Ormonde Jayne Arabesque (Ormonde Jayne Studio) 2023 + Sand and Souk Giveaway

Ormonde Jayne Arabesque

Image of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque by Karl©

With a plethora of rose / oudh perfumes flooding the marketplace you may ask what differentiates the new 2023 release Arabesque by Ormonde Jayne London? For me I evaluate all fragrances on the following factors; firstly the originality of the composition and secondly the quality of ingredients used.

It is all in a name. “Arabesque” carries profound connotations, bridging the worlds of Arabic artistry and the grace of elegant dance. Ormonde Jayne Arabesque is the newest addition to the Four Corners of the Earth Collection, where each fragrance aims to encapsulate the essence of a specific region, making it not just a scent but a cultural and sensory experience.

Linda Pilkington of Ormonde Jayne

Image of Ormonde Jayne founder, perfumer and Creative Director Linda Pilkington courtesy of the brand

Ormonde Jayne has recently gone through a revamping process of the presentation of their flacons as Linda Pilkington recently explained to us: “Ormonde Jayne’s new bespoke perfume design features our trademark 8-sided shape with newly designed shoulders, holding 88mls. Using a high-grade glass and increased lead content, the bottles are polished to a crystal finish. 

So what sets Ormonde Jayne Arabesque apart? Ormonde Jayne is renowned for its unique and opulent fragrance palette, and Arabesque is no exception. Saffron, with its warm and spicy character, takes the lead, followed by the timeless elegance of jasmine. The inclusion of rose absolute adds a touch of floral sophistication, while patchouli and oudh contribute depth and richness to the composition.

Best spicy perfumes

Spices from a Souk courtesy of Unsplash

The fragrance journey of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque begins with a heady mix of bergamot and spices, which dance together with the subtle sweetness of blackcurrant. This initial burst of aroma captures the essence of bustling souks in the Middle East, where fragrant spices and exotic ingredients intertwine to create a sensory spectacle. The blackcurrant used in the opening is a distinctive touch and it adds an extra dimension to the fragrance and a mouth watering experience.

As the scent unfolds, the heart of Arabesque reveals itself with the blooming grace of jasmine and the subtle nuance of rose absolute. These floral notes mirror the Arabesque dance, where every movement is a work of art.

courtesy of Unsplash

The base of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque is composed of moss, musk and oudh. These elements add complexity to the perfume, grounding it in a subtle and alluring manner. The interplay of moss and musk results in a fragrant experience that is as vast and enchanting as the desert itself. In 2022, I had the privilege of witnessing the vibrant life in the Middle East. The lively atmosphere and myriad of scents were a sensory overload. The rich heritage and traditions of the region, and it’s in these busy marketplaces that one can truly appreciate the inspiration behind Arabesque.

Arabesque from Ormonde Jayne London

Image of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque by Karl©

The serene and vast dunes of the desert offer a stark contrast to the souks. The tranquil beauty of the endless sands, stretching as far as the eye could see, was a humbling experience. Arabesque’s composition echo this sense of vast spaciousness. Ormonde Jayne Arabesque takes the rose / oudh genre, adds unique twists and fine raw materials, which set it apart from the crowd, thoughtfully done with the Ormonde Jayne signature of quality at its heart.

Notes: Blackcurrant, Italian Bergamot, Black Pepper, Saffron, Jasmine, Rose Absolute, Musk, Moss, Patchouli, Oudh.

Disclaimer: Bottle of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque sent to Karl for review, thoughts are his own.

 

Ormonde Jayne Arabesque

Image of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque courtesy of the brand.

Thanks to the generosity of Ormonde Jayne, we have a 88 ml bottle of Arabesque for one registered reader in the USA, EU & UK ONLY. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what intrigues you most based on Karl’s review and where you live. What is your favourite Ormonde Jayne perfume? Draw closes 10/22/2023

Please read Linda Pilkington’s Creative Director essay. If you would like for your comment to count twice please leave in your comment a quote from Linda Pilkington from that piece here.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @karl.topham @ormondejayne

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66 comments

  • Jo Delaney says:

    The blackcurrant note is the most intriguing. Many do not know this berry but here in the UK its a part of childhood thanks to a very popular drink. I have never smelled it in a fragrance. My favourite OJ perfume is the legendary Ormonde Woman- a walk through an enchanted forest at midnight. I am in the UK

  • Jeremi says:

    Moss intrigues me the most, I would definetly love it. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU. Xadria would probably be my favorite but this one must be beautiful also.

  • FC says:

    It seems Ormonde Jayne Arabesque does capture that particular Ormonde Jayne DNA, especially, the combination of citrusy and spicy opening. The scent later morphs into a floral phase of rose absolute and jasmine before ending the journey on a musky, oudh note. My fav. Ormonde Jayne is Nawab of Oudh. I am in US.

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    Tobacco interests me the most considering that it’s a new world plant and I’m very curious how OJ ties it in to a scent that is inspired by a decidedly old world theme.

    I really want to see how this stacks up against Goldfield and Banks’ Desert Rosewood.

    FL, USA

  • perusegenesis says:

    Thank you for this wonderful review, Karl! 🙂 The note I’m most intrigued by would be the blackcurrants from the top, really into mouthwatering fruity notes. Curious if this could be MY rose-oudh, I also love moss generally, this combination seems excellent. My current favorite from Ormonde Jayne would have to be Champaca, it’s simple and relaxed but I’m obsessed with it. I really liked Linda Pilkington’s essay, this was my first time reading it! Loved this passage too – “I already know what the scent will smell like, the entrance, the dry down. I know the basic accord of the formulation, the oils I will search for but the most important aspect is the philosophy of why it has to be like it is. ”. I’m currently residing in Romania, Europe.

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    Saffron interests me the most considering that it’s used in so many different “leather accords”. I’m curious if it can be done in a way that doesn’t immedietly make my girlfriend tell me that I smell like a car seat.

    I really want to see how this stacks up against Goldfield and Banks’ Desert Rosewood.

    FL, USA

  • liquidasset77 says:

    This house continues to put forth high quality, experiment and elegant perfumes. I’m a big fan Nawab and Taif Elixir which are tier 1 perfumes and not to mention Black Gold. very much looking forward to experiencing this offering.

  • Wendy says:

    Thank you, Karl, for the review.
    The description of the opening with warm spices was interesting and I’m most intrigued by the blossoming of the hearts notes. Osamanthus is my favorite of the few I’ve tried from Ormonde Jayne. This house produces high quality perfumes and has many unique perfumes, which is great for people like me who like experimenting and trying new scents!
    I’ve read Linda Pilkington’s Creative Director essay. I love the way she goes about making perfume: “No constraints, no financial confinements, no timings, just pure creativity.”

    Followed on Instagram. Much love from NY,US!

  • Arron_Q says:

    I love Ormonde Jayne fragrances. The signature DNA of the brand exudes class and elegance. They all sparkle and lift you off your feet in a very particular way. You feel rich wearing them. Choosing a single favorite is hard, and I simply cannot pick an absolute winner. Both Montabaco Intensivo and Muskat are stunning and work so well with my skin that I would have them tied for first place. Could Arabesque dethrone them? Perhaps. I love rose/oud combos, despite them being overdone. When rose/oud perfumes are done well, they can be very hard to beat. I would love to see how Ormonde Jayne approaches this classic duo. I can just about guarantee it will still have that signature sparkling effervescence they are known for. Pairing that with airy rose, smoky oud, and suede-like saffron sounds delightful to me. I imagine this to be strikingly sophisticated and opulent. I would love to give it a shot. Best of luck to everyone. I live in NC, USA.

  • INYA says:

    Love Ormonde Jayne fragrances. One of my favs is Tolu. Arabesque sounds lovely with its jasmine, rose and moss notes. Thanks for another wonderful review and draw. Mich USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    “I travelled far and met some incredible people along the way, I’ve learnt so much by taking the hands-on approach at every level. The studio is now bigger and better and right by Regents Park in London. Ormonde Jayne is a British perfume house; the candles oils and perfumes are all created by me, Linda Pilkington, translated by GezaSchoen and put together by our wonderful team of craftsmen at our own London studio. We stay in touch with our clients and have a dedicated Customer Service team to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

    I’ve been a Linda Pilkington fan for a very long time , a fighter and a dreamer at once.
    I know most of Ormonde Jayne fragrances, Arabesque included, and if I have to rate my favorite ones depending on my mood , all 4 i own:
    1. Frangipani Made to Measure
    2. Ta’if Elixir
    3. Tolu /Montabaco Verano

    “Ormonde Jayne has recently gone through a revamping process of the presentation of their flacons as Linda Pilkington recently explained to us: “Ormonde Jayne’s new bespoke perfume design features our trademark 8-sided shape with newly designed shoulders, holding 88mls. Using a high-grade glass and increased lead content, the bottles are polished to a crystal finish.”

    I was not aware of the new presentation, good to know. Speaking of presentation, on the “Ormonde Jayne-distinctive fragrances and packaging” picture in the Linda Pilkington essay, on the left side , in front of a orange box is a bottle of the original Ormonde Jayne premium line called Made to Measure. Back in the days there was an option to pay extra for a crystal bottle with red ribbon , and to choose your own concentration of most available Ormonde Jayne fragrances, up to 50% .My bottle of Frangipani is part of the line , with 50% concentration .
    I fully agree with Karl about Arabesque , high end overload of saffron and other spices, jammy rose, clean jasmine and oud. Middle Eastern spice market like fragrance indeed. In my opinion the fragrance is classy, and suited for formal occasions, not something you wear on everyday basis.
    All profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • Scentsational Exchange says:

    Karl’s review of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque beautifully highlights the distinctiveness of this fragrance within the rose/oudh genre. The note that intrigues me the most based on his review is blackcurrant in the opening. Its description as adding an extra dimension and a mouthwatering experience to the fragrance piques my interest, as it seems to bring a unique and tantalizing twist to the scent’s initial burst of aroma. It’s always exciting to discover fragrances that incorporate less common notes in creative ways.

    My favorite fragrance by Ormonde Jayne is Evernia.

    I sm from Germany EU

  • Frank G says:

    The note that intrigued me the most based on Karl’s review is that of saffron. From what I read on other forums it’s one of the most expensive ingredients in the world and one I don’t see used often in perfumery. I’ve tried a sample of Ormonde Man and remember getting a compliment from a co-worker which was cool. I need to try more from this house to be able to find the one I love. A quote from Linda Pilkington’s Creative Director essay that was interesting was..”Ormonde Jayne was one of the first perfume houses to use Oudh (Ormonde Jayne Man) in an international fine fragrance,”. Thank you for the opportunity. From New York, USA.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Saffron, with its warm and spicy character, takes the lead, followed by the timeless elegance of jasmine, the inclusion of rose absolute adds a touch of floral sophistication.
    I am from EU

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    Wonderful words Karl on a beautiful fragrance, I treasure my travel size and a full bottle is definitly on my list. I will be writing it soon also as it spoke volumes to me instantly. Thank you for this beautiful insight, its rich and voluminous tapestry is written here, Thank You, I live in SW France

  • zazazelle says:

    It is hard to choose which note intrigues me the most in the new Arabesque fragrance, because most of them are my favorites – i will say bergamot and patchouli, but it seems they are not playing the main role here. I feel the composition is mostly arranged around black-currant, rose and spices and that also sounds good. I also like the naming.
    I read the essay about Linda Pilkington and it was very inspiring. “It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect color of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.”
    My favorite from the line is Ormonde Jayne Woman, but I haven’t tried many, so my new favorite may be Arabesque.
    Thank you, best regards from Riga-Latvia-EU!

  • Amaziz89 says:

    The base of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque is composed of moss, musk and oudh. These elements add complexity to the perfume, grounding it in a subtle and alluring manner. The interplay of moss and musk results in a fragrant experience that is as vast and enchanting as the desert itself. In 2022, I had the privilege of witnessing the vibrant life in the Middle East. The lively atmosphere and myriad of scents were a sensory overload. The rich heritage and traditions of the region, and it’s in these busy marketplaces that one can truly appreciate the inspiration behind Arabesque.The serene and vast dunes of the desert offer a stark contrast to the souks. The tranquil beauty of the endless sands, stretching as far as the eye could see, was a humbling experience. Arabesque’s composition echo this sense of vast spaciousness. Ormonde Jayne Arabesque takes the rose / oudh genre, adds unique twists and fine raw materials, which set it apart from the crowd, thoughtfully done with the Ormonde Jayne signature of quality at its heart.

    Notes: Blackcurrant, Italian Bergamot, Black Pepper, Saffron, Jasmine, Rose Absolute, Musk, Moss, Patchouli, Oudh. A beautiful description by Karl really intrigued by the twist on Rose and Oud as this is my favourite two notes in perfumery especially Blackcurrant, Musk, Moss and Italian bergamot. My favourite from this house is Ormonde Man just a fabulous fragrance which holds special memories for me. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Amaziz89 says:

    no object when it came to the formulations; they simply had to be the most elegant perfumes in the world. That was twelve years ago (2002), and it took two years to put the first four perfumes together (Ormonde Woman, Tolu, Champaca and Frangipani), as we searched for ingredients not widely used in the perfume industry, we found oudh (Ormonde Man), hemlock (Ormonde Woman and Man) , all fabulous and mysterious oils . I know when we found the right ingredients because I felt an intense sense of excitement and anticipation. The above comment from Linda Pilkington just highlights perfumers desire and obsession to create great scents but using the finest materials. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Amaziz89 says:

    I forgot to mention if I am successful I would love to win Tolu. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    So what sets Ormonde Jayne Arabesque apart? Ormonde Jayne is renowned for its unique and opulent fragrance palette, and Arabesque is no exception. Saffron, with its warm and spicy character, takes the lead, followed by the timeless elegance of jasmine. The inclusion of rose absolute adds a touch of floral sophistication, while patchouli and oudh contribute depth and richness to the composition. I am fascinated by the notes especially Rose absolute, Patchouli, Oudh, Jasmine. approval and the first order. In my innocence, I wrote the invoice in my best handwriting in orange ink, sealed with a wax stamp! Later I was called by the accounts department who informed me they can’t pay an invoice like this and to form a company with a registration number. I loved the above comment which just shows that it was Linda’s calling card the rest is history. Thanks a lot id I am lucky would love to win Tolu. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    Warm and spicy at the front sounds nice. Especially the saffron. I’d like to try this. I live in Indiana.

  • Sonbahia says:

    Nice review Karl! I like everything Ms. Pilkington does with her brand ( with the colaboration of Geza Schoen in many of the scents). I’ve had Ormonde Man for years and I still love it. Congrats in the new flacon, seems impresive! Arabesque sounds great and this new opulent journey to the Middle East it is worth it. Bergamote and fragrant spices in the opening with the saffron (

  • Sonbahia says:

    Sorry about previous post, posted before finishing it. Nice review Karl! I like everything Ms. Pilkington does with her brand ( with the colaboration of Geza Schoen in many of the scents). I’ve had Ormonde Man for years and I still love it. Congrats in the new flacon, seems impresive! Arabesque sounds great and this new opulent journey to the Middle East it is worth it. Bergamote and fragrant spices in the opening with the saffron (so loved both in the middle east and in Spain) and black currant as stars.Then flowers as jasmine and rose absolute.Moss, musk and oudh are in the base.I have no memory of what moss was before the new IFR regulations, but it has always fascinated me. Here, together with the musk and the ouhd, it takes us inside the souk at night under a starry night. I live in Spain, EU.

  • bigpapa says:

    Oud rose fragrances are some of my favorite scents because they combine the richness and depth of oud with the sweetness and elegance of rose. Interesting to see how they differentiated theirs compared to the myriad of other oud rose combos on the market. NYC

  • Patricia R. says:

    The note I am interested in most in this fragrance is probably moss. I wonder how it combines with oud but I suppose it must be a work of art and craftsmanship. The theme of an Arabic market and vibrancy of Middle East and the humbling experience of the desert would be a real treat.

    “In my innocence, I wrote the invoice in my best handwriting in orange ink, sealed with a wax stamp!” is the quote I actually recognized myself in, it’s my way of doing things too, at times. Then, “only the best wil do” attitude is something I would want to aspire in in my work and I admire people that have it, such as Linda P.
    I live in the EU.

  • Lisa Binkman says:

    Thank you for the insight on this beautiful fragrance Karl.
    Oh how I miss the bizarres and as you stated the experience of sensory overload, so exciting, so alive.
    I can imagine this fragrance would transport me back to the Grand Bizarre of Istanbul from when I was there many times to buy spices for my mother, and the note that would really lead me there is saffron, and I’m loving how this note takes the lead in Arabesque.
    I would love to see how jasmine plays with it.
    Lisa US

  • johnmadison says:

    This is a really exciting one for me as I love all the notes especially the rich spiciness of saffron which I’ve been gravitating to a lot lately in fragrance, I find that it is really nice on my skin.
    Thank you for this lovely review, Karl! Cheers to you and I appreciate this opportunity.
    I’m John from Minnesota, USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Like Karl mentioned, there are a ton of rose and oud fragrances out there, but Arabesque seems to set itself apart with the opening blackcurrent note and strong dose of jasmine. Linda Pilkington mentioned in her profile that “I would research and find unusual flowers, resins and woods not necessarily used in the modern international perfume industry. But, of course, the perfume still had to be drop dead gorgeous.” The moss and musk in the base also recall the sensibilities of heritage perfumery. I’m curious if Arabesque features any indolic and animalic qualities, but it sounds like a classic design regardless.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any Ormonde Jayne perfumes.

  • TimoF says:

    The interplay of moss and musk intrigues me the most. My favorite Ormonde Jayne perfume is Tanger, I really like the combination of sweet neroli with aromatic citrus it showcases. I live in the Netherlands (EU).

  • JSO says:

    Asking which one note intrigues is a difficult question, because I find the description of the whole fragrance intriguing. The saffron and the black currant first caught my attention. However, lately I’ve been more curious about exploring moss, so I am curious how it melds with the oudh and the must. I’m in the USA.

  • rmsssss says:

    I love the sound of the spices over the smooth rose and jasmine. I’m in Mn, USA and my favorite from OJ is Ormonde Elixir!

  • Karen Ruano says:

    Black currant is one of my all time favorite notes in fragrances and I am super interested in seeing how it mixes with the Oud! I live in NJ

  • wandering_nose says:

    When I first skimmed through the visuals before reading Karl’s review, I was intrigued how the image of the girl dancing (most likely) modern dance on a rooftop at sunset might possibly correspond to the character of the fragrance. After reading Karl’s story I more than understand it – I consider the choice of that image a sign of pure genius. Every move is a work of art… I’ve been drawn to Ormonde Jayne, never had a chance to try their creations but could clearly feel the quality must be superb, and the compositions are so unique that who falls in love with one fragrance, has to explore their full offering. Arabesque seems to be another confirmation of the feeling I had. I have lots of respect for the rose & oud combo, and here it feels special. Drawing the wearer in, enchanting and vibrant. My favorite note is patchouli but here I am most intrigued by the imprint of oud to mark Arabesque as the representation of the amazingness of Middle East on the world map. Thank you from the EU (Dublin, Republic of Ireland)

  • olgAPOISON says:

    I love ormonde Jayne I really want to try this combo. Love the spices.
    “Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection. It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.” I like this quote because you can tell why she’s a great nose. Greetings from eu

  • Salem says:

    I think there is no specific individual note that intrigues me most in Karl’s review, but the whole combination of central notes: rose and jasmine, with very deep and “important” notes (the base: musk, moss and oud) and a drizzle of astringency from currants and bergamot. All in all, it sounds like an opulent rose-oud fragrance made responsibly, by also engaging lightening and brightening notes, in order to provide a complete and pleasant sensorial experience. I love Ormonde Jayne Tolu.
    Commenting from the EU.

  • Annika says:

    OJ Arabesque has a really interesting mix of notes. The lively opening with citrus, florals and a fruity black currant note provides a nice counterpoint to the tranquil base of moss, musk and oudh. I get the contrast with the energetic opening mirroring the souk and the calming base evocative of the desert. Favorite OJ perfume is Woman. I’m in the US.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Not a big fan of rose in fragrances but I know there one out there that will pop off my skin in a nice & unique way. This one sounds like it can be it with all the spices mixed in. I’m not super familiar with Ormonde Jayne perfumes but I have heard some great things about this house.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Achi says:

    I bought Sakura based on Lauryn review. But my favorite is Tiare, I have the old packaging but love the new. Karl’s review really made Arabesque sound unusual with the moss and black currant. From the Creative Director article, it was so interesting how her path encountered Chanel. And the name for Ormonde Jayne. “My husband came up with the name, taking my middle name and combining it with the street we lived on in Primrose Hill – we wanted something personal, easy to remember and English – and I designed the logo and registered it…. all so I could write an invoice for Chanel!”
    EU

  • patrick_348 says:

    From the way Karl describes this, this sounds precisely structured and balanced, with a slightly fruity top, a floral middle, and an earthy base. I don’t know any Ormond Jayne perfumes, but this sounds like a great place to start. I am in the US in North Carolina.

  • Taleofarose says:

    Being familiar with OJ perfumes, I would love to see how the moss interplay with musk and oudh. Karl’s review makes my eyes work overtime.

    I live in Portugal

  • Max Corvinus says:

    I am a massive fan of dark, Arabic and Indian perfumery, particularly oudh, musk and incense, and think that this one would be a nice addition to my collection. What intrigues me most is the name evocative of Arabic caligraphy and calls to mind William Beckford’s Vathek as one of my favourite novels.
    I live in Zagreb, Croatia.

  • psebi101 says:

    Yes, we all know very well the rose oud theme; but there are still very good ones. f you say it has a nice twist to it, then it must be interesting. Indeed blackcurrant, jasmine and oakmoss are new too me with the rose oud combination and it could make a nice standout if they’re well blended.
    My favorite OJ perfume is Nawab of Oudh.
    I am in the EU.

  • BigMickyD says:

    Ormonde Jayne is a lovely brand with a great set of perfumes, each unique and worth trying. Tolu is definitely my favorite, being well-balanced and truly exquisite. ”

    The serene and vast dunes of the desert offer a stark contrast to the souks. The tranquil beauty of the endless sands, stretching as far as the eye could see, was a humbling experience. Arabesque’s composition echo this sense of vast spaciousness. Ormonde Jayne Arabesque takes the rose / oudh genre, adds unique twists and fine raw materials, which set it apart from the crowd, thoughtfully done with the Ormonde Jayne signature of quality at its heart.” These words by Karl truly captivated my interest. I have to experience this now.

    This is the quote I choose from the Linda Pilkington article: “The creative and original ideas that form Ormonde Jayne have all developed from my passion for travel. Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection. It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.” Please count my comment twice.

    I live in Sweden, EU.

  • Angela Macropoulos says:

    Ormonde Jayne’s fragrances haunts me. But they are also elegant. My favorite is Tolu. And yes, I’m a sucker for blackcurrant every time. From New York.

  • Maestro says:

    Karl, many thanks for your insightful review. I found the depiction of the opening imbued with warm spices to be particularly intriguing, but what truly captivated me was the enchanting emergence of the heart notes. Among the Ormonde Jayne fragrances, I’ve had the pleasure of having Montabaco as my personal favorite. The house consistently delivers perfumes of the highest quality, offering a wealth of distinctive scents that cater to adventurous souls like myself who relish the joy of experimentation. I’m one of your followers on Instagram, and this is my name there: ealiyahia. Sending warm regards from the sunny state of Florida, USA!

  • R says:

    Many modern floral fragrances blend into the background and are not exciting as they often don’t reach their potential. Good to hear based of Karl’s review that it can still be done.

    Would like to try this as I like Linda Pilkingtons ethos – ‘No constraints, no financial confinements, no timings, just pure creativity.’

    Based in UK

  • Vahagn says:

    Very interesting review!!
    Love Ormonde Jayne and this sounds little different as Ormonde’ DNA, but sounds very beautiful – oud with moss !
    My favourite Ormond Jayne is Montabaco Intensivo !
    US

  • Torax says:

    Great review by Karl here!
    Ormonde Jayne is a fantastic fragrance house that I really love since I tried Montabaco Verano, which is also my favorite one from the brand.
    Arabesque looks like an amazing fragrance with the moss, musk and oudh. I love the Middle East vive this fragrance gives me.
    The blackcurrant here is so promissing.
    I hope I get my nose on this one soon.
    USA here.

  • AlisaA says:

    Lovev Ormonde Jayne perfume and this sounds very interesting. Love moss and hope with spices, saffron and oud it will give a chypre vibes.
    Love Ormonde Man .
    US

    Followed on Instagram.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What intrigues me based on Karl’s review of Ormonde Jayne Arabesque is learning how Ormonde Jayne incorporated a new and unique twist on the popular rose and oud DNA. I loved the new 8 sided bottle design and how perfumer and Creative Director Linda Pilkington has really turned this brand around this earthy and aromatic spice infused fragrance sounds amazing. My favorite fragrance from Ormonde Jayne is Ormonde Jayne Man. I am from the USA.

  • Januarililjan says:

    The notes sound great. This fresh take on Oud in a perfume is fascinating. Linda Pilkington’s quote: “Ormonde Jayne was one of the first perfume houses to use Oudh (Ormonde Jayne Man) in an international fine fragrance, I travelled far and met some incredible people along the way, I’ve learnt so much by taking the hands-on approach at every level.” Please count my comment twice. I live in the EU.

  • Parfumista says:

    Ormonde Jayne is one of my favorite brands in my collection with Tsarina, T’aif and Byzance standing out of all the rest.
    There’s a phrase in the article that pinpoints the spirit of the brand “the tranquil beauty”. That’s exactly what I appreciate in their perfumes.
    I believe Ormonde Jayne’s take on blackcurrant and spices, a combo of classical moss and musk notes with Eastern spices should smell divine.
    Cherishing my hope to win this bottle)).
    Greetings from Switzerland!

  • castlemicro says:

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

    I’m picky about rose notes, but this combination of rose, black currant, pepper, and oudh sounds very intriguing — and the new flaçons are beautiful! I’d love to give Arabesque a try.

  • petergigov says:

    No matter the more current reviews awsome reviews, and sampling , Ormonde Jayne I will always relate to Cafleurebon and Dana Sandu first.
    Ormonde Jayne Royal Elixir review a few years ago, and my decision to buy it just because I liked the review changed my mind about blind buying.
    Now i have way more experience with fragrances, but back then I was shocked how different Royal Elixir smells to me, compared to how Dana depicted the scent. No blind buys for me anymore, I learned my lesson , luckily for me in a good way because I absolutely love Royal Elixir

    “It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.”

    My favorite quote from Linda Pilkington essay. Arabesque i’ll try , the bottle is awesome, but I wonder what I’ll get from it, quality joyous and spicy rose and oud fragrance , with remnants of a spice market in a Middle Eastern country, or something else
    Overly exciting giveaway,USA
    Regards

  • Uncle1979 says:

    I was not aware of the concept of the “Four Corners of the World” collection. I like how Linda Pilkington created the fragrance in admiration for the ingredients, and spice markets of the Middle East.
    From the original Linda Pilkington essay:
    “Brimming with confidence I now set out to think long and hard about what I could do to make Ormonde Jayne different from the other perfume houses. I had the ideas, the know-how, I also had a studio and all the equipment but I needed something extra special to set us apart.”
    I had similar tho,and experiences when I was thinking about how to make it work with my bakery, the name, the location, and most importantly how to make it better , and unique compared to the bakeries in the area.
    Judging by the the article i have to say the meaning is clear , high class soothing and versatile rose and oud fragrance, with Cassis and Saffron.
    I relate all fragrances to some sort of food, and Karl Topham take on Arabesque made me think of being in Morocco, making Saffron and Resins Pound Cake with real Rose Water, and eating it while walking through a local spice market.
    To me Ormonde Jayne almost equals Ta’if Elixir,smells very, and I mean very similar to a traditional Persian cake with rose, cardamom, saffron, almonds , orange water and dates. It’s called Kayk-e Eshgh , but more people know it as Persian Love Cake. Love it , even bought second bottle recently.
    Appreciate the review, Linda Pilkington sharing her thoughts on the new presentation , her essay, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Arabesque I’m sure is…. everything i don’t expect it to be , often Ormonde Jayne fragrances do smell so different to me , than the notes and contributors suggest .
    Such enigmatic earthy , woody and spicy fragrances like Arabesque I enjoy . Rose and oud is a well known combination , i like how Karl confirmed the originality of the composition . Obviously it clicked well with him, feels like it will click with me too. Other than the rose , and the oud , I like the subtle sweetness of Arabesque , its elegance and versatility, and also the outfit of Linda Pilkington on the second picture.

    Once the bee is firmly buzzing around my bonnet, my thought pattern does not switch off. I think it over then re-think it again, write notes and develop the idea over a long period

    The quote I like the most. Don’t have a full bottle yet, just a 30ml decant of my favorite Taif , i also like Ambre Royal and Tolu
    Thank you Karl Topham , Ormonde Jayne
    USA

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I would like to try Ormonde Jayne Arabesque. I like black currant and I’d like to see how it’s used in Ormonde Jayne Arabesque. I would like to see how the spices mix with the base notes and the floral aspects. I’m even more intrigued to try it when Karl says “Ormonde Jayne Arabesque takes the rose / oudh genre, adds unique twists and fine raw materials, which set it apart from the crowd, thoughtfully done with the Ormonde Jayne signature of quality at its heart.” I live in the U.S.A.

  • moisesst says:

    Say whatever you want, but I will never get tired of the Rose/oud combo. It’s like It’s like beans and rice. I won’t eat it every day, but it’s good every time, and different recipes always taste different. Going to the market and meeting the vendors has always been one of my favourite activities, no matter the place. I like the idea of the saffron, patchouli, and oud adding warmness to this fragrance. I’m a fan of contrast and like the juxtaposition between the bustling market and the vast, mostly empty desert. I live in the USA.

  • Gig84 says:

    Comfortable high quality fragrances I adore , Fall timelessness is what I’m thinking right now thanks to Karl Topham review and Linda Pilkington essay , the elegant beauty called Arabesque is what I need for such occasions.

    The creative and original ideas that form Ormonde Jayne have all developed from my passion for travel. Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection.
    Linda Pilkington own thoughts

    I love to travel too , original ideas and rose and oud perfumes , Arabesque is a a pashmina scarf i can wrap around warming me up, and lifting up my spirit at the same time.
    From the Ormonde Jayne perfumes I’ve smelled , Tolu and Vanille d’Iris are my two favorites.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • helenlam says:

    At first I was also just thinking…another rose + oud combo, but this one does seem to have more! The jasmine intrigues me the most and the review does seem to indicate that the perfume is like it’s namesake, and elegant dance component!
    I also enjoyed reading about Linda and her thoughts. My favorite quote is: “The creative and original ideas that form Ormonde Jayne have all developed from my passion for travel.”

    Thanks for the giveaway. I live in the USA. I don’t have a favorite Ormonde Jayne yet, but I really would like to try Osmanthus Elixir.

  • Barber82 says:

    If done well I’ll never get tired of rose and oud fragrances , Arabesque sounds stylish and exclusive. I like when there’s saffron in a fragrance, it always adds certain level of sophistication and leathery facets.
    I like the way Karl Topham impressions of Arabesque made him think of the desert, and also how spacious the fragrance is. The sun is always rising, and it brings warmth to the heart and mind, just like Arabesque.
    “No constraints, no financial confinements, no timings, just pure creativity.”
    My favorite quote
    Tolu is so upscale, magnificent fragrance everyone should try, my favorite Ormonde Jayne.
    Thank you so much
    Germany

  • Timothy_knows_well says:

    Hello from UK

    “The creative and original ideas that form Ormonde Jayne have all developed from my passion for travel. Probably my best ability is my switched on brain and beady eye and pursuit of perfection. It can be a moody song with romantic lyrics, the perfect colour of coral, a shimmering stretch of sand and sun, the inside of a vintage Bentley together with a good stretch of the imagination and my relentless passion for “only the best will do” make for an Ormonde Jayne perfume.”

    Splendid approach to life , all above is well depicting Linda Pilkington as a business owner, and creative person.
    Arabesque is a fragrance i’d absolutely love to win , partially for the oud , partially for the rose ,partially for the spices , but most importantly for the sophisticated feel.
    The new bottle looks spectacular. I do have a favorite Ormonde Jayne fragrance , it’s Tolu. The biggest 120ml bottle is in my possession bought in person at Ormonde Jayne boutique in Royal Arcade Mayfair.
    Thank you

  • hthanass says:

    Saffron is one of my favorite notes especially in middle eastern kind of fragrances.
    I live in France (EU)

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review Linda!

    I spent most of my formative years in the Middle East and my strongest scent memories are of the spices and frankinsence at the souqs, the milky cardamom scent of karak chai and the smell of bakhour and oudh all around.

    Ormonde Jayne’s Arabasque sounds like a distillations of all those memories, in a manner of the Pensieve from the Harry Potter franchise.

    Would love to get my nose on this. I have not had a chance of smelling anything from this house yet.

    Cheers from WI, USA