Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse edited by Rachel from unsplash
In an ever-growing landscape of niche fragrances, it is refreshing to find a brand that does not rush to release endless fragrances simply for the sake of having something new on the market. Senyoko, a Paris-based, independent fragrance brand established in 2016 by Joseph and Eglantine Berthion, had just four fragrances in its repertoire until their newest 2021 release of Une Île Pluvieuse, bringing the total to five. Thus far, all of Senyoko’s creations have been crafted by independent Scottish perfumer Eaun McCall (Jorum Studio), whose work has always intrigued me bases on his dedication to small handcrafted batches, often reflecting the natural surroundings of his home in Edinburgh. I found Euan’s previous work for Senyoko beautifully matched to the vision of the owners; a fusion of French luxury and Japanese elegance by blending elements rooted in both Eastern and Western cultures. The release of Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse continues this synergetic relationship by creating a scene that is simultaneously at home on the shores Japan, France or the UK.
Euan McCall courtesy of the perfumer -collage by Rachel from unsplash
Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse (meaning “a rainy island”) is inspired by Yukio Mishima’s 1950s novella The Sound of Waves (Shiosai). A classic romantic tale of first love, set in a remote fishing village in Japan, it tells of Shinji, a young fisherman and Hatsue, the beautiful daughter of the wealthiest man in the village. Shinji is entranced at the sight of Hatsue in the twilight on the beach and they fall in love. However, as with all good romances, Shinji must risk his life to prove his worth and win the hand of his true love.
“The sea is the place where a fisherman earns his living, a rippling field where, instead of waving heads of rice or wheat, the white and formless harvest of waves is forever swaying above the unrelieved blueness of a sensitive and shifting soil.”
Sound of Waves collage by Rachel with Senyoko, Yukio Mishimo The Sound of Waves and public domain image
It is the sea that immediately comes to mind when wearing Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse. You are transported to a scene where you can practically feel the salty sea spray whipping across your face as you navigate the steep path down a rocky cliff heading towards the ocean’s edge. The day is grey and cold, the sun hidden by storm clouds building on the horizon. You pull your suede jacket more tightly around you to keep out the damp chill in the air. The fresh green scent of the reeds and grasses clinging to the hillside mingle with hints of seaweed as you are drawn ever closer to the shore. Looking back over your shoulder to ensure you have not been followed, you scan the inky waters for any hint of the small fishing vessel your lover took out early that morning, promising to return unharmed despite the ominous weather. The loamy soil releases its distinctive earthiness with every step and as you turn up your coat collar, in a mostly useless attempt to stop the wind from sending chills down your neck and along your spine, you grab a whiff of the lingering scent of your beloved. His natural aroma, clean yet always with a tinge of ocean saltiness that has permeated his being and captivates your senses. You can’t help but smile as you catch a hint of wild flowers on the breeze, the same blooms he brought you as a hastily collected bouquet when you last stole a moment together in the forest looming on the cliffs above. Relief floods over you like tendrils of smoky incense when you finally spot the small wooden fishing vessel bobbing amongst the waves, carrying your true love home to you once again.
Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse edited by Rachel from unsplash
Une Île Pluvieuse is the perfect mix of refinement, sensuality and nature. Like the story it refers to, this fragrance perfectly illustrates the struggle between the assumed propriety of the upper class and the genuine, down to earth (or sea) character of those who toil beneath. Had I had the chance to try this before the end of last year, I am sure it would have made my Best of 2021 list, it is truly an enchanted creation.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Indigo Perfumery, for the generous sample of Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse. My opinions are my own.
Rachel Watson, Senior Contributor
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Pollen, Violet Leaf absolute, Rain, Heart Notes: Peony, Lilac, Mimosa Absolute; Base Notes: Ambergris, Vetiver, Calamus, Patchouli, Japanese cedar, Oakmoss absolute
photo of all five Senyoko Paris perfumes by Indigo Perfumery©
Thanks to the generosity of Indigo Perfumery, we have a 50 ml bottle of Senyoko Une Île Pluvieuse for one registered reader within the US. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest about Rachel’s review, if you have tried any of the Senyoko fragrances? Draw closes 1/21/22
Euan McCall won Michelyn’s Rising Star award of 2019
Senyoko Madame Butterfly received a top ten best of 2019 accolade from Michelyn here
Senyoko Duo Des Fleurs received two top ten awards of 2019 from both Ida and Despina here
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