DSH Perfumes x ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) 2025 + A Gilded Giveaway

The Gold Queen CafleureBon X DSH Perfumes

DSH Perfumes x ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen

“It is with an ebullient heart that I announce the latest Queen in honor of ÇaFleureBon’s15th anniversary. This is my fifth invitation to collaborate with Editor-In-Chief, Michelyn Camen to create a uniquely envisioned Queen. Gold Queen is unlike any of my previous ‘Queen Collaborations’ with Michelyn“. -Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes

Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz and Michelyn Camen

 Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz and Michelyn Camen (gilded and apped)

 ÇaFleureBon’s recent 15th anniversary was a milestone achievement to be commemorated in style, as is EIC Michelyn Camen’s customary wont. Many Queen collaborations have seen the light of day. This year the queen which she and artisanal perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz sought would be radiant, unique, and speak to the concept of gold and the multiple facets available for exploration amidst the olfactory palette. Fruit, flower, resin, wood, and spice clamored for inclusion – and so was breathed into being.

Klimt Head of Hofernes

Klimt Judith and the Head of Holofernes, 1901 wiki commons

Synesthesia being what it is for a visual artist (and here I include Michelyn as well as Dawn; I have seen some of our EIC’s paintings, and they are marvelous, delicate, and evocative), one specific image kept cropping up: Gustav Klimt’s Judith and the Head of Holofernes (aka Judith I), painted in 1901 and currently on display at the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere in Vienna. The irresistible pull of Judith of Bethalia’s appeal could not be stronger – a courageous widow who first seduced and then beheaded the invading Assyrian general Holofernes, thus saving her city and its populace. Both Dawn and Michelyn agreed immediately upon this brave woman whom Dawn refers to as “beautiful, luscious, and powerful”: she was the perfect embodiment for their fragrant collaboration. One glimpse of the painting reveals all. DSH Perfumes x ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen needed to reflect modern perfumery wed to ancient sensibilities, which have been expressed utilizing botanical materials and exquisite, inventive accords created by the perfumer.

“Gold—what can it not do, and undo?” – William Shakespeare

Opoponax Resins courtesy of the perfumer

In DSH Perfumes x ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen, the aromatic ancient world is represented by Old Testament references to precious sweet myrrh (opoponax), sandalwood, and saffron – each of them contributory fragrant components. So, too are dried grapes (not specifically referred to as golden); when it comes to apples, an evocation of golden ones is more in keeping with myth and culture – at times, another appellation for argan fruit, possibly oranges, quinces and tomatoes (i.e., pomodoro). To my nose, the apples are rich, honeyed fruit which blossom in the presence of a sultry peach note, warm tones of neroli and orange blossom, and the mordant brilliance of bergamot. The hot metal of gold leaf finds itself mirrored in what Dawn describes as a gilded leather accord, a form of olfactory counterpoint to the grounding presence of sandalwood and Atlas cedar.

 The jus of Gold Queen macerating via Dawn

Nothing is so sweet as the heirloom varieties of yellow rose – intensely fragrant and tinged with lemon, fruity in themselves – partnered with the richly animalic self-possession of grandiflorum jasmine. Voluptuous as DSH Perfumes x ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen is, she retains a regal element of undeniable dignity which further fleshes out the character of our Old Testament heroine.  A queen worthy of claiming her rightful place amongst the growing pantheon of ÇaFleureBon queens.

Notes: sultana (golden raisin) accord, golden apple, yellow peach, bergamot, gold leaf (metallic) accord, saffron, yellow roses, neroli, orange blossom absolute, grandiflorum jasmine, gilded leather accord, sandalwood, opoponax, Atlas cedar, musk

 Sample provided by the perfumer – many thanks!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

 

DSH Perfumes The Gold Queen

 

Thanks to the generosity of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes, we have one 30 ml EDP of The Gold Queen for one registered reader in the USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment regarding what sparked your interest about Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s and Michelyn Camen’s collaboration and in Ida’s review, and where you live.

DSH Perfumes X ÇaFleureBon The Gold Queen is sold exclusively at DSH Perfumes HERE and at Indigo Perfumery HERE

2024 DSH Perfumes X ÇaFleureBon Green Queen (100 percent botanical) is sold exclusively at DSH Perfumes HERE and at Indigo Perfumery HERE

 2023 DSH Perfumes X ÇaFleureBon Disco Queen

2022 DSH Perfumes X ÇaFleureBon Warrior Queen Available to purchase  at DSH Perfumes

2021 DSH Perfumes X CaFleureBon Drama Queen

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15 comments

  • Casey says:

    This scent profile and inspiration sound amazing! I love the blending of perfume and art, and I’m always looking out for fragrances with Opoponax!

  • scentventurous says:

    I’m so excited to get my nose on this perfume! The inspiration and notes sound incredible.

  • itsme89 says:

    This sounds absolutely intriguing! The concept of “The Gold Queen” and the inspiration behind it, linking regal elegance with the intensity of gold, is captivating. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz consistently crafts such thoughtful and layered fragrances, so I have high expectations for this 2025 release. The combination of notes mentioned – saffron, honey, amber, woods – hints at a rich, warm, and luxurious scent profile that I’m eager to experience. Thank you for sharing this early glimpse and the exciting giveaway opportunity! From US

  • Ellen says:

    Klimt’s use of gold in his paintings is echoed in DSH’s fragrance. It surrounds everything. Lovely review

  • Bloomfields says:

    Oh, my goodness, a new DSH Perfumes creation! The name “The Gold Queen” alone conjures such a powerful and luxurious image. Knowing Dawn’s artistry, I’m picturing something deeply complex and evocative. The described note profile – the spice of saffron, the sweetness of honey, the warmth of amber, and the grounding of woods – is already making my senses tingle with anticipation. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for its 2025 release and crossing my fingers for that gilded giveaway! From US

  • Celala says:

    The very essence of “The Gold Queen,” a collaborative masterpiece from DSH Perfumes and Cafleurebon, paints a breathtaking olfactory portrait. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s artistry, combined with this inspired theme, promises a fragrance of unparalleled beauty and depth. Imagining the radiant shimmer of saffron intertwining with the golden sweetness of honey, all grounded in the rich embrace of amber and noble woods, evokes a sensory experience of true majesty. This glimpse into the 2025 release has ignited a profound anticipation – to encounter a scent that embodies such regal splendor would be a genuine privilege. And that gilded giveaway? A truly enchanting prospect! From US

  • Lhove31 says:

    The Gold Queen” whispers of regal beauty. Saffron and honeyed warmth, grounded in rich woods. A stunning collaboration I eagerly await. And that giveaway? Divine! From US

  • Mchiles30 says:

    Intrigued by “The Gold Queen”! Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s touch always brings such artistry to scent. The notes described sound like a luxurious, captivating blend. Looking forward to learning more about this 2025 release and that wonderful giveaway. From US

  • AGK11 says:

    I own only one bottle of DSH and that’s ambergris 10. Possible the most underrated base fragrance for layering. So to see this 100% botanical fragrance with all its notes is definitely intriguing.

  • Cel35 says:

    This article about the upcoming DSH Perfumes collaboration with Cafleurebon for “The Gold Queen” sounds quite interesting. The idea of a fragrance inspired by regal themes and the color gold is definitely unique. I appreciate them giving us some insight into the potential scent profile, with notes like saffron, honey, amber, and woods being mentioned. It gives a good starting point for imagining what the final product might smell like. It will be something to keep an eye out for closer to its 2025 release to see the full details and reviews. The inclusion of a giveaway is a nice way to generate excitement for the new perfume. From US

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Little did I know there were other collaborations already, Michelyn is a working woman! A very interesting array of notes but according to Ida, they all come together to form the most beautiful and golden of scents. Jasmine can be a tough note to work with and many people dislike the smell but in this one, the surrounding notes really do play to the strength of the jasmine forming a nostalgic fragrance to remind us of better days. My interest is peaking to sample this one. I’m located in the USA.

  • opalbear says:

    I love a gold perfume!! I think of Amouage Gold and Ysatis and Amarige and big shoulder padded 80s floral basalmic bold beauties!!! I loooove that style. This sounds incredible and I adore Dawn’s work. I can’t wait to try this. A big wish that I win this time! Thank you for the generous giveaway. I am located in the U.S.

  • teatreesoil says:

    the combination of so many disparate notes, united by their association with “gold” color, is interesting… all of them in isolation sound appealing, and i’m curious how dawn spencer hurwitz chose to blend these altogether. thanks ida for guiding my mind into what to expect (honeyed fruits + peach + bergamot against a leather and cedarwood base… yum!)
    the epononymous “gold queen” of judith of bethalia is a timeless icon of willpower and fortitude… definitely excited for this collaboration!

    located in VA, US

  • mdellaroc says:

    DSH is a master for sure. And I know she can take inspiration and run with it to new heights. I can’t imagine the depth she created with such a vision. This will surely be golden. In maryland.