Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo Photo by Olya Bar
Vilhelm Parfumerie’s latest fragrance, Sparkling Jo, is a vivacious homage to Josephine Baker, the quintessential American in Paris whose life was a blend of glamour, art, activism and war hero. Baker, celebrated for her electrifying performances and significant cultural impact during the 1920s, personifies the essence of this new scent, designed to captivate and enchant from the first spritz.
via imdb
Josephine Baker thrived on the Vaudeville circuit, a cornerstone of 20th-century American theater, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances. Her journey took her from the vibrant streets of New York City, where she immersed herself in the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating African-American culture and arts, to the artistic hubs of Paris. In France, Baker’s unique dance style and iconic costumes made her an instant sensation. Her performances, rich with African motifs, resonated deeply. Her most iconic act, the ‘Danse Sauvage,’ featured her famously dancing in a banana skirt, encapsulating her flair and cultural heritage. Beyond dance, Baker’s talents extended to singing and acting, leading to significant roles in several European films, showcasing her versatile artistry.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo erupts with the effervescence of champagne bubbles, a nod to Baker’s bubbly persona and the festive Parisian nights that defined her era. The fragrance’s opening notes of zingy juniper add a crisp, fresh dimension, enhancing the champagne’s sparkle and setting the stage for a truly uplifting olfactory experience.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo Photo by Olya Bar
At the heart of Sparkling Jo lies a delightful pear note, reflecting the current trend of fruit-forward fragrances and adding a mouthwatering, juicy core to the composition. There is an addictive kick of ginger to balance out the sweetness of the pear. This element mirrors the Pear French 75 cocktail, blending the gin’s juniper bite with sweet pear purée, topped with the fizzy luxury of champagne, embodying Baker’s lively and radiant spirit.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo image from the brand
As the fragrance evolves, it reveals a softer side with ambrette’s subtle vegetal notes, grounded by the earthy depth of oak and the comforting embrace of soft musks. This transition to a more subdued, feminine finish of sensual ambergris in the last hours of wear reflects the multifaceted nature of Baker herself – from a vibrant performer to a nuanced individual with a rich inner life. While Sparkling Jo invites wearers to bask in its joyful opening notes for as long as possible, it elegantly concedes to the serene beauty of its final accords, much like the ephemeral nature of a grand celebration. I find myself yearning for the effervescent, bubbly start of the scent to persist through to the finish, yet as with many of life’s finest experiences, even this delightful effervescence must inevitably conclude. Its an ideal perfume for heralding the spring season and enhancing any festive occasion, Sparkling Jo by Vilhelm Parfumerie is a perfect olfactive journey into the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker, capturing her indomitable spirit and the joy she brought to the world.
Notes: Champagne, Bergamot, Juniper, Pear, Ginger, Ambrette, Musk, Oak, Ambergris.
Disclaimer: Bottle of Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo was generously gifted to me by Twisted Lily where I am Head of Digital Strategy & Communications. My opinions, as always, are my own.
Olya Bar, Editor
Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo Photo by Olya Bar
Thanks to Twisted Lily we have a 100ml bottle of Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo, for one registered reader, open USA ONLY. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what strikes you about Olya’s review of Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo. Have you tried others from Vilhelm Parfumerie? Draw closes 04/3/24.
Please read Olya’s review of Vilhelm Parfumerie Fleur Burlesque here and Room Service here. Enjoy Ida’s thoughts on Basilico and Fellini here
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