Senyokô Duo des Fleurs Review (Euan McCall) 2019 + For Love of Lakmé Draw

Senyokô duo des fleurs

Senyokô Duo des Fleurs illustration

“Under the dense canopy where the white jasmine blends with the red rose…Escape with me tonight, I hear Sarasvati calling us from afar!” ~ Senyoko website

best jasmine and rose perfumes

Senyokô Duo des Fleurs via Senyoko

Poetic license may be summoned when artistic vision warrants it. Such is the case with one of the most stunning perfumes I’ve been privileged to smell this year, Senyokô Duo des Fleurs – inspired by the famous Flower Duet from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé. The original tale was based upon a story by French adventurer and author Pierre Loti, who brought back fascinating tales from his Oriental travels.

Lakmé poster via Bibliothèque Nationale de France

The story of Lakmé involves star-crossed lovers: Gerald, a British officer stationed in India during the tenure of The Raj – and Lakmé, the daughter of a Brahmin priest who protests the British injunction against practicing Hinduism. In Delibes’ opera all ends tragically, with beautiful Lakmé taking her own life by chewing a poisonous datura leaf and dying in the arms of her faithful lover; in the Senyokô version she and Gerald flee successfully, full of hope, embarking upon a new life together.

Senyokô perfumes

via Senyokô

I was curious about this plot twist and was told that all the endings of the Senyokô perfumed tales have been revised to end joyfully, with reference to “the vicissitudes or texture of life” – symbolized by the caps (resembling torn paper) which adorn their flacons. One never knows where their path will lead…

Euan McCall perfumer for Senyokô and Jorum Laboratories

 Scottish Perfumer Euan McCall by The Silver Fox©

Scottish perfumer Euan McCall of Jorum Laboratories was Senyokô’s nose of choice for these brilliant fragrances which were recently reviewed by well-loved essayist and photographer Alex Musgrave aka The Silver Fox. Euan’s touch is sure and nuanced: the entire collection fascinates. Some perfumes push boundaries with bravado (La Tsarine) while others are liltingly melodic (Art and Olfaction 2019 finalist Migration de L’Arbre).

Senyokô Duo Des Fleurs perfume review

Aiyshwarya Rai Times of India

Senyokô Duo des Fleurs treads the aromatic tightrope tenderly between these factions which needn’t be at odds with one another. In the context of marrying Franco-Japanese aesthetics and a necessary delicacy, Euan has created an operatic perfume which feels authentically Indian sans oud or patchouli.

The opera Lakme was the inpsiration for Senyokô Duo des Fleurs

Norman Edwards design for Maria Noelte as Lakme©

Profusion is the order of the day. We are bathed in blossoms much as Lakmé and her companion Mallika intend as the opera commences and they gather flowers by the riverbank. Lakmé and Mallika sing of the heady aroma of jasmines and rose (No blue lotuses here as in the duet; they cost a small fortune), of floating downstream amidst the current. Their impassioned lyricism is reflected in the deluge of indolent, indolic florals – native Indian jasmine sambac with its playful fruity muskiness; jasmine flexile, aka ‘Taruni’ – known for its radiant spice notes; rose de mai, so profoundly honeyed and velvety.

Senyokô Duo des Fleurs review

Aiyshwarya Rai in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ Utsavpedia

These sumptuous materials converge with the deadly datura (aka Angel’s Trumpet aka Devil’s Weed), imbued with a narcotically sweet aroma – and the boozy dried-fruitiness of davana which is intoxicating on its own terms. What cushion could be more fitting than Mysore sandalwood, the Golden Standard? Further echoed by a mitti attar accord, the evocation of parched earth distilled in sandalwood which heralds the first rains? I think it’s ingenious that every single component might be found on native soil. The innate originality of Duo des Fleurs is readily apparent as it flows from ebulliently flowery, moist, tropical – to serenely dusky, earthy but not earthbound. Euan McCall transports us from flowered fanfare to the lovers’ murmured vows, sotto voce on ever-present wings.

Notes: rose de mai, jasmin sambac absolue, davana, datura leaf, rose otto, jasmin flexile, rose petals, jasmine buds, Mysore sandalwood, musk, mitti attar

Many thanks to for my marvelous bottle, which I treasure!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Senior Editor and Natural Perfumery Editor

Senyokô Duo des fleurs review

Ida’s bottle of Senyokô Duo des Fleurs

Thanks to the generosity of Senyokô, we have a 50 ml tester of Senyokô Duo des Fleurs for one registered reader in the USA or EU. You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please comment upon what appealed to you in Ida’s review of Duo des Fleurs and where you live. Draw closes November 2, 2019

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58 comments

  • sanvean79 says:

    Loving the passion in Ida’s words as always. Been dying to sample this line but have held back because of the full bottle prices. What if I fell in love with any of them?! Goodnight from London, UK

  • Sunny Chaudhary says:

    Ida’s reviews are always upto the mark and always engage the reader which is a good quality.

    To me this seems a wonderful fragrance for all season and would surely love to win such a gorgeous looking bottle.

    Its a perfect blend of so many unique notes which am sure would come out good and am eager to try them on me.

    I live in USA

    Sunny

  • Crisstyyn says:

    Wow, nice review, Ida! Very intrigued to smell this perfume. Senyokô Duo des Fleurs sounds just amazing. Hope i will have the chance to win it since i am sure i will just adore it. Thank you for the draw!

  • Yvana van den Hork says:

    What a nice inspiration for an interesting perfume like Duo des Fleurs. While I’ve sampled a few datura scents, mitti attar is a novel ingredient. Ah, it’s like petrichor and a traditional substance.
    From Aftelier Perfumes “Mitti attar is the scent of rain striking dry earth or petrichor. Mitti attar is a traditional aromatic essence of baked earth hydro-distilled into creamy high-quality Indian sandalwood. “

  • aprilo says:

    I’ve learned through reading these amazing reviews over time is that if Ida loves it, I probably will too. What excites me most is Ida’s opening statement “Senyokô Duo des Fleurs is one of the most stunning perfumes I’ve smelled this year”. This is a siren’s call if I’ve ever heard one, and then to find out that Duo des Fleurs has a lovely dose of my favorite Mysore Sandalwood – swoon worthy! Thank you for the draw, live in the US 🙂

  • JH says:

    Thank you very much Ida for the detailed description! I smelled Tsarina from this brand and was surprisingly impressed by such an animal yet still beautiful perfume. Didn’t manage to smell this one though.

    Thanks for the draw! I live in EU.

  • C K says:

    I really like that all of the materials can be sourced from India. It is also cool that there r multiple types of jasmine and rose in Duo Des Fleurs. I also like how unique this fragrance sounds. That it can go from floral and tropical to dusky and earthy. It sounds intriguing and wonderful. In the U.S. Thanks to everyone involved for the generous draw.

  • smm13 says:

    I’m a big fan of Rose de mai and jasmine so I’m glad they come together so well. I also like the happier ending to the story. I live in the USA.

  • Bella Varghese says:

    Ida’s review was wonderful! As always, a well written review.

    Not only am I curious about the fragrance, but the review has also gotten me interested in this new brand. Hoping to discover it!

    Lots of love from Houston, USA.

  • Andrei artimon says:

    Ida is very passionatte and detailed describing this perfume , almost it makes you to blind buy it , never had the opportunity to
    Put my nose on this house , hope to win the draw , alex , new york , usa

  • Trinity33 says:

    Lovely review and such an interesting story! Ida is a very poetic reviewer. I love jasmine and would love to be bathed in blossoms. It’s housed in a beautiful bottle as well. I’m in the US

  • chrisskins says:

    I am curious to smell an authentic Imdian style perfume without oud or patchouli. Rose, Jasmine and sandalwood add to the intrigue. I trust Ida’s brilliant nose. I live in the USA.

  • INYA says:

    All you had to mention was Datura! I’ve grown this amazing flower in my garden. Thanks for another fabulous article and generous draw! USA

  • riddlemo says:

    I was truly fascinated by the twists and turns of a journey the perfumer leads us on. The spicy floral aspect of this fragrance sounds so enticing. This is one of the most artistic-sounding fragrances reviewed on here lately. (Commenting from USA.)

  • Dubaiscents says:

    I really want to try all the scents from this house! This one sounds even more lovely than the rest thanks to Ida’s lyrical musings… “… every single component might be found on native soil. The innate originality of Duo des Fleurs is readily apparent as it flows from ebulliently flowery, moist, tropical – to serenely dusky, earthy but not earthbound.” thank you for the chance to own a bottle. I’m in the US.

  • NiceVULady says:

    When Ida writes with such passion, I must try this. I’ve already ordered a sample, but I would really love to win this. Ms. Rai was once described a one of the most beautiful women in the world. It is easy to see why. The fragrance sounds perfect for her. Thank you for a beautiful review and a generous draw. Crossing my fingers. I’m in the USA,

  • Teresa says:

    This review makes Duo des Fleurs sound so romantic…just like the inspiring story of the two lovers. I would love to try this! I am in the US.

  • zibbyz says:

    As always, Ida’s review paints a picture for me of the scent, which i love. The variety of flowers and notes sounds lovely, and I would love to get a chance to sniff. I’m in the us,

  • Melissa says:

    Another beautiful and compelling review by Ida. I have been wearing a lot of florals, possibly due to the warm fall weather, and I would like to extend this trend into the winter. The description of the flow from flowery and tropical to dusty and earthy also drew me in. I’m in the US.

  • anahodos says:

    Apart from the perfume notes, that already got me curious and yearning to try it, I love the story upon which the collection is based and how the perfumes twist its plot. Ana, Romania, EU

  • FC says:

    Ida says Senyokô Duo des Fleurs is one of the best perfumes she has smelled this year and its inspired by a lovers’ tale in India. I am in US

  • Vlad VS says:

    I really love the inspiration behind the scent and the way Ida managed to paint an olfactory portrait of the scent using the historical reference. I would really love to try this ! Thanks for the draw ! I am based in Europe

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    This is a house that I have not explored. But intrigued the note of mitti attar and well as rose. I love the passion and mystery of Idas review. Cheers from UK

  • Amaziz89 says:

    I love the notes of rose and musk intrigued by the lovers tale adds mystery and depth to the story great review by Ida. Thanks from UK

  • RobertQ says:

    I love most ida’s vivid descriptions , to be able to translate the olfactive experience to the written one is fascinating to read.
    It instantly makes you want to smell what she’s smelling to take you on the journey too.

    From Ireland, Eu.

  • aurora_ru says:

    “In the context of marrying Franco-Japanese aesthetics and a necessary delicacy, Euan has created an operatic perfume which feels authentically Indian sans oud or patchouli.” Three completely different cultures in one scent, flowers and rain, beautiful illustrations… I am very interested in this brand!
    Thank you, I am from the EU.

  • Naz says:

    This sounds awesome. Be it alone Ida‘s statement that it is probably the best perfume she came across this year! Fascinating for me is the fact that it supposedly smells indian without oud and patchouli. Love exotic flower compositions and would love to win the bottle 🙂
    I‘m from Germany.

  • Linda says:

    This review takes me to a distant, delicate, intimate, rich in traditions, the perfume reflects the history of a culture that always fascinates me, because it is extremely respectful of the past.Everything is extremely nice, even the bottle is wonderful. NICE, NICE, NICE
    Linda – EU

  • Chayaruchama says:

    Hi, folks!
    Senyokô has truly pulled out all the stops with their line of fragrances: every detail is noteworthy, from the illustrations, the torn paper effect caps – right down to the jus.

    Good luck to you all! I think you’ll love this one…

  • twong says:

    Am intrigued by the description of this being an “operatic perfume which feels authentically Indian sans oud or patchouli” but also marries “Franco-Japanese aesthetics.” I also find the story of Lakmé to be tragically beautiful. Would love to try out this line. Best from Boston, USA.

  • Vale says:

    oh, boy, Ida, you did it again.. to my heart!
    Your writings are kind whisper for our souls looking for art and scented art.
    P.S. I always chuckle in suspense to see if your nose is still yours at the end of the column 🙂 it’s like our little thing, except you don’t know about it:-)
    Europe, old land

  • drsuzannesharief says:

    Everything about Ida’s review got me swooning! I need this! Thank you for the chance to win a bottle. Also Aishwarya is a goddess!!! Fingers crossed from Delaware US.

  • TinaPocha says:

    Wow this sounds gorgeous! Would love to win there bottle of senyoko duo Des fleur’s! I’m Indian and all these notes take me right back!

  • brindusa says:

    Very nice review. Interesting story behind this creation. it must be a wonderful, romantic perfume…
    I am from Romania

  • Lillyhollowayblog says:

    This house has been high on my list for some time. And of course Ida leads us down the path of desire with her description. US resident

  • audesko1 says:

    Senyoko brand sounds unbelievable! I have not explored this brand. By Ida’s description I really want to .. thank you USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    I loved the love story of the notes – it seems that each note exists to complement the other in the duality as well as show of it’s individuality. It ties together so well with the story – particularly the idea behind datura.

    Love from Madison, WI

  • Mujo says:

    What a wonderful review of Duo des Fleurs. Loved this frase: “We are bathed in blossoms much as Lakmé and her companion Mallika intend as the opera commences and they gather flowers by the riverbank” And imagining a perfume with these wonderful notes, a som of beautiful smelling flowers. Would love to win this one. Thanks for the opportunity. I live in EU

  • xoe says:

    Ida’s words always make me want to try the scent. Wit this one, it is the “Indianness” and the Datura. I am in the US.

  • Timea says:

    Wow! This perfume sounds absolutely beautiful from the base of the review. I very love the notes and the pictures selected for the article. Thank you very much for the chance. I live in the EU.

  • Salem says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed this review and I am fascinated by the fact this perfume is so tightly linked to the opera Lakmé and so faithfully reflects its storyline and distinctive elements. I live in the EU.

  • SandiL says:

    Who would not love the sensation of a plot twist with such a
    beautiful waft and a happy ending? I also am excited about Senyokôs choice of the perfumer. This is a line of fragrances to keep your eyes on for sure.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    I love the idea of changing up the tale to give a happy ending. This fragrance sounds so beautiful. Thank you for this review and the draw. I am in the US.

  • m.r.everything says:

    When you have Ida, who is a very trusted and respected reviewer in the fragrance community, saying this is one of the most stunning fragrances she has had the privilege to smell this year, you have, without a doubt, caught my undivided attention! We could have left it right there and I would not of had to read the rest of the review, as I am now going to b on the hunt for a sample! The article was stunning itself and has left my mouth watering for more. Ida’s words are what really move me and with the datura being narcotically sweet and the davana being intoxicating with a boozy dried fruitiness, how could you not want more… even sitting here typing this up, I am feeling anxious to get a sniff of this masterpiece! I found that the sample set is very reasonable at $18 for 4 of their beauties…. I will be picking that up! Thank you, Ida, as always, for the beautiful review and the power of your words to put someone in a trance to spend their money! I look forward to the next one! Thank you to team CaFleureBon, as always, for putting this together and a huge thanks to the Senyoko team for this very generous opportunity! I live in Delaware, US. I hope everyone has a great, and very fragrant, rest of their day!

  • hkmadani says:

    I would have preferred stasis at, and no flow from, ‘ebulliently flowery, moist, tropical’; but I’ll take the whole journey if I must. VA, USA.

  • Diana D says:

    I can never get enough of rose fragrances. I love the sweet/boozy vibe of this one, using davana as one of the main notes.
    I live in the US.

  • Margarita K says:

    The way Ida tells the story of Lakme makes me imagine it like one of those excellent British TV series (like the “Jewel in the Crown”, and many more), the forbidden love, the clash of the cultures, the colorful saris and even more colorful characters.
    The way she describes this perfume; floral, sweet, narcotic, Indian but with no oud or patchouli makes me smell it in my mind.
    I live in USA.

  • Cynthia says:

    Ida, you have made this sound appealing beyond words. and who bettter to talk opera than you? Isn’t Aiyshwara Rai the most beautiful woman in the world, by the way? I love anything that reminds me of India so this sounds delightful. I am in the USA.

  • KateD says:

    I love that they revised their tales to have a happily ever after (I think we need more of those these days). And who wouldn’t want their HEA to leave a fragrant trail? Thanks for the review and the draw, I’m in the US.

  • miha says:

    Rose, jasmin, sandalwood and musk…a great combination that intrigues me even more after Ida’s description. Thanks Ida for making me want perfumes that I never thought of. I live in Romania, EU

  • samppahoo says:

    I would love to experience this special blend of exotic flowers and sandalwood. By the sound of Ida’s review, it must be an enchanting, artistic creation. I am from the EU.

  • Onyinye says:

    I enjoyed reading the original tale by Pierre. This sounds so yummy with all the flower notes in it. I’ll love to sample this.
    I live in USA

  • Caliwas says:

    Truly what an interesting fragrance, Senkyoko Duo Des Fleurs sounds like a fragrance I would just fall head over heals for. Ida review is excellent in describing the beauty of this scent. I love sandalwood and want to smell Mysore Sandalwood. Thanks for the draw. I live in CA, USA.

  • LORI LAWS says:

    Excellent review by Ida and I loved the inspiration for this from Flower Duet from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé! This sounds amazing and I would love to win this one. I am very intrigued by the various notes in this one because some are not familiar to me. “Senyokô Duo des Fleurs is one of the most stunning perfumes I’ve smelled this year” and if Ida says this it must be exquisite. Thanks for introducing me to another new fragrance brand and I live in the US!