Christophe Cervasel and Sylvie Ganter Cervasel Atelier Cologne

Last month Atelier Cologne debuted the 6th Cologne Absolue in the Collection Matière, Jasmin Angélique.  in a limited quantity for prelaunch in September. Creative Directors Sylvie Ganter Cervasel and Christophe Cervasel were inspired by jasmine blooming in a verdant garden, so perfumer Jerome Epinette took the most delicate white jasmine blossoms and intertwined them with the freshness of citrus and the green crunch of angelica and fig. The resulting fragrance is one of the prettiest that I have experienced from this French house, a scent that is absolutely perfect for summer.

Featuring top notes of lemon, sichuan pepper and angelica, heart notes of jasmine, galbanum and fig, with base notes of incense, white amber and tonka bean, it has everything one would expect to find in a cologne, yet it also has the most wonderful white and dark green contrast, lending a deeply shaded aspect to the heady floral character.

Fused by Berlin jasmine with watercolor illlustration Artist Ekatarina Koroleva

I find myself repeating the same phrase every time I review a fragrance from Atelier Cologne, but it sums up the nature of the fragrances so perfectly that I can think of no better way to describe it. Jasmin Angelique opens with that signature splash of citrus that is so characteristic of cologne. Lemon is juiced beside green fig, with a slight sweetness that steers the perfume away from bitterness. The feeling of the scent is indeed verdant and lush, made more so by the jasmine that quickly begins to bloom atop the pith and peel. It is an exceptionally pretty jasmine accord; pollen laden and ever-so-slightly waxen, then becoming sweeter and more rounded as amber and subtle incense warm it's heart.

Fused angelica flowers with water color and pen illustration Ekatarina Koroleva

Angelica can sometimes take over a fragrance but here it is incredibly subtle, just a slight aniseed lift that acts as an apèritif, whetting the olfactory appetite for more delights. From a distance it is like catching the scent of jasmine on the breeze, close up the dark, resinous depth of galbanum with an almost sticky tonka bean give Jasmin Angelique a shadier aspect.

Atelier Cologne tableau for Jasmin Angelique

“He had prepared for this moment for several months. Each clue would lead her to the next, recalling one by one the places of that magical first encounter. She is finally there. Overcome by the beauty and power of jasmine in bloom, it is apparent their love is ready for the next step.”

Susie's Jasmine Collage

One might easily be overcome with ardour whilst wearing Jasmin Angelique, but not in the swooning, hedonist way of some indolic floral perfumes. The subtlety and balance between green citrus, white flowers and dark resins make for a fragrance that is simple enough for sunny summer days, yet multifaceted for those who enjoy complex fragrances. I have worn it the last few days and just felt exceptionally pretty in it. I would recommend Jasmin Angelique for anyone who loves a photorealistic jasmine, anyone commuting to work in sticky heat and anyone who needs a little extra lift. It's impossible not to feel good whilst wearing this scent. It's bright, subtly sensual and satisfyingly green. It will ornament your day with jasmine blossoms and serenade you into the evening. In a word, perfect.

Disclaimer- Sample gratefully received from Atelier Cologne. Opinions my own.

Susie Baird- Editor and creator of Epiphany.

Thanks to Atelier Cologne we have a 30ml travel atomizer for a reader in the USA, Canada, or EU. To be eligible you must be a registered CaFleureBon reader. Please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Susie’s review, your favorite Atelier Cologne and where you live. Draw closes July 16, 2015. Please note you may need to wait until  August should you win. Jasmin Angelique will be sold at their boutiques in Nolita, Paris, Brooklyn, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus

We announce the winner’s only onsite and on our Facebook page, so Like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…..or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume