JusBox Perfumes Visionary Eye by Karl
“The tension there is terrific, and it forced me to re-evaluate my position in any given society.” David Bowie.
The idea of escapism, change, questioning of one’s identity encapsulated in a watershed moment is something quite magical and challenging. Opening up to new possibilities and treading a new path is both nerve wracking and exciting. JusBox Perfumes founded by Andrea and Chiara Valdo is an Italian brand who interprets eras and musical genres that evoke strong emotions. Their latest release for 2022 is Visionary Eye, a perfume where the note of Iris is reimagined through the lens of master perfumer Dominique Ropion (IFF) and inspired by David Bowie’s time spent in Berlin in the 1970s, where he reinvented himself both artistically and musically.
Dominique Ropion courtesy of the perfumer
Andrea and Chiara Valdo’s relationship with Dominique Ropion is well established (he was the perfumer for Live N Loud, Feather Supreme, Beat Café and more). However, this is the first Iris centric perfume of the collection and a unique take on a note, which can sometimes come off as overly powdery and melancholic. Here it is transformed by Monsieur Ropion using Iris (Orris Ultimate MD LMR) as the central theme producing a fragrance of power, with both light and shade. Taking a traditional ingredient and turning it into a new age and adventurous experience must have been an arduous task and with Visionary Eye the iris has been transformed into something truly special.
David Bowie in Berlin approximately 1976 via reddit
JusBox Perfumes Visionary Eye feels futuristic and explosive but at the same time comforting and it seems very experimental. Given that Bowie came to Berlin to reconnect and begin anew the fusion of his music and the creativity of JusBox’s vision here using an avant-garde blend of raw materials seems appropriate. Berlin in the mid-late 1970’s was going through a metamorphosis and the city’s artistic and cultural identity shifted substantially. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and the name of Visionary Eye is fantastic name for a scent which reflects the beauty of fluidity in terms of artistic license and gender. JusBox Visionary Eye inhabits the ideal of compromising a plethora of hues on the colour spectrum. White light communicates a dramatic and abstract effect and one can associate it with the new sense of freedom Bowie felt, his recordings with Iggy Pop and the creation of Ziggy Stardust. Far from being linear Visionary Eye symbolises experimentation and unconstrained vision.
Photo by Federica Bell for Jusbox Perfumes
This fragrance feels incredibly atmospheric. The opening of bergamot, wormwood and white thyme from Spain produces an aromatic sensation akin to absinthe. This is offset in the heart by cinnamon and Ceylon LMR where spices dance into our consciousness. The note of lavender is deftly introduced and juxtaposes stunningly with the heat and sweetness of the cinnamon. These notes interweave subtly with the orris, which is buttery and smooth. The base of sandalwood, vanilla and musk beautifully compliments the heart and cocoons us in a silky embrace.
Karl in Berlin 11/2/2022 !!!
Visionary Eye is a transitional scent. The heart of Iris is a precious and well-known ingredient and tried and true in perfumery. However, here it feels different. There is a depth and vibrancy to it and Monsieur Ropion takes us into a new dimension fusing the traditional and futuristic. The creaminess is evident it feels decadent, but the surrounding notes bring across a dynamism and spark which is very surprising. By using aromatic and spicy accords the effect is multidimensional and creates a ground-breaking aesthetic essence – one I have never experienced before and the choice to link it with the genius of David Bowie is telling.
Notes: Bergamot, Wormwood, White Thyme (Spain), Cinnamon, Ceylon LMR, Lavender, Iris (Orris Ultimate MD LMR), Sandalwood, Vanilla accord, Musk. *Cruelty Free.
JusBox Perfumes Visionary Eye by Karl
Karl Topham, UK Brand Ambassador and Senior Editor. JusBox Visionary Eye kindly sent for review purposes, opinions my own.
Thanks to the generosity of JusBox Perfumes we have a 78 ml of bottle of JusBox Perfumes Visionary Eye for one registered reader in the US, UK, EU You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Karl’s review and where you live. Do you have a favorite JusBox Perfumes? Is there an inflection point in modern music history or musician you would like to see made into a perfume. (Michelyn would like MC Lyte, the first solo female rapper to release her own album in1988). Draw closes 11/5/2022
Please listen to this Spotify playlist created for Visionary Eye
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Please read JusBox Perfumes Sirens & Sailors and Beat Café reviews by Lauryn Beer
JusBox Perfumes Night Flow reviewed by former Senior Contributor Maryanne Butler here
JusBox Use/Abuse review by Editor Emeritus, Robert Herrmann (RIP) here
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