSF! You’ve done it again. “I imagine a shadowed forest wedding buried deep in flickered, firelit-trees.” Mmm, and “darkening rasberry…” This may be my dream scent. I am beyond intrigued. I’ve yet to try any Shay & Blue, and desperately hope this will be my first! Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • The image of a forest wedding enthralled me the most, I can almost smell the wild raspberries and the mossy evening air. Reminds me of my childhood, when we’d go to our cottage for the summer and we would spend all day gorging on wonderfully fragrant, sun-warmed wild blackberries and strawberries until we were almost too full to make the trip back. Ah, those were the days!
    I live in Canada, and I’ve never tried any Shay & Blue creations. Thanks for the draw!

  • As always, TSF’s review – descriptive and informative at the same time – makes me interested in this new scent, even if I don’t know how a berry fragrance could work on my skin…
    I love OUD ALIF from Shay and Blue, and I’d love for sure “Blacks Club Leather”, not sampled yet! ;(
    I’m in the EU.
    Thanks !

  • TSF’s review made this perfume sound so incredibly edible and delicious! I love all the facets of the berries that he describes floating in out of the scent. I haven’t yet gotten to try anything from this line, but would love to try. Thanks for the draw. USA.

  • Raspberries are my favorite fruit – need to say more?
    I can feel the jam swirling down my belly! That’s tempting, and…naughty! Yay!
    I have never tried any Shay and Blue fragrances, and that’s a chance for me to sample one delicious treat of theirs!
    I am in Bulgaria (EU). Thank you for the draw!

  • The deep dark jammy forest-y vibe of Framboise Noire intrigues me! The forest wedding images really resonated with me, for some reason. I felt enchanted.

    Salt Caramel is the first Shay & Blue fragrance I heard about and is at the top of my list to try! I think they all sound delectable. Thank you for the review and draw
    USA

  • I was drooling as I read this review! It was very descriptive. I haven’t tried anything from this house and after that review, I’m dying to try Framboise Noire! Thanks for the draw! 🙂

  • Great review as always. Shay and Blue really interests me! I love the names of their scents, just gives me wonderful pictures in my head. I haven’t tried anything from their line yet, but Blood Oranges will totally be in my collection soon! I’m in Canada.

  • I love berry fragrances, especially when it’s deep dark lush berries. The description is great. I was hooked on this first line:

    “It is gathered and divine with a sweep of fairy-tale harvest. I imagine a shadowed forest wedding buried deep in flickered, firelit-trees. ”

    I also love the images chosen – so lush, yet so striking and vivid!

    I have yet to try anything from this line which makes Franboise Noire that much more intriguing!

    I live in the USA and would love to win this fragrance!

  • Gosh this sounds yummyyyy! I love raspberries and this article makes me wanna drink it! I’ve never tried anything from thus house before. Canada

  • Fruity scents are definitely my favorite. This fragrances sounds absolutely divine and I’d love to get my hands on it. I’ve never heard of this house before but I wouldn’t mind checking out their line.

    I’m a Canadian reader. Thanks