Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence photo by Karl©

 

When I consider everything that grows

Holds in perfection but a little moment,

That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;

When I perceive that men as plants increase.

Cheered and check’d even by the selfsame sky.

Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,

And wear their brave state out of memory;

Then the conceit of this inconstant stay

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

Where wasteful Time debateth with Decay

To change your day of youth to sullied night;

And all in war with Time for love of you,

As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

– Sonnet 15: When I consider everything that grows by William Shakespeare.

 

Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence III Photograph courtesy of Christèle Jacquemin.

The inspiration for Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence was created whilst visiting the Chinese Province of Jin Ze, a village in the suburbs of Shanghai where she was staying for a month as Artist in Residency. Madame Jacquemin recounts a time of purest happiness and well-being. Launched in 2019 Christele Jacquemin Impermanence was a finalist in the 2020 Art and Olfaction Awards.

When one considers the ebb and flow of life there are landmarks of deep immersion into the perfection of an instant. In our memories such times captured in the most crystalline photographs set in the exhibition of our minds eye. Considering such beauty, these images – like plants – grow with time and have a clarity to them so we cherish them and care for them with tenderness. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 15 explores preserving humans through verse and employs a gardening metaphor to explain the process. Throughout the sonnet the contradiction of momentary impermanence versus perpetuity clarified between the idea of ‘ingrafting’ a plant cultivated over time and set to bloom with new life in an instant and the idea of ‘engraving’ a human being into verse thus bringing a permanent and unchanging representation of grace and poise, the characteristics of a life well lived.

Christèle Jacquemin photograph with her four perfumes, courtesy of the perfumer.

Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence represents these two dimensions as it is bright and effervescent whilst having a soothing aura which lasts incredibly on the skin. The opening is a vibrant and positive affair bringing back a photo-realism for me recently strolling across Hyde Park in London. Taking in the fountains admiring the curated gardens whilst sipping green tea on a balmy spring morning. Extracts of bergamot, mate and blue ginger immerse you in a fizzy energizing and optimistic mood. The beauty of this combination in tandem with Hinoki leaves is a deeply fresh and delicate experience bordering the spiritual side. Hinoki here acts as a bridge between the sparkling opening and the soothing base. The purity of the cypress adding a distinct charm to the scent which elevates it to a unique level.

by Karl©

Rosemary infuses with the hinoki to produce a deeply calming reassurance in Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence which captures a serene beauty like snap shots of momentary delight comparative to a subtle glance or the gentle caress of a hand whilst meandering through parkland. This essence of tranquil happiness enhanced by the introduction of palmarosa which extends the lemony and grassy nuance of the fragrance. An aspect of the scent which is incredibly important as it enables Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence to prolong its uplifting quality whilst harmonizing with the central theme of hinoki. This ability to combine fleeting experiences with timeless consistency is a wonderfully dichotomous concept by Christèle Jacquemin.

Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence VI

Whilst the uplifting quality of Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence continues to saunter throughout the mood moves slowly from sprightly to contemplative. Vetiver and violet create the strength and softness to round off the composition. Impermanence is the perfect title for a fragrance with such distinct and mindful qualities. It represents moments of clarity and alertness in times of flux and marries the citrus floral and woody nuances to create a timeless blend that will have you question its motives. One imagines from the opening that it will be a short-lived experience. However, Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence performs with a surprising longevity that keeps one enamored and interested just like the fondest memories.

Notes: Bergamot, Blue Ginger, Rosemary, Yerba Mate, Hinoki Leaves, Rose, Palmarosa, Vetiver, Violet Leaves.

Disclaimer: bottle of Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence generously provided by Christèle Jacquemin. My opinions are my own.

Karl Topham, Senior Contributor.

Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence River Shot by Karl

Thanks to the generosity of Christèle Jacquemin we have a 50 ml bottle of Impermanence for one registered reader EU UK & USA. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence, where you live, and if you are familiar with Christèle Jacquemin  perfumes. Draw closes 4/28/22.

Please read Nicoleta’s review of Memory Lane and Meandering Soul included in her 10 best perfumes of 2021.

Also read Lauren’s review of Underworld.

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