Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale by Karl©
Already enraptured in the sparkling fringes of the waves, our destinies unite us in unforeseen encounters. The vaporous mist of the moment breaks into lascivious pulses of pleasure. A hint of elsewhere, of infatuation and possibilities, distils its drunkenness. The voyage is an offering that exudes its languor. – Frederique Deghelt for Sous Le Manteau©
photo of Karl with the range © Karl
The thrill of forbidden pleasures can attract one like a moth to a flame. We understand the inherent dangers of pursuing the hazardous and unknown. However, the inevitability of destiny provides us with the key to unlock the darkest and poignant depths of our innermost passions. Such passions can undo the best of us and capture moments of blissful, illicit possibilities and so it is when entering the fragrant undercurrent of Sous Le Manteau. Intrigue and the promise of a different and darker approach is the hallmark of Sous Le Manteau. The brand centres on the unknown and what lies beneath. It is a venture that defies modern conventions of brazen and open acts of ouverte sexualisation and draws us back to the art of seduction, this is a truly divine gift and the opportunity to delve ‘under the mantle’ and explore what lies beneath. As founder Olivia Bransbourg asks us, “Would you like to seduce or be seduced?’
Founder and Creative Director Olivia Bransbourg ©Kanak-Guo & Perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer
Sous Le Manteau is a French expression from the 17th century and describes objects that circulated secretly, undercover, considered too erotic and against the official powers of the time. The range was born of the wish to return to holistic virtues and reimagine and create authentic recipes found in official books that could be reimagined for the 21st century. Olivia’s depth of knowledge and experience in the arts combined with Nathalie Fesithauer’s creative talent is a partnership that marks out Sous Le Manteau as incredibly special and for discerning individuals.
Doesn’t everyone wish to have the capacity to transport and elevate their consciousness to raise the spirits and cast a picture of themselves as unique? Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale plays on the push-pull of courtship. It is like such an encounter because you may consider yourself bold and think you understand the game only to realise that the one you dance so seductively with Wrote the Book! This is exactly how Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale plays on your senses and emotions. The juxtaposition of hot versus cold coaxing and luring you into its sultry gaze.
Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale Karl©
Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale unfolds its secrets surreptitiously; its powdery floral and gourmand nuances gliding into your consciousness like a painting as opposed to the impermanence of a photograph, leaving a long-lasting impression. Orris is the addictive ingredient which has a softness that one can almost feel in Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale and its velvety texture here plays a central role. We are initially met with a welcoming combination of sultry orange blossom, rose and jasmine juxtaposed with cool bergamot and geranium; whilst ambrette (musk mallow) is listed as a base note to me at least it makes its presence felt early on. The mental imprint is to come close, but not too close. Once the citrus and minty aspect subsides the perfume begins to warm up and the gourmand characteristics come to the fore.
What I find so distinctive about the scent is its ability to marry floral aspects with an underlying latex which is extremely provocative and can be picked up closer to the skin. At first this is not apparent, but it slowly slinks into our thoughts. This addictive blend of rose and suede-come-latex with sweetness shouldn’t work. It should be too controversial and strange. However, in a master perfumer’s hands it is sensational and suddenly the game of allure becomes clear. The introduction of synthetic musk, civet and ambergris – a sultry smooth and utterly carnal experience.
Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale Image by Karl©
It has been said that sensuality is the most expensive taste and luxury in the world. In the deep base of Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale the triple crown of vanilla, labdanum and styrax are utilised to bring regal status and decadence to the wearer. There seems no expense spared on the quality of ingredients and the effect is a blend of warm tones that beckon for closeness. Once cedar and sandalwood join the symphony the effect is mesmeric and simply gorgeous. Ultimately this perfume exudes panache and is unmistakably French in its composition. There is the hint of possibility and a ‘joie de vivre’ about Fontaine Royale that makes it perfect for this time of year. It awakens your senses to the thought of Paris in springtime. Blooming florals and powdery nuances mixed with luxurious gourmand facets provide bright impulses mixed with lustful desires and overtures of romantic yet drunken love. What’s not to adore about a scent like this? Sweet temptation indeed.
Something to keep in mind here is how scent can work with specific skin types. On my skin Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale has more spiciness and emphasises the woody aspects of the ingredients such as cedarwood and sandalwood with the vanilla also being prominent. However, this notion is completely turned upside down when experienced on a lady. I am no expert in DNA, but the scent seems to come alive in new ways and the full spectrum of ingredients are far more on show in particular the jasmine, rose and sultrier facets. However, don’t just take my word as given. Who knows what beauty will unfold on any individual’s skin? You can experience it for yourself.
Notes: Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Geranium, Orris, Rose, Jasmine, Ambrette, Musk, Ambergris, Civet, Labdanum, Styrax, Vanilla, Cedar, Sandalwood.
Disclaimer: Bottle of Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale kindly sent by the brand. My opinions are my own.
Karl Topham, Senior Contributor
Sous le Manteau©
Thanks to the generosity of Sous Le Manteau we have a draw for a 50 ml bottle of Sous Le Manteau Fontaine Royale for one registered reader EU, UK & USA. To be eligible please leave a comment about what specifically interests you about Karl’s review and where you live. Draw closes 4/12/22.
Odisiaque no. 6 via Sous Le Manteau
Please join us in congratulating Sous Le Manteau’s Creative Director Olivia Bransbourg and perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer for being selected as a Top 5 Finalist in the Indie Category by The Fragrance Foundation Awards for Odisiaque no. 6 (review by Alexandre Helwani here) which were held in New York City on April 6, 2022. You can leave that in your comment!
Please read: Poudre Imperiale Review by Alexandre Helwani
Vapeurs Diablotines Review by Ida Meister
Emmanuelle Varron awarded Odisiaque as One of her Top 10 Perfumes of 2021.
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