Bois1920 Sandalvia and Scorzaforza Ida’s photo
One of the many joys I experienced at Esxence Milano this year occurred at the Bois 1920 booth, where its two new fragrances Bois 1920 Sandalvia and Scorzaforza from the Giardinomirabile Collection were on display. I love that the names alone give pleasure – ‘Giardinomirabile’ may be translated to ‘garden of wonders’ – and both offerings, illustrate this concept brilliantly. Sandalvia sports a composite name: sandalwood (sandalo) amalgamated with salvia, aka clary sage; Scorzaforza translates as ‘powerful peel/zest’ – which is patently true, in a marvelous way. Choosing between the two is an exercise in futility for me, because each possesses a distinctly pleasing personality. Both fragrances are upliftingly realistic in a natural, unforced manner, and if you examine the materials employed that should be no surprise, for the lion’s share of aromatics employed are botanically-based.
Unsplash image of Firenze
I have admired the Firenze-based house of Bois 1920 since their first fragrances appeared, which were released in 2005. At the time, they were the very soul of niche – scents which were not designed for mass appeal and intended as fragrant works of art. There was a good deal of controversy over them initially, and individuals either adored them or eschewed them, with very little middle ground in between. Over the years I have purchased several and decanted them for my friends’ pleasure. Since 2005, it’s fair to say that the perfumed public has undergone many changes of heart and predilection – and Bois 1920 has accommodated their tastes while maintaining its ability to remain current, relatable, and relevant without sacrificing quality. Another factor in their favor lies with their presentation: all of Bois 1920’s fragrances are artfully executed, with heavy, lovely-in-the-hand-and-to-look-at flacons and gorgeous packaging – so their multi-sensorial appeal demonstrates an attention to detail on several levels. When I compare price-per quality-per size ratios, Bois 1920 is in keeping with current prices and comparatively less expensive than many of the 100 ml bottles out there. They now offer much smaller sizes, which are so convenient – and easier to take with you when you’re traveling.
Botticelli Primavera via Wikipedia
The Giardinomirabile Collection is referred to as “an anthology of fictional perfumes and imaginary plants”. While I appreciate their enticing copy, I find Sandalvia and Scorzaforza to be wholly of our current-day world, and as beautiful, original, and undemanding as any fragrances I’ve recently experienced. Please, do not mistake my use of ‘undemanding’ for anything but praise: it can easily become tiresome to possess (mainly) perfumes which are challenging and demand a certain mood or occasion in order for one to wear them comfortably. Not so with the Giardinomirabile Collection. They are never boring, and are carefree and easy-going in temperament – qualities which make them a commodious and versatile choice under all circumstances. They are labeled ‘parfum’, but no one will ever accuse you of smelling perfumey – quite helpful when one works in a scent-sensitive environment. You can have your cake and eat it, too.
Bois 1920 Sandalvia via the brand website
Bois 1920 Sandalvia is an olfactory lullaby couched in sophistication and suavity. Perhaps that sounds odd to you, but this parfum is elegantly Italian and subtle. Sandalvia opens with a bright bolt of bergamot, happily paired with a tender touch of cardamom and incense. Clary sage’s well-known herbalcy reads as tonic, not astringent or harsh – and immortelle (showing us its herbal facet, not the syrupy one) and saffron burnish the composition. All of these elements are supported by a lustrous base of cedar, sandalwood, a modest quantity of amber and muted musk. I’m not doing Sandalvia justice here; it is one fragrance which is a delight to wear, and wear often. Soothing, refined, and discreet, you could don it every day without a second thought.
Bois 1920 Sandalvia notes: bergamot, cardamom, incense, clary sage, helichrysum (immortelle), saffron, cedar, sandalwood, amber, musk.
Bois 1920 Scorzaforza via Facebook
Bois 1920 Scorzaforza is citrus charm personified, treated lovingly with an added twist. Its abundance is enchantingly Mediterranean, initiated by bergamot, lemon, mandarin and petitgrain. The unanticipated twist arises from a lively mint note, accented by a sagacious choice of muguet and rose – each of which is handled with great care and a light hand. These heart notes serve to provide an exquisite expansion of the overall composition, astutely bridging radiant head notes and a gentle, earthy base. Scorzaforza smells genuinely natural and effortless, which renders it attractive and magnetic – all without fuss. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to include it in one’s regular fragrance rotation?
Bois 1920 Scorzaforza notes: lemon, mandarin, bergamot, petitgrain, mint, lily of the valley, rose, white musk, amber, cedarwood, patchouli
Bois 1920 Sandalvia and Scorzaforza via Facebook and Instagram,
It’s apparent (by now) that Bois 1920 Sandalvia and Scorzaforza are among my favorites; they are irresistible and universally appealing. I appreciate how easy it is to reach for them and never be disappointed; that they are truly for everyone, whenever one wishes. In warmer months/climes, I can foresee the pleasure of keeping them refrigerated in order to feel completely refreshed and sophisticated. The best part: you don’t even have to try.
* Cristian Calabro and Chris Maurice have been listed as the perfumers for Bois 1920, but I was unable to determine who is/are responsible for the creation of Sandalvia and Scorzaforza.
My samples were kindly offered by this year’s Esxence Milano Bois 1920 booth. My nose is my own…
~ Ida Meister, Deputy, and Natural Perfumery Editor
Thanks to the generosity of a team member, we are offering 1.2 ml samples of Bois 1920 Sandalvia and Bois 1920 Scorzaforza for one registered ÇaFleureBon reader in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered, click here.). You must register or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment about what intrigued you based on Ida’s review and please state that you live in the contiguous USA. Which appeals to you the most? Draw closes 5/10/2024
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