Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée review (Christopher Sheldrake) 2021 + Joan of Arc Draw

 

Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée review

Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée  and Joan of Arc by Albert Lynch (1903) edited by Emmanuelle Varron

I have been a true fan of the Serge Lutens  brand since 1993, but after nearly 30 years, Serge Lutens’ world can still mystify me. The newest fragrance, Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée, literally translates as “The Caged Lady Tamer”.  If Serge Lutens converses with a lady who tames wild beasts, I do not smell it. As is his wont, Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée is biographical– about childhood memories, and hidden sufferings; he concludes that it is necessary to erase the past to be free. Welcome to Serge Lutens’ complex and always fascinating world.

Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée

Serge Lutens quote for Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée – edited by Emmanuelle

Fortunately, Monsieur Lutens allows you to dream your own story, even if it was difficult for me when I tried La Dompteuse Encagée for the first time. The brand, as usual, doesn’t give much information about the notes to keep its mystery; so here is my personal take on Christopher Sheldrake ‘s new perfume. I spray this fragrance on my skin, the first thing that comes to my mind is that it slightly reminds me of Fils de Joie, Serge Lutens previous “Collection Noire” opus: jasmine is extraordinarily strong from the first second and is quickly warmed by ylang-ylang. These two flowers pair perfectly,  which is why perfumers love to combine them. Then, that’s where paths diverge. Where  Serge Lutens Fils de Joie shows its animalic side thanks to honey notes, giving the jasmine some extra carnal power, La Dompteuse Encagée quiets down, the fragipani-almond accord is quiet on my skin at first and takes a long time to expand before imparting any warmth. Until then, jasmine and ylang-ylang play a familiar duet, subtle but easily noticeable to perfumistas’ nostrils.

Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée

La Dompteuse Encagée -photo Serge Lutens

Two faces. One shouts (and laughs). The other face is controlled and quiet. If 2020’s Fils de Joie evokes Serge Lutens at childhood, laughing to chase sadness away, then Serge Lutens Dompteuse Encagée is an olfactive  portrait of the man in 2021, looking back on his intense, extraordinary life and all his professional and artistic achievements.

Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc photo by Everett

Thanks to the press release that mentions her symbolically, I linked the fragrance to Joan of Arc, the young (and virginal) French peasant who battled against the English army during the Hundred Year’s War. She heard powerful voices that ordered her to fight for France’s liberty and drove out the enemy.  Her life is legendary-film, theater, music and history depicts her as a young woman who at 17 years old followed a “divine” calling. With no experience, but faith and courage, she was as valiant as any man. An uncommon soldier, first battling against 15th century  gender biases in addition to the enemy.

La Dompteuse Encagée 2021 Serge Lutens

Like a prison wall with (Serge Lutens?) inscriptions – photo from La Dompteuse Encagée Press Release

I imagine of Joan of Arc wearing Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée going to battle with a hidden jasmine flower under her armor greave. Her youthfulness and innocence pair with the almond notes and the warmth of the  ylang-ylang symbolize the hope and the joy she gave to the French people when she won the Battle of Jargeau. It might not be what Serge Lutens had in mind, but with M. Lutens you sometimes it tells a different story— your own.

Notes: ylang-ylang, jasmine (perceived but not listed), frangipani flower, almond.

Disclaimer: Emmanuelle received a sample for this review. Opinions are her own.

Emmanuelle Varron, Senior contributor and Contributions by Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Thanks to Serge Lutens and Emmanuelle we have a sample of La Dompteuse Encagée for a registered reader in the EU or US. To be eligible please leave a comment with what you thought of Emmanuelle’s review, where you live and if you have tried either Fils de Joie or La Dompteuse Encagée or any Serge Lutens perfume. Draw closes 3/15/2021

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33 comments

  • bagcd2 says:

    I like that Emmanuelle’s review really believes this fragrance to be ground breaking comparing this to a fragrance for one of a kind person. I have not really tried almond fragrances, so this could be ground breaking to me. I not have tried either Fils de Joie or La Dompteuse Encagée or any Serge Lutens perfume. Definitely like to see what this fragrance is all about.

    USA
    Louisiana

  • Carboytony826 says:

    Emmanuelle, thank you for this wonderful review. I’ve had a few Serge Lutens, but right now the only Lutens in my arsenal is Five O’Clock au Gingembre.

    I am a fan of Jasmine and this sounds wonderful, since it goes formal and vintage, very chic. The almond and ylang I can see pairing beautifully with the Jasmine.

    US here

  • drjedi says:

    I liked the way Emmanuelle thought of the young Joan of Arc while experiencing Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée, especially given that Serge Lutens doesn’t divulge the ingredients, but has a philosophy behind the perfumes, for example, “he concludes that it is necessary to erase the past to be free.” With Jasmine and ylang ylang, and frangipani and almonds, I can kind of imagine what it is like. Definitely intriguing and worth checking out. I haven’t tried anything by Serge Lutens, yet.

  • drjedi says:

    Apologies for accidentally posting before finishing my post. Wish it were possible to delete or edit one’s comments. Please consider only this one and ignore my previous post.
    ____
    I liked the way Emmanuelle thought of the young Joan of Arc while experiencing Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée, especially given that Serge Lutens doesn’t divulge the ingredients, but has a philosophy behind the perfumes, for example, “he concludes that it is necessary to erase the past to be free.” With Jasmine and ylang ylang, and frangipani and almonds, I can kind of imagine what it is like. Definitely intriguing and worth checking out. I haven’t tried anything by Serge Lutens, yet. I am in USA.
    ____

  • Chloe says:

    My name is Chloe and I live in Paris and have smelled it short time. La dompteuse encagée is very nice and soft
    Like the art too

  • AleksCipri says:

    Emmanuelle’s review is very interesting. It is really interesting that this white floral with interesting almond notes reminded her of something Joan of Arc wold wear. I haven tried La Dompteuse Encagée yet but I have to. I love white florals and almonds and I think I would love this combination. Serge Lutens is one of my favorite brands and I love a lot of their offerings, with Chergui, Ambre Sultan and Five o’clock au gingembre being one of my favorites. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I love the compare/contrast with Fils de Joie. Haven’t tried either of them, but I really enjoy the way that Emmanuelle describes their overlaps and divergences. I’ve tried most Lutens scents! A consistent fan. Thanks for the draw–I’m in the US.

  • Amy L. says:

    The picture of a caged beauty/an armored virginal flower is an interesting idea, but what makes the “hard” note? I guess the wearer’s experience is all that matters, despite the perfumer’s inspiration. I have not tried the two SL mentioned, but i have Fille en Aiguilles and have tried Chergui and Arabie (another love) and Ambre Sultan. I am in California, and would like to be entered for a sample.

  • Lilian says:

    I have a special place in my heart for Mr. Serge Lutens. I don’t know him but his French flair combined with Middle Eastern sensitivities speaks to me on a subconscious level. I have tried numerous of his offerings and loved them all: Datura Noir, Clair de Musc, Nuits de Cellophane, Fleurs du Citronnier. In fact, I think he makes romantic perfumes with a twist, a hidden dark agenda. La Dompteuse Encagee sounds just like that, plus, I can never say no to jasmine, ylang ylang and frangipani. Thank you Emmanuelle for your lyrical presentation, reminding us of a world where women had to fight against all odds and dig deep to find the courage to do so. We have a long way to go still, but we’ve come so far. Sending everybody good vibes from Greece!

  • macaroni023 says:

    I love how Emmanuelle gives her insight on notes and tells her idea of inspiration. Joan of Arc! What a great symbol to pick for representing perfume. I am such a huge fan of Serge Lutens house, they produce so many amazing perfumes, my favorites are chergui, feminite du bois and ambre sultan. I am supper excited to try this one, I am already planning a trip to a perfumes shop today!
    I am from EU

  • Ioana says:

    La Dompteuse Enacagee-the name of this new Serge Lutens fragance made me wonder!Much more the review’s paralel with Joan of Arc wearing it to battle and the hidden jasmine under armour as we all wear some tenderness under ours . The idea of personal portraial is magical!Thanks from Romania-EU

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Serge Lutens was one of my first fragrances I experienced when I discovered niche. I own Bois Vanille and Jeaux de Peau. I’ve sort of drifted away as there were a few releases I didn’t really understand. I’d love to try this with the perceived almond note. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • mleenstra says:

    The accords in this sound beautifully narcotic. I love jasmine and ylang-ylang as they work their bubblegummy magic. I’m curious about the frangipani-almond that Emanuelle describes and how it works with the more familiar jasmine accord.
    I have never tried anything from Serge Lutens so it would be lovely to try La Dompteuse Encagée. Marit EU

  • Lindsay says:

    This is interesting, because when I hear frangipani (with ylang and jasmine), I wonder if this floral power will be oppressive, rather than fortifying. I loved how evocative this review was, particularly the sense of divine inspiration driving one forward into a sacred battle….with jasmine under her armor! Fantastic. I can’t help but think of Kate Bush’s Joanni when I read this, too. The mighty feminine element, surging forward! I am intrigued and curious about the almond note, and also the link to Fils de Joie. I have tried Santal Majescule, but realized that I prefer sandalwood in a more soft, background role.

  • Claumarchini says:

    I enjoyed very much this review, the reference to Jeanne d’Arc is extremely interesting and definitely makes me want to try this fragrance. It gives the idea of something sweet and delicate on the outside but with a strong and powerful heart! I also enjoyed the details about jasmine and ylang ylang, and getting to know that they blend really well and that is why the two are really loved by noses. I have not tried anything from Serge Lutens yet, I know that being such a great name I really have to make up for this “ignorance” and it would be amazing to be able to start with La Dompteuse Encagée! Greetings from Italy

  • Giorgia295 says:

    So interesting of this brand this new release. Is so typical of Lutens this sad and melancholy mood, i find them quite cold and sad in their evolution but so eleuand unique. Love from Milan, italia!

  • patrick_348 says:

    I was engaged by Emmanuelle’s description of how jasmine and ylang-ylang are often combined, which made her comparison of La Dompteuse Encagee and Fils de Joie so much more meaningful. The addition of the almond note seems to be significant here. I would love to smell this. I have not tried any Serge Lutens perfumes, but from my reading I know how highly they are regarded. I am in the US in North Carolina.

  • mronhubbard says:

    It isn’t often that one of your reviewers seems at all mystified by a scent. Usually there seems to be no question, no hesitation as to a moment or story to attach. So this must be an unusual fragrance. I haven’t tried any Serge Lutens. (USA)

  • Anita K says:

    Emmanuelle won me over right away with the Joan of Arc description about her wearing Jasmine under her armour. It was such a powerful imagine, I could almost see myself in my wedding dress with an armour helmet on (I’m a fan of Jasmine, I had a waterfall of Jasmine and Ivy as my bouquet). And what’s more beautiful than wearing a story?

    Unfortunatelly (or fortunately for a hint of mistery involved) I haven’t had the pleasure of trying any of the two perfumes, but who knows 🙂

    With love, flowers and maybe a sword,
    Anita from Bucharest, Romania

  • Pamela Meyer says:

    This is what I need to move forward in 2021! A new fragrance blending almond and frangipani…2 of my very favorite scents.
    I am looking forward to purchasing a bottle as soon as it’s available in the US!

  • Amaziz89 says:

    I imagine of Joan of Arc wearing Serge Lutens La Dompteuse Encagée going to battle with a hidden jasmine flower under her armor greave. Her youthfulness and innocence pair with the almond notes and the warmth of the ylang-ylang symbolize the hope and the joy she gave to the French people when she won the Battle of Jargeau. It might not be what Serge Lutens had in mind, but with M. Lutens you sometimes it tells a different story— your own.

    Notes: ylang-ylang, jasmine (perceived but not listed), frangipani flower, almond. I am intrigued by the notes especially jasmine and Ylang Ylang in particular. My favourites from Serge Lutens are Chergui. A beautiful description by Emmanuelle depicts Joan of arc to a tee. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Fortunately, Monsieur Lutens allows you to dream your own story, even if it was difficult for me when I tried La Dompteuse Encagée for the first time. The brand, as usual, doesn’t give much information about the notes to keep its mystery; so here is my personal take on Christopher Sheldrake ‘s new perfume. I spray this fragrance on my skin, the first thing that comes to my mind is that it slightly reminds me of Fils de Joie, Serge Lutens previous “Collection Noire” opus: jasmine is extraordinarily strong from the first second and is quickly warmed by ylang-ylang. These two flowers pair perfectly, which is why perfumers love to combine them. Then, that’s where paths diverge. Where Serge Lutens Fils de Joie shows its animalic side thanks to honey notes, giving the jasmine some extra carnal power, La Dompteuse Encagée quiets down, the fragipani-almond accord is quiet on my skin at first and takes a long time to expand before imparting any warmth. Until then, jasmine and ylang-ylang play a familiar duet, subtle but easily noticeable to perfumistas’ nostrils. I am intrigued by the notes especially Jasmine and Ylang Ylang in particular. A house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by nonetheless. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • wandering_nose says:

    I love how Emmannuelle relates the fragrance and the sentiment it evokes to Joan of Arc and her supernatural courage and bravery. The notes seem as big and bold as the French heroine, and they are what I love the most in the floral universe. Adore almond too! I have tried neither Fils de Joie or La Dompteuse Encagée but I have Chergui, Un Bois Vanille, Ambre Sultan and La Fille de Berlin, and loved them all. Thank yhou from the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the beautiful review Emmanuelle.

    I have not tried Fils de Joie.

    This review is interesting because it’s one of the few where I see the reviewer mention that they have leaned on an idea from a press briefing to give us this review. It’s an insight into how difficult it is to review a fragrance in the absence of notes and vague briefs. The writeup is certainly appreciated.

    I have smelt Chergui and Vetiver Oriental from this house.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Diane R Mrs says:

    I thought this was a very good review. Have not smelled either of these fragrances from Serge Lutens but I do own a few others.

  • vickalicious says:

    Great review! The name alone has me wanting to try this one, and then Emamnauelle’s description confirmed that! The jasmine and ylang-ylang, along with the animalic touch sounds very intriguing. I’ve just recently started exploring Serge Lutens, and have enjoyed what I’ve tried thus far. La Religieuse is one of my favorites that I’ve tried. Thank you for sharing about this fragrance, it’s one that I will definitely be trying and would love to win a sample of! Located in the US.

  • Paeonnia says:

    Great story of Joan of arc, made me remember my trip to Rouen, her town. The fragrance sounds very fitting for early spring when the almonds are in bloom here, and there’s always chance of snow (like we had yesterday).
    There’s so many Serge Lutenses to love…

    I’m in Slovenia, EU

  • Niinocka says:

    Serge Lutens was my gateway house to the world of perfume a decade ago. Because of that, I might no be completely unbiased, when saying that for me Serge Lutens represents an epitome of a »modern French Maison«. 🙂
    So, one can imagine I was thrilled to read Emmanuelle’s review of the newest SL fragrance. I especially liked reading about perceived notes. Description of a perfect duet of powerful Jasmin and warm ylang-ylang, two of my favorite white floral notes, brought a smile to my face. Another aspect of the review I found compelling is an intriguing story about young female warrior Joan of Arch.

    I have owned following SL fragrances : Ambre Sultan, Feminite du Bois, Santal majuscule, Chergui, and Tubereuse criminelle. Un bois de vanille has been on my wishlist. I have not tried Fils de Joie or La Dompteuse Encagée yet.
    Thanks to Serge Lutens and Emmanuelle for a beautiful opportunity of learning about the new fragrance.
    Greetings from Slovenia (EU)!

  • Constancesuze says:

    Lovely review. I’ve heard such good things about this and Fils de Joie though I have yet to try either. I’m in the US.

  • Margarita K says:

    I imagine this to be one of those soft feminine florals that I adore. In your imagination it’s something young Joan of Arc could have worn under the armor. I imagine it’s suitable for modern women facing their daily battles, being strong but staying feminine at the same time.
    I’ve tried many Lutens’ fragrances, I own a splendid vintage Ambre Sultan and the tropical Datura Noir.
    Thank you for the opportunity.
    Greetings from USA.

  • ws90 says:

    Emmanuelle’s story about Joan of Arc was thought-provoking – I thought that her shiny metal armour, belying the tender, powder-white skin underneath it (represented by the floral, powdery notes), was a cage that protected her and enabled her to battle another cage – the gender structures that she had to fight against in those times.

    I have tried Fils de Joie and really enjoyed its sensuality and boldness, but have yet to try La Dompteuse Encagée and would love to. With thanks, from the EU.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I also have loved Serge Lutens perfumes for a very long time, although i have never tried either of the two mentioned in this review. Many thanks to Emmanuelle for capturing the mystery of Serge Lutens in her review and many thanks to Serge Lutens and Emmanuelle for making this draw possible. I’m in the USA

  • phoenixad says:

    flower bomb probably most suited for women. Serge lutens is an amazing house with innovative work. I want to try this. A reader from EU