Rosa Vaia and Elise Juarros of Coquillete Paris are actually Italian

Sumatera is one of the first four fragrances  Coquillete Paris introduced in 2012. (Tan Tan was the fifth that debuted in 2013)  Founders Rosa Vaia and Elise Juarros created a collection which was inspired by their travels around the world when working on professional fashion shoots.  Their vision, combined with using the finest raw and unique materials, bring to life and tell the tales of the exotic locales in each distinct and beautiful perfume.  With Sumatera, we're going to travel with Rosa and Elise to this unspoiled island (off the coast of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean) where the best quality wild green patchouli has grown for a millennium.

Henri Rousseau Jungle Night

From vast jungles to rising volcanoes, Sumatera still remains steeped in mystery.  Valleys filled with constant rains give rise to heated fertile ground that allows for the creation of the perfect rice terraces.   But this fertile land also feeds the green, climbing, choking vine and plant life which hide the many creatures that inhabit  the land and which only will reveal themselves with glowing eyes and ferocious cries that fill the eternal pitch black of the sweltering night.

 

Henri Rousseau the Snake Charmer

One can't help but feel like you're in the middle of the jungle while wearing  Coquillete Sumatera, with the heady and fragrant ripened air casting a spell from the very first spritz.   Narcotic flowers and creamy woodiness lead to a dreamy hypnosis before I am taken to a foreboding jungle where behind beauty lurks unforeseen danger that stalks you like an elusive tiger.  Sumatera opens with  a deceptively  voluminous jasmine, which is pricked by black pepper as the perfume grows sweetly spicy with cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla.  Very quickly the green patchouli appears like vines wrapping themselves around fallen trees. Sumatera emits the aromas of unfamiliar plants and florals that will soon give way to the dampness that ripen then decay in humid heat.

Tiger Riding Ukulele Man- Henri Rousseau

You  might think from the notes that Sumatera would be best suited for the fall and winter, but as I am always reminded a fragrance must be experienced before drawing conclusions. Remember, it never grows cold in the Sumatran jungle, so the heat of the summer is the perfect time to wear this perfume. Thankfully the journey isn't over.  Rosa and Elise said that Coquillete Paris was only going to launch six fragrances in all.  So far they have revealed five of their exotic creations which means there will be another perfumed adventure we can look forward to.  I can’t wait to see where they're taking us next!

Sumatera Notes:  Chinese jasmine, white flowers, Green Patchouli of Sumatra,  Sri Lankan cinnamon,  Indian black pepper, cedarwood, musk, patchouli, Madagascar Vanilla

Disclaimer: Review based upon product provided for promotional consideration.

— Steven Lindquist, Contributor and Editor of The Scented Hound

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Thanks to the generosity of Indigo Perfumery we have a 100ml bottle for one lucky U.S. reader. To enter, please comment on where in the world you would like Rosa and Elise to take us to next and if you have a favorite Coquillete perfume or why you would like to try Sumatera.  Draw closes June 18, 2014.

We announce the 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.