Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait de Parfum (Elisabetta Perris and Luca Maffei) 20017~New Perfume Review +A New Classic Draw

Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait de Parfum photo by Aaron

We were introduced to a new fragrance from the storied House of Houbigant this past spring, Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret. I was fortunate to be one of the first to experience it and was enthralled by the sheer beauty of the composition. In my review we were transported to my own secret garden –where my thoughts ran free to float in fragrant abandon. Fortunately, for our continued delight, Houbigant presents us with a new addition to enjoy- Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait de Parfum.

Creative Director Elisabetta Perris and Luca Maffei

This new version is once again authored by young Italian scent star Luca Maffei in collaboration with Creative Director Elisabetta Perris. This parfum de extrait is magnificent. On first application I was immediately taken by the complexity and interplay of each ingredient.

Georgia May Jagger photographed by Venetia Scott for Vogue UK, October 2013.

Like its predecessor, we are greeted with a burst of juicy citrus, but this time the air is markedly greener to my nose.  There is also a certain aura that portrays something deep, lush, velvety, and creamy whilst remaining sparkling, bright, clean and, ultimately, majestic in the introduction that differs from the EDP.  The overall feel is similar, but much more opulent and refined.  The floral accord presented here seems to take precedence quicker in the extrait.  Of particular note, narcissus is especially vibrant when paired with a refreshingly green neroli/ bergamot combo – it exhibits a complexity and dynamic I find quite unique.  It brings to mind fresh breezes under clear sunny skies awash in a landscape of yellow/white/green flowers that enchant with every sway of the wind. 

 Blue skies and magnolias by Aaron©

Moving into the middle notes the floral aspects really begin to shine. The air is lightly but densely filled with magnolia blossoms which acts to fill my mind with the most beautiful and precious memories of so many things I love. Its charms are unforgettable for just about anyone that has ever had the privilege of experiencing them in the warm spring and summer air.  It is a truly entrancing experience that cannot be forgotten. Fortunately for us, all can now have this experience in a bottle.

Sasha Pivovarova in "Garden of Delights" by Steven Meisel for Vogue US December 2006

Singing quietly (yet majestically) in the air are dewy white roses. They sing their song so eloquently at times that their presence might not even be felt, but if they were silenced, the enormity of their importance would be evident…therein is the brilliance of their contribution. In accompaniment we have orange blossom and jasmine adding to the depth of range of the overall composition. Their voices add beautifully to the white floral aspect of the song without seeming like a tune that has sung before. This is indeed something new.

Georgia May Jagger photographed by Venetia Scott for Vogue UK, October 2013.

Amidst all the flowers is a dusty aspect that never truly crosses the line of too powdery.  I can detect the powdery nuances of orris – violet/iris powderiness – without it ever really taking a foothold into what many would consider “powdery” fragrances.  It smells clean and inviting as well as elegant and refined, continuing the history of  fine French craftsmanship but bringing something new to a much beloved cornerstone of perfumery. 

“Garden of Delights” Sasha Pivovarova, Caroline Trentini, Gemma Ward, Karen Elson by Steven Meisel for Vogue©

As in the EDP, ylang ylang also plays a key role. For me it becomes most evident towards the end of the mid notes as it radiates from what we will soon realize is creamy sandalwood in the base.  This is one of my favorite aspects in the EDP and it is extenuated here – much to my delight – even more.  As the base unfolds, clean white musk rises to subdue the somewhat powdery aspects of orris and creaminess of the sandalwood beautifully. 

Natalia Vodianova in "Dancer In The Dream" by Peter Lindbergh for Vogue China May 2010 

The result is a scent emanating from your skin that smells shiny, fresh, and new, yet familiar enough to be comfortable with forever.; this is no flanker …it is a new classic   Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait de Parfum​ evokes a certain sense of romanticism and  is like embarking on a new  perfume adventure. 

Headnotes: Bergamot, Yellow Mandarin, Neroli; Heartnotes: Magnolia Flower, Narcissus Absolute, Rosa Centifolia Absolute, Orange Blossom Absolute, Jasmine, Orris, Ylang Ylang; Basenotes: Sandalwood, Ambrette Absolute, White Amber, Musk.

Disclaimer: Review based on bottle supplied by Houbigant Paris. Thank you! Opinions are my own.

Aaron Potterman, Contributor and Vintage Perfume Expert

Art Direction and written contributions: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait de Parfum photo by Aaron

Thanks to the generosity of Houbigant Paris USA we have a 100 ml bottle ($600) for a registered US reader, (please register so your comment counts here). To be eligible, please tell us what you thought of Aaron’s review of Quelques Fleurs Jardins Secret Extrait de Parfum,and your favorite Houbigant Fragrance. The draw closes 10/29/2017

Please follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @houbigant_paris and @maison303.  Have your comment count 2x and Like HOUBIGANT PARIS on Facebook here. 

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS FEED…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

 

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24 comments

  • fazalcheema says:

    Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret is authored by Luca so it has me intrigued. Like the classic Quelques Fleurs, it is citrusy and floral but also greener as the color of the liquid hints at. My favorite Houbigant is Fougere Royale. I am in the US.

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Aaron’s review of Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret Extrait sounds fresh yet rich, citrusy yet very floral…he describes a ‘masterpiece in perfumery’. My favorite Houbigant perfumes happens to be none other than Quelques Fleurs Le Original and I can’t wait to try this new offering. I am in the US.

  • Hasib says:

    Haven’t tried anything from Houbigant. This one looks and sounds really good. I hope I get to try it out. Thanks Aaron for this review
    Nice looking bottle. The notes sound good as well
    From US

  • mahighermez says:

    What an evocative review, Aaron! I can smell your words! I like the original Quelques Fleurs but have always loved the sweet, overwhelmingly girly vintage Chantilly. I am in the US.

  • Maya says:

    I have not tried any Houbigant perfumes though I have wanted to sample some of their vintage fragrances. I will eventually. Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret sounds absolutely lovely. I have recently fallen in love with tropical and semi-tropical white and yellow florals. Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret sounds like a non-tropical version of these flowers. Should be wonderful. In the USA.

  • Chris Mr_Sillage says:

    Aaron’s review of Quelques Fleurs really resonated with me. His vivid description of the magnolia were evocative of my childhood summer , carefree and full of exploration! The review in a whole, really painted a picture of what this smells like. I would love to be able to get my nose on this Fragrance. The only Houbigant Fragrance I’ve had the privilege of smelling was Fougere Royal, which smelled amazing and really set the standard for what a masterpiece should be constructed like. I really hope this contest is still going on
    ( 9/29 end date?) If not it was still a pleasure to read Aaron’s MASTERFULLY articulated review on what I’m sure it’s a Devine Fragrance

  • Julesinrose says:

    I know nothing of Houbigant fragrances! This review, both the words and images evoke such beauty that I’d like to found out what it smells like! And on this dreary day, it seems beyond belief. In the US

  • Maisie says:

    I am a huge fan of Luca Maffei’s, although I haven’t tried any of the Houbigants. I am intrigued by the layers of flowers upon flowers described here so beautifully. I am in the USA.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    The imagery chosen for this review was inspired. The blue skies and magnolias photo, for instance… the lighting, or shall I say the darkening of the colors, just fits perfectly an extrait version of a perfume. Well done!

    The narcissus note mentioned, and the jasmine, and the green citrus atop, all catch my attention. i have not had the opportunity to try any Houbigant perfumes yet, but they all sound so refined and elegant. Thank you for the beautiful review. I’m in the USA.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I loved Aaron’s comments about magnolias as part of this parfum. That and their combination with such beautiful and gentle floral notes. This sounds heavenly. My favorite Houbigant is Quelques Fleurs, L’ Originale. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • yukon1 says:

    I thought this was a great review,im starting to love florals alot more now,the notes in this seem like something i’d love a floral bomb in exrait de parfum sounds amazing.

    Havent tried a to many houbigants but really like Fougere Royale 2010.

    I live usa

    thnx for generous giveaway

  • Ccc says:

    Very tempting review.
    I was sold at “I can detect the powdery nuances of orris – violet/iris powderiness – without it ever really taking a foothold into what many would consider “powdery” fragrances. It smells clean and inviting as well as elegant and refined, continuing the history of fine French craftsmanship but bringing something new to a much beloved cornerstone of perfumery. ”
    Who can say no to that?

    I live in US and great giveaway.

  • Cynthia says:

    I like Aaron’s summation: “this is no flanker, it’s a classic.” I do like the original from this line very much and this one with dewy white roses , ylang ylang and orris sounds very vbeautiful. The beautiful pictures and dreamy writing make this a must try. Thanks to the company for a generous prize! USA

  • Diana D says:

    Such a beautiful description of this lovely fragrance! I love this statement when describing the orange blossom and jasmine notes: “Their voices add beautifully to the white floral aspect of the song without seeming like a tune that has sung before.”

    My first experience with this perfume house is when I was a little girl. Chantilly is so reminiscent for me. Such a powdery, feminine fragrance that transports me in time every time I smell it.

    I live in the United States.

    I follow all the accounts on Instagram but the @maison303 account is private. And I now follow Houbigant Fragrances on Facebook (all under the name Diana Devlin)

  • rustee45 says:

    The composition sounds like something refreshingly new, not another “tune that has been sung before,” which is inspiring. My mother wore Chantilly and always kept a bottle over the years, in addition to Lutece, which I kept in my collection after she passed away and wear on occasion. I live in the US and thank Houbigant for this incredibly generous opportunity to experience their new creation.

  • HL says:

    Aaron’s review on ‘how the dewy roses and powdery cleanness are taking him on a new journey’ drew me on Quelques Fleurs Jardins Secret Extrait de Parfum, I am still developing myself on the road of appreciation of dense-floral scents, so I’m right now exploring the classics, themes centered with rose, ylang-ylang or iris, one can not possibly ignore the historic house like Houbigant and its high status Quelques Fleurs, so this piece of wok is for sure a milestone worth checking out for any classic flower lover as I believe.
    U.S Houston TX based, hope to win, many thanks to the editors for your wonderful reviews and hard work everyday!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Beautiful bottle!! Deep, lush, creamy and velvety all together, count me in. I like that it doesn’t go powdery. I am a big fan of neroli and with a sandalwood base…..divine. I have never smelled a Houbigant fragrance, which is probably a crime. Maybe this will be the first. Thanks Aaron for the great review and thanks to Houbigant for the generous gift. This inspires me to go out and explore more classic old perfume houses. I live in the U.S.

  • rodelinda says:

    Wow, it sounds gorgeous! Hearing the words green, citrus, floral, creamy, and refined all together in one fragrance gets my heart beating a little faster. My grandmother’s signature fragrance was Chantilly, and she had several bottles of the vintage pre-Dana version. That’s my favorite Houbigant fragrance so far. I’m in the US. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Vahagn says:

    Yes, it sounds wonderful, but it is pitty, this beauty is not for man IMHO.
    Thanks for this review.
    From Houbigant house I tested only Fougere Royale- that is great!!!
    US, DE

  • Marzipan says:

    I adore how Aaron vividly describes the interplay and contrast of the creamy and bright notes. My favorite Houbigant fragrance is Orangers en Fleurs. I reside in the USA

  • mrpeeck says:

    Just a gorgeous greenish apple color with the beautiful glassy aspect of the bottle. This described as making one smell shinny and new. As the poetic story telling us how the scent unfolds. Great Job! Quelques Fleurs Jardins Secret must have a secret for being such an expensive fragrance. I have not tried any offerings from this house. I do live in Southern Illinois. THANK YOU for this review and draw!

  • Raee says:

    I love houbigant fougere royale.
    It is one of the best summer perfumes out there.

    Flowery scents have a tendency to become overpowering sometimes.
    The description makes this one sound perfect.

    In US.

  • Mary Stephens Mitchell says:

    Aaron describes the fragrance with such affection; I can really sense his love for the way the notes come together. I am drawn to the magnolia accord – one of my favorite scents! I have nostalgic love for the sweet, powdery fragrance of Chantilly by Houbigant. Thank you for the opportunity! I’m in the USA.

  • Jacquie says:

    I loved Aaron’s enthusiasm and how he was going to a scented place he adored. I love the art spectacular really and I would love to win this. Don’t know the perfumer but I will research him. My favorite is fougere royale and l’origanale which Princess Diana wore