La Bague d'O

La Bague d'O is the brand's reimagining of a notorious erotic novel, a feminine floral bouquet the maker describes as defiled with carnal, castoreum notes. It is a rose first, cold and dense, set in chains. It opens with a metallic note, steel chains in the brand's words, over orange and a crackle of pink pepper. The heart is rose with geranium, and wearers say they smell little else in the way of flowers. The base is patchouli, musk, amber and an animalic touch, which some find slow to arrive and others never notice. Wearers describe a rose that turns sultry and musky as it dries down, with a vintage, old-Hollywood quality that recalls dressing rooms and old perfume miniatures. Performance is moderate on both wear and projection. Most reports describe a smooth skin scent after the opening, lasting from about three hours to most of the day. It suits spring, autumn and winter, evenings and dates, and sits close enough to pass in an office if applied early. It divides opinion sharply. Some call it exquisite and others an anemic rose on a fainting couch. The brand sells it at 180 pounds for 50 ml. It suits wearers who like a polished vintage rose with a metallic edge and who do not mind that it asks for attention.