Tanja Bochnig
There is little doubt by now Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics, chosen as our Best Natural Perfumer of 2014, is a creative powerhouse. On the heels of Erdenstern, Tanja has returned to a set aside formula- one which would evolve into Tempted Muse.
Pomona by Nicholas Fouche Goddess of Orchard Fruit
Tempted Muse is a rare creature in the botanical perfume world- fruit scents are somewhat hard to come by, usually the product of a talented perfumer's accord building process or the pain-staking, large production prohibitive tincturing which can take months of diligence. Tanja has created a fruit accord which goes beyond simple citrus and well into the mythical realm of the culinary habits of the Greek gods. Whether it was to drink or eat, ambrosia and nectar were the preferred food for your average deity and it is this sense of immortality and divine perfection which Tempted Muse bestows.
Hésiode et la Muse – 1891 Gustav Moreau
A gauze-like offering of fruits, candied and sugar powdered with no trace of tinctured rawness, Tanja blends this fruit ambrosia with floral nectars of precious, angelic essences- the color of frangipani itself. Tuberose and the heavenly coupling of rose and jasmine finish the petaled perfecta. Fitting for a goddess and accented by flits of pink grapefruit, the fruit accord does not quite reveal its melange, although somewhat jammy at times and others a orchard in bloom. The result is powerfully innocent and subtly intimate. A diaphanous anise mingles with sandalwood and vanilla- the poof of a cloud cherubim rest upon and so does Tempted Muse.
Dante Gabriel Rosetti Venus
This base accord is gourmand in the way a delicious almond pastry is; delicate and not for the rush of sugar- but for the sensation of taste. Were it not for obvious associations with Olympian food- I might think this was the perfume of the “visions of sugar-plums” which dance annually in some children's heads.
Goddess with cherubs Eduardo Tojetti (1851 – 1930)
The whole of the perfume is dreamy and cumulus cloud covered- floral spun fruited candy floss. Although Tempted Muse does not contain the honey usually associated with ambrosia or nectar, it's fruit accord strikes a similarity to propolis, and makes a strong connection between the food/perfume of the gods and Tanja's homage to the muses which prepared them. Tempted Muse is a wonderful way to try a natural perfume, completely approachable and unique to the point of pause.
Notes: frangipani, tuberose, jasmine, rose, tonka, sandalwood, ylang ylang, pink grapefruit, vanilla, anise, and a special fruit accord
–Einsof, Contributor
Editor's Note: Tempted Muse was released in December of 2014 and quickly sold out. The ingredients are costly and rare so only one liter exists. It is available only in the USA through April Aromatics website. Price 169,00 Euros/ 30ml (Art Direction Michelyn Camen)
Tanja would like to tempt your muse by offering a 7.5ml deluxe sprayer of Tempted Muse for a ÇaFleureBon reader anywhere in the world. To be eligible please leave a comment with what appeals to you about this scent, if you have a favorite April Aromatics Perfume. Draw closes February 2, 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