New Perfume Review: Olympic Orchids White Cattleya + Sexy Winter Wedding Fragrance Draw

winter wedding snow

Winter Wedding Vogue 2011

Imagine your wedding day.   Which season do you choose – a bright, shimmering summer’s day, or perhaps one drenched in autumn’s copper light?  Or maybe, just maybe you have chosen the most intimate season of all – winter.  

Stella Tennant photographed by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia. 'Lady Grey', March 2010.

Stella Tennant photographed by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia. 'Lady Grey', March 2010.

Winter is a time when the earth and sky are silent conspirators in returning us to an introverted place, and draws us indoors to whisper our secrets with one another.  What better season to wed?  And now  Art and Olfaction awardee indie perfumer Ellen Covey at Olympic Orchids has graciously provided us with White Cattleya,  the seventh in her orchid series of fragrances. Unlike many orchids, the white cattleleya actually has a scent, and the fragrance was composed for her friend’s nuptials.   Now Ellen shares this regal, baroque and absolutely stunning scent to wear while approaching the altar or Chuppah wide open to every beat  of the new bride’s tempestous and trembling heart.

 

Ellinore Erichsen by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue Japan Wedding FallWinter 2013

Ellinore Erichsen by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue Japan Wedding FallWinter 2013

White Cattleya begins with a citrus medley of neroli, citron and lemon, but instead of soaring right into squeaky clean brightness, this perfume shaves off the acidic tang and replaces it with an immediate foody gourmand hit of jasmine and heliotrope.   This combination of almond and an outright decadent jasmine against what is typically seen as outright citrus cliché for top notes is devastating, as if you accidently walk into the bridal suite as she adjusts her garters.

Guinevere van Seenus by Paolo Roversi for Vogue Italia

Guinevere van Seenus by Paolo Roversi for Vogue Italia

The innocence of bright citrus paired with a come-hither wallop of creamy florals and soft, earthy almonds is exactly the tone to set when standing with your husband-to-be while the ceremony unfolds around you. 

 

helmut  newton corset back paris vogue

Helmut Newton Corset Photo

Of course, having said this, it cannot be denied that White Cattleya is also undeniably sexy, sexy, SEXY perfume.  There is an immediate physical mystery present in the heart of this scent from the combination of sweet, gourmand florals and juicy citrus – the opening of White Cattleya invites you into a contemplative yet entirely sensuous state of mind which is perfect for a wedding day in winter.  The orchid accord in the heart mirrors the steeliness in the air, and the cold. 

Aline Weber by Liz Collins for Numéro #132 vogue white floral couture

Aline Weber by Liz Collins for Numéro #132 

White Cattleya also now becomes a duality in scent; it tells of the warmth that will lead you to the vulnerability of love’s surrender, but also the restraint you will need to ensure you don’t lose yourself entirely. 

Wedding Photo Paolo Roversi

Fashion Photographer Paolo Roversi vogue.com

When the drydown begins, it smoothly transitions down from the citrus and deepens the sweetness that the jasmine and heliotrope so boldly announced.   Musks and a lightly-deployed vanilla note begin to bring the warmth back from the orchid accord’s reserved glance, while still keeping a decidedly sensual feel pulsing throughout the scent.  White Cattleya throughout its development does what all delicious perfumes do, mainly, it keeps you wanting more: subtly, sensually, and with a great deal of sophistication.  This scent is about thrall, and surrender, and yet inside of it is an enormous warmth and welcome.   

Paolo Roversi  bride

Fashion Photographer Paolo Roversi

 We have experiencesd how adept Ellen Covey is with conveying a subtle but pervasive sensuality in her work.  Earlier this year, she presented Mardi Gras, about which we said “It is both sweet and sweaty, and has enough sinful sillage and power to keep you up all night carousing in the streets.”  So perhaps Cattleya might be a nice wedding day bookend for the boisterous honeymoon to follow. Either way, Ellen Covey says of White Cattleya, that “the bright citrus coating is slowly peeled away to reveal the soft, sensuous, sweet and musky layers beneath.”  I couldn’t agree more.   White Cattleya is olfactive couture for a bride to wear on her wedding day, and for that matter well into the night, as the Do Not Disturb Sign is hung outside the hotel door.  It is also instantly one of the best perfumes I’ve sampled all year, and one that should not be left at the altar.

Pam Barr, Senior Contributor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen. White Cattleya is as high fashion a fragrance as I have  smelled from an Artisan Indie perfumer. Thus the Editorial photos

Notes: lemon, neroli, jasmine, heliotrope, orchid accord, light vanilla, musks.

 Editor’s Note: There is an introductory offer of 20% off on White Cattleya through December 25 and 20% off sitewide for all other Olympic Orchids Fragrance but hurry that deadline in December 15

Thanks to Ellen Covey and Olympic Orchids, we have a draw as follows for  two registered readers (You must do this pesky step or your comment is void).

Olympic orchids White Cattleya

USA: 30ml of White Cattaleya      

AND

A 5 ml sprayer for our international readers

To be eligible,  you must be a registered CafleureBon reader (pesky we know) but otherwise your entry won't count

Please leave a comment with what appeals to you about White Cattaleya, where you live and if you have a favorite Olympic Orchids Perfume. We would love to know what you wafted on your wedding day (or night). Draw closes 12/17/2015. 

We announce draw 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.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 × = 5

33 comments

  • baroness_octothorpe says:

    I love Olympic Orchids perfumes — I’ve bought a couple of their sample sets. My fav is Dev 3, from their Devil Scent collection. Single gal (in the US), so no wedding night spritz to report. Thanks for the draw!

  • I have yet to try Olympic Orchids scents, but White Cattaleya seems to have it all for me – most of my favourite notes right there in one bottle – genius! I love how it seems to unfold and reveal its inner heart, just like one does on a wedding night. No wedding night perfume for me, as i am single and reside in the UK. thanks for the draw,

  • I have only tried a few Olympic Orchid scents, from the scents of place series, and Arizona is my favorite. I’ve been wanting to try an orchid fragrance for a while, and White Cattaleya sounds great – citrus and sexy! I live in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • CAROLYN GUDGEL says:

    I haven’t tried the line yet. Would love to! White Cattalyea sounds beautiful and sexy all in one. I’m intrigued with the bright notes turning into a gourmand. It’s rare you find that! I was married in 1985 and wore Jontue. A lovely floral that was completely enveloping as I picture White Cattalyea. USA here. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • The note breakdown and the transitions of the fragrance from top to bottom sound absolutely amazing. The florals are ones that I’ve enjoyed on my skin, especially jasmine and orchid. Devil No. 4 Reprise is my favorite Orchids fragrance. With Woodcut a close second then Blackbird. I’m in the U.S.. Thanks for the opportunity. I’m single but I would wear the sexiest fragrance: More than Words if I did get married.

  • This almost sounds like a citrusy gourmand orchid fragrance. I love the notes in this one and since I love snow and always found winter weddings dreamy I can only imagine this perfume to be dreamy as well. Would love to be entered. USA and thank you so much.

  • I would love to try White Cattleya, I have already sampled and been impressed by Golden Cattleya. The mention of Heliotrope, Jasmine and Citrus alone has me interested, even if that could mean anything all together. I am a newlywed by elopement, and hopefully will have a party of some kind next year, but since I am not walking down any aisles I would still like to indulge in any fantastical scents that make such a serious impression to be worth that once in a lifetime (hopefully) moment.

  • I’m very intrigued by the combination of citrus with almond and jasmine, it sounds absolutely decadent. I married in the winter, on a freezing January evening where the temp dipped below 0, but the world was white and it was perfect. I live in the US and am registered – thanks for the great draw!

  • I would like to try it because I’m a sucker for a citrus/jasmine combo, and also because Ellen Covey does such good work. My favorite OO is Woodcut, though Blackbird is also very cool.
    U.S.

  • Bright citrus over creamy florals sounds delightful. Our wedding was on a blustery November night on a boat in Seattle, and I wore Cashmere Mist extrait. I had told my then-fiance, now-husband that I used to love Casmir in college, and he tried to surprise me with a bottle. He didn’t know anything about it, and the salesperson at Barneys convinced him that I must have meant Cashmere Mist. Even though it wasn’t my favorite fragrance, I wore it for our wedding because I appreciated his gift. I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • when one creates a fragrance for a loved one or a friend, the chances are high it is extra special creation. Ellen created this for her friend to wear on a wedding day, thus, i can imagine it to be quite a gorgeous feminine creation..thanks so much for the draw. My fav. Olympic Orchids creation is Blackbird. I am in the US

  • I am a big fan of Ellen Covey’s work, but most of what I have smelled so far has been a very different vein. I am curious to see how citrus, almond, and jasmine are transformed in her very skillful hands! My favorite Olympic Orchids creation is Ballet Rouges, and I am in the US. I am not married, so no wedding day perfume 🙂

  • Oh, this sounds gorgeous and the photographs used are great. What an honor it must have been to create a scent for a friend’s most special day! Equally great to offer it to all of us to experience. I haven’t tried as many of Olympia Orchids perfumes as I would like, but Ballets Rouges is exquisite. I wore Coco on my wedding day and my husband makes sure I always have a bottle on hand. Thanks for the review and generous opportunity! I’m in the US.

  • Jennifer Witt says:

    What appeals to me about this fragrance? all the notes sound wonderful! plus the story behind it is charming. I don’t currently have a favorite Olympic Orchids Perfume, On my wedding day I wore Vera Wang perfume, courtesy of a wonderful fragrance loving future MIL. I live in the US.

  • Greetings,

    I haven’t tried Olympia Orchids yet, but I suspect they might take me back to my yoga classes in Los Angeles, where the teacher filled the room with fresh lilies and orchids. I am planning to get married in 2017 and hope that, between now and then, I can find the Chanel of my dreams. 🙂

    Thanks and happy holidays!

  • Very nice review. White Cattaleya sounds incredibly wonderful, I would very like to try it. I am single, so I had not wedding perfume. I live in Europe.

  • I grow orchids but they don’t smell .. that makes me curious… I do not know Olympic Orchids Perfumes. EU.

  • What appeals to me is the Perfumer… I love Ellens work. Aside from from that major point the sexiness and duality as described by Pam… Such a fitting and descriptive review. Ballet Rouges. I am a registered US reader.

  • madeleine gallay says:

    So gorgeous, white and pure. I saw two differing Horst photos, printed at different times, of The Corset and a photo exhibition. So beautiful.

    Gorgeous. Oh White Cattleya yes.

    USA.

  • The problem with the website should be fixed now. I say “should be fixed” because it should have worked correctly to begin with.

    A big thank you to Pam and Michelyn for this gorgeous review!

    dx: The hybrid phalaenopsis (aka moth orchids) and other hybrids that you buy in the grocery store don’t have any fragrance, but most orchid species do. Cattleyas are especially fragrant.

  • Having Pam say, “It is also instantly one of the best perfumes I’ve sampled all year…” makes this instantly appealing to me. My favorite Olympic Orchids is Blackbird (which I believe has a new name). I must have worn some sort of musk on that night. USA 🙂

  • This is a wonderful twist to what you would visualize a wedding to be- clean. light scents. Personally, I think it is perfect to have a scent that has the combination of elegance and charm of White Cattleya with the soft sensual side also present.

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    I havenot yet tried a perfume of Olympic Perfumes. I am not married but if I would I would wear this elegant composition.thanks for the draw!

  • I am not married, but I have always pondered the question of which scent could be so amazing that I would wear it on the most special day of my life! I think based on the review, Ellen may have created the perfect wedding day perfume in White Cattelaya!

    When I think of a wedding, I think of clean, white colors, very soft sensual, but also SEXY, yet sophisticated, and keeping you wanting more. Isn’t this what all brides want to evoke on the day of their wedding?!

    White Cattelaya sounds absolutely gorgeous with its citrus medley opening combined with beautiful jasmine and heliotrope – the jasmine being a flower I can definitely picture for a wedding day.

    I have yet to try any perfumes from Olympic Perfumes, but this one sounds really divine! Who knows, this may be my wedding day perfume in the near future! I live in the USA. Thank you!

  • I’m new to Olympic Perfume and I’m still single, but I was intrigued by this perfume’s composition. Very elegant and beautiful.
    I would like to win a 5ml spray of White Cattaleya.
    I live in Malaysia. Thank you for the draw. 🙂

  • I love the notes of lemon and especially neroli. So this one sounds like a great fragrance. It seems like a very nice one for the spring and summer. I haven’t tried anything from Olympic Orchids yet, but that may change in the future. I live in Canada and thanks for the draw!

  • Well I love Woodcut, it smells just like a lumberyard which I adore. I also love white florals, and a slightly dirty white floral at that! Loved the “garter” line!! I’m in the USA. My wedding day was scentless in deference to the guests who were allergic.

  • I am wearing blackbird now!! I just love Ellen Covey. Such high quality fragrances at great prices. White Cattleya sounds wonderful and a just right gourmand. The photos are stunning. I live in Canada but have a US address
    My wedding scent was Guerlain Shalimar

  • My first date with my fiance was in the winter… we went ice skating, though we were both absolutely horrible ice skaters. 🙂 We got engaged last year in late fall, around the time of year when the first snow flurries dust the trees. We’ve been too busy to properly plan for a wedding, but maybe we’ll do it next winter… Cattleya really does sound like a lovely pick for such an occasion. Sumptuous jasmine and inviting, cozy, irresistible heliotrope-almond? Yes, please. Beautiful, and appropriate for a white-out kind of day even if it’s not the usual hearty winter warmer.

    I have not tried anything from the Olympic Orchids line – this is actually the first time I’m hearing of it! I am sad I just missed out on the storewide sale, but perhaps I’ll put this on my last-minute x-mas wishlist. I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • skiclimblive09 says:

    ah the boquet. such an integral and intimate object.

    lily of the valley would be lovely… however i’m a man, so…. a dream i guess????

    US here

  • I love the name White Cattleya reminds me Catalina and the notes vanilla, musk, lemon, neroli, orchid a wonderful mixture it must smell very nice soft and sensual. My favorite Olympic Orchids perfume is Blackbird.
    I am a registered reader living in EU.
    Thank you for the review and draw.

  • What a great sounding fragrance! I really enjoy florals, even in cold weather. They always work great on me. I haven’t tried anything from this house yet but they interest me a lot. I also am not married. But hope to be in the future! I am in Canada