Velvet Sovereign

Velvet Sovereign takes a familiar fruity-chypre idea and gives it a darker finish. Blackcurrant opens it with a thick, jammy sweetness, saffron adds a leathery spice and nectar gives a soft, honeyed shine. Within a few minutes the single heart note steps forward. The page lists damask rose alone, so the middle is simple and full, a plush, slightly honeyed rose that sits between fruit and wood like velvet cloth. The base is smooth and smoky. Leather has a suede feel, vanilla adds a warm, round sweetness and patchouli brings a dark, earthy, chypre-style depth. The pieces blend well, so the scent moves from fruity to smoky without a break. At 30 percent extrait strength it lasts into the next morning and projects with calm authority. The style leans feminine, but the leather and patchouli work well on anyone who likes a dark, polished scent. Wear it in autumn and winter, for evenings out, dinners and formal events. Bottom line: a velvet rose and blackcurrant scent with a smoky leather and vanilla finish.