Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu x Victor de Souza (Bertrand Duchaufour) 2023 + A Fashionably Delicious Giveaway

Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu X Victor de Souza

Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu by Olya Bar©

As trends in perfumery evolve, one thing is certain: the love for vanilla remains constant. Its adaptability to modern lives and tastes—where it can be fresh and savory or dark and resinous—ensures that it will continue to be the muse for many more fragrances.

Navitus Parfums x Victor de Souza New York fashion Week 2023

 @Victordesouzany Instagram

Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu was created in collaboration with New York-based designer Victor De Souza, who has created a multitude of beautiful couture over the years and a custom made-to-order atelier where he meticulously design stunning gowns and one-of-a-kind haute couture fashion pieces for his selected clientele. His fragrance, created in collaboration with a brilliant perfumer, Bertrand Duchaufour, is one decadent dish he decided to serve to anyone willing to dive into the luxurious universe of vanilla. Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu feels like a celebration of the queen ingredient. Think of this perfume as a decadent dessert menu in two acts: first, a caramelized vanilla bean crème brûlée tartlet followed by Tahitian vanilla gelato drizzled with rum. Let’s dig in.

Vanilla perfumes by Bertrand Duchaufour

via Unsplash

The First Act: Chocolate Crème Brûlée 

As the golden crust of the crème brûlée cracks under the gentle pressure of a spoon, a waft of warm cardamom, toasted tonka beans rises, reminiscent of fireside evenings and hushed whispers. This is the scent of nostalgia, a lullaby from the past. Beneath this caramelized surface lies the custard, rich and luscious, where the star is the chocolate. The aroma is not just sweet but complex; it possesses floral undertones and a depth that speaks of its journey—from the orchid-laden regions of Madagascar to the plate before you.

via unsplash

The Second Act: Vanilla Gelato with Rum

Transitioning to the Madagascan vanilla gelato drizzled with rum, one is transported to the islands. As the gelato melts on the tongue, these notes are released, mingling with the unmistakable warmth of aged rum. The rum’s aroma, with its hints of molasses, spice, and oak, acts as a perfect counterbalance to the delicate, ethereal quality of the vanilla, enveloped with the creamy sensuality of sandalwood and an aftertaste of the delicate white musk. 

Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu x Victor de Souza is a testament to vanilla’s transformative power. Just as it evolves on the palate, moving from the tartlet’s deep richness to the gelato’s lightness, in perfumery, it transitions from the profound base to all the lusciousness of the heart and sometimes, even flirts as a top note.

Notes for Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu include: Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Rum Absolute, Guatemalan Cardamom, Chocolate, Driftwood, Madagascan Vanilla, Brazilian Tonka Bean, New Caledonian Sandalwood, White Musk.

The bottle was kindly gifted to me but opinions are always my own.

Olya Bar, Editor

Bertrand Duchaufour perfumer

 Bertrand Duchaufour courtesy of the perfumer©

Editor’s Note: Bertrand Duchaufour is considered one of the best perfumers of the past three decades: Timbuktu for L’Artisan Parfumeur is a ÇaFleureBon modern masterpiece (you can read Michelyn’s interview with Bertrand Duchaufour here).

Check out Steven’s  video review of Navitus Parfums Miel Extase here 

Navitus Parfums Victor de Souza Splendeur Absolu

Navitus Parfums Splendour Absolu in its full presentation by Olya Bar©

Thanks to Nativus Parfums  we have a 125ml bottle of Navitus Splendeur Absolu for one registered CaFleureBon reader in the USA ONLY. To be eligible, YOU MUST REGISTER and leave a comment on this site with what you enjoyed about Olya’s review. Draw closes 11/1/2023 but will not be announced until up to two weeks later.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @olyabar @navitusparfums @victordesouzany

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We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like ÇaFleureBon and use our blog feed… or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

 

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40 comments

  • This sounds really gorgeous and perfect for fall. What intrigues me most is the nuances of the rum. Olya mentioned the many nuances of rum, with its touches of molasses, spice, and oak. All of those would combine deliciously with vanilla. Best of luck to everyone. I live in NC, USA.

  • I have been on the search for a special perfume for my brother and his fiance for their upcoming winter wedding in the south- this vanilla and rum masterpiece with a lightness (and “flirtation” potentially?) might suit them both! I would love to try it…thank you for this generous draw. USA.

  • Great job, Olya!
    I am a huge fan of Navitus Parfums, being Aweigh my favorite one yet.
    Splendeur Absolu looks like one amazing fragrance and something that I really need to try.
    Vanilla based fragrances are something I totally adore and this one which comes in 2 acts as Chocolate Crème Brûlée and Vanilla Gelato with Rum is something I really need to try.
    The uniqueness in this fragrance is outstanding and I really need to try.
    USA here.

  • Karen Ruano says:

    Every time Olya leaves a review, it makes me want that fragrance so badly. To describe something to smell similar to a crème brûlée, I NEED it ! I really want to get my nose on this!

  • What I enjoyed about Olya’s review is how the composition of the perfume evoked a sense of being in the midst of a palette of delightful experiences, the first act in which the star is the chocolate and the second act in which the warmth of the aged rum acts as a counterbalance to the ethereal, delicate quality of the vanilla. It gives the feeling of being transported to the islands. Thank you for the opportunity. From New York, USA.

  • This sentence right here is literally all you need to know about how good this probably smells, “Think of this perfume as a decadent dessert menu in two acts: first, a caramelized vanilla bean crème brûlée tartlet followed by Tahitian vanilla gelato drizzled with rum. Let’s dig in.” NYC USA

  • Lindsay Beavers says:

    I loved how the review likened traveling the notes of the perfume to consuming a decadent dessert. All of the notes in this scent sound absolutely amazing! I am located in Colorado, USA.

  • Well, the review made me drool. I”m not kidding. And now I have to go find a recipe for vanilla rum gelato to run through the ice cream maker…
    !!
    I live in the U.S.

  • Thank you Olya, that was quite an evocative review and I did see myself gently digging into the crème brûlée 🙂 Navitus Splendeur Absolu sounds absolutely divine. I’m in TX USA

  • Really love a good vanilla fragrance in the cold seasons. Splendeur Absolu’s transitions make it incredible unique to me, which Olya beautifully describes.
    TX, USA.

  • whimsical diva says:

    Ooh, a boozy vanilla – the best kind of vanilla. I liked the description of how rum counterbalances vanilla’s sweetness. I’d love to enter the draw. I live in California

  • Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu sounds absolutely delicious. Olya’s review made me quite hungry for chocolate crème brûlée. Her comment about Splendeur Absolu’s crème brûlée being “reminiscent of fireside evenings and hushed whispers” is enough to make me want a bottle. The Second Act of vanilla gelato with rum sounds just as delicious as the first act. I am glad that the rum’s aroma counterbalances the vanilla. All of the notes sound incredible. Also, Bertrand Duchaufour is an amazing perfumer and is one of my favorites! I have no doubt that Splendeur Absolu is excellent. I would love to own a bottle of it.

    Thank you, Olya, for the mouthwatering review, and thank you to Navitus Parfums for the giveaway. I am located in the USA.

  • This sounds amazing ! Thank you for the opportunity a good luck everyone. I live in Sc, USA .

  • Deep and dark sounding gourmand. Rich ingredients, complimenting one another. Nothing sounds out of place so I’d love to see what the final product is.

  • Deep and dark sounding gourmand. Rich ingredients, complimenting one another. Nothing sounds out of place so I’d love to see what the final product is. Jacksonville, NC

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I love Bertrand’s work. From the review this sounds like a nice boozy delight. I’d love to win and live in Indiana.

  • This sounds amazing. I love a good gourmand and the story it tells. This review was beautifully written as I felt like I could smell it through the screen, thank you Olya. I live in texas.

  • What a delectable combination of notes! Olya’s description makes me want to run out and buy it immediately! Navitus makes some of the best creations!
    I live in the US.

  • Lisa Binkman says:

    Wow, Olya. Reading your review had my mouth watering through out. Splendeur Absolu sounds like the gourmand of my dreams… crème brûlée and rum poured over vanilla gelato, my heavens.
    Lisa US

  • Thank you, Olya, for the review. I absolutely love the way you describe Navitus Splendeur Absolu with nostalgic desserts like caramelized vanilla bean crème brûlée tartlet and Tahitian vanilla gelato. It reminds me of early Christmas mornings. Looking at the description and notes, I have a feeling this is going to be the ultimate vanilla fragrance. This fragrance, along with many others from Nativus Parfums, are a most try.
    Followed on Instagram. Much love from NY,US!

  • I usually don’t gravitate towards gourmand fragrances, however Olya’s review has me salivating. If the first act is comparable to chocolate creme brûlée and the second act is reminiscent of a rum soaked vanilla gelato, them sign me up! This scent sounds perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I’m in the US.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Olya’s review had my mouth watering. I’m a sucker for gourmand fragrances especially ones with vanilla & chocolate. This would be my 1st Navitus fragrance,
    one I would love to add to my collection.

    Los Angeles Ca USA

  • I love how descriptive the whole review is. Not only do I want the fragrance, I’m also wanting dessert. ” Vanilla gelato drizzled with rum.”
    “Sensuality of sandalwood and an aftertaste of the delicate white musk.”
    It’s seem like the perfect name name for this amazing gourmand fragrance.

  • What is not to love about vanilla. I’m sure Bertrand could work some magic with this over used note. I’m sure he can make it stand out from the crowd. I’m captured by the custard with the star of chocolate in the first act. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • BeckaBella3 says:

    Reading this review just made me crave dessert, but not any kind I want something with chocolate crème and vanilla bean gelato. Yummy. Love Vanilla. I have never tried Navitus Parfums but I have been intrigued by them in the past since it seems they know how to do gourmand fragrances in a very wearable and agreeable manner which if I am being honest is not easy to do in my book. I find a lot of gourmands too overwhelming or something is always missing in others. I guess I am what you call a very picky person when it comes to gourmands lol. This house has had a lot of recent reviews that seem honest and have me curious to explore and give it a try…Greetings from California USA

  • I love vanilla fragrances! I appreciate Olya dividing up the types of gourmand vanillas scents in such a way that you can tell just which type of warm vanilla scent to expect. My fear is getting a fragrance with that powdery vanilla, not the cozy blanket kind. Painted the picture well.

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thank you to Olya for the review!

    Splendeur Absolu sounds like a splendid gourmand, and I’d love to give it a try.

  • I’m always ready for sensual, deep and rich cold weather fragrances done right ✅
    Coziness, positive emotions , romantic occasions all are part of the festive sensation coming from Splendeur Absolu . The fragrance is not overly sweet, or too boozy or spicy, it checks all the boxes, I’ll gladly wear it on dates, or concerts. Other than the modern masterpiece Timbuktu Bertrand Duchaufour is the perfumer behind Amouage Jubilation XXV, Penhaligon’s Sartorial, L’Artisan Noir Exquis and Traversee du Bosphore , and Navitus Absolutio, I know he did great again with Splendeur Absolu .
    From Navitus I’m happy to have Absolutio , and Vivamor. Compliments galore from both , each and every time.
    Overly exciting giveaway , USA
    Regards

  • I don’t have any vanilla perfumes in my regular rotation, but it’s such a beautiful note. Navitus Parfums Splendeur Absolu sounds like a really sweet take, starting with spiced tonka, and then settling into a boozy, browned concoction. I’m intrigued by the range of expressions the vanilla takes here; “it transitions from the profound base to all the lusciousness of the heart and sometimes, even flirts as a top note.”

    I’m in the USA.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Wow two HUGE names working on a fragrance for Navitus, I’m so pumped for Splendeur Absolu. Bertrand Duchaufour is a famous perfumer for a good reason, Timbuktu is on my skin at the moment.
    If Bertrand Duchaufour is a superstar in the fragrance industry, Argentinian born artist Victor de Souza is just as big of a star in the fashion industry.
    He’s name stated to to pop up in the early 2000s when Alicia Keys started wearing his clothes, and corsets ,and Mary J. Blige hired him to design the wardrobe for her worldwide tour. Now in late 2023 Victor de Souza is a superstar.
    Classic Dior, Schiaparelli and Channel couture lines from the 50s and 60s heavily inform his aesthetic , he’s FW23 line is suited for the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn with double-breasted blazers in muted paisley , different styles of buttons in each row , paired with shorts of the same material .
    I love how Victor de Souza is adding an element of surprise to familiar looks from different eras.
    Haute couture meets niche perfumery, my expectations for Splendeur Absolu are so high. Aged rum , gelato ,spices and creamy sandalwood collaboration with Victor de Souza…can’t wait.
    Thank you Olya, Bertrand Duchaufour , Navitus , Victor de Souza
    USA

  • “The First Act: Chocolate Crème Brûlée”

    “The Second Act: Vanilla Gelato with Rum”

    Hello , Pastry Chef in the house Special thanks to Olya for the beautiful culinary references .
    Bertrand Duchaufour career is remarkable , he cooked so many successful, beautiful and popular fragrances , from Jubilation XXV from Amouage to Timbuktu and Noir Exquis from L’Artisan Parfumeur.
    Being a Pastry Chef Splendeur Absolu is a fragrance I’ll be grateful to win .
    A lot of famous perfumers worked with Navitus, not just Bertrand Duchaufour.
    Jorge Lee is the one , who cooked my two favorites Navitus Parfums fragrances, Vivamor and Serenade.
    Appreciate the 10/10 gourmand review , and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Happy to know Splendeur Absolu is made by such a great, and accomplished perfumer like Bertrand Duchaufour
    I’d love to win the fragrance because of the delicious gourmand and spicy aspects , and especially the comforting base . The rum i think will make it quite seductive , LBD is waiting for me . I know I’d enjoy Splendeur Absolu especially during the Fall and Winter weather.
    Aubade (Lyrik) , collaboration between Julien Rasquinet and Dominique Ropion , is the best Navitus fragrance I’ve smelled . Aubade (Lyrik) , The Embrace and Navus are the Navitus Parfums fragrances I own.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Olya, your review has me sitting here salivating. This sounds like such a wonderful gourmand. The note of vanilla holds a near and dear place in my heart.

    Some of my favorite Navitus Parfums are: Raised Spirits, Oud Luxuria, Empyreal, Ambrosia Imperiale, and Aweigh.

    The notes listed in Splendeur Absolu along with the olfactory magic known to be produced by master perfumer, Bertrand Duchaufour…this one has no choice but to be one of my newest fragrance additions. Looking forward to it 🙂
    Pennsylvania, USA

  • Creme brulee is one of my favorites deserts, as is gelato, and a fabulous vanilla gelato is so rewarding. I would love to enjoy Victor De Souza’s scent, and a Bertrand Duchaufour scent would be great. I’m in the US

  • KrystalNicole says:

    I have a big sweet tooth and this review made me have a bigger one! This sounds so good! The delicious stages it goes through sound like some of my favorite desserts to eat and I am all for smelling like them! Vanilla is one of my favorite notes. I haven’t tried anything from navitus yet but this one sounds like a winner when I do seek out some samples. Thanks for the draw and review!

    Entering from the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved Olya’s review of Navitus Parfums Splendour Absolu. Olya describes this
    Bertrand Duchaufour creation beautifully. This sounds like a breathtaking gourmand which is one of my favorite categories of fragrances. With the Chocolate, Vanilla, and Rum in this it sounds absolutely divine. I’m from the USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    I enjoyed reading Olya’s review, especially as it was divided into two acts. The first act that journeys to Madagascar sounds divine. Then, in the second act, we travel to the rum islands. I always love how a good vanilla fragrance can take the wearer on a journey with all of its facets. Splendeur Absolu, created by master perfumer Bernard Duchaufour, sounds like another masterpiece.
    I live in the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the nice writeup!
    I enjoyed reading through the celebration of vanilla in two acts – the first being a spicy, chocolatey brulee and the second as a more boozy interpretation.

    A true vanilla gourmand.

    Cheers from WI, USA