text: I was worried this one would turn out like Noir Epices, another attempt at an oriental without the obvious ingredients. In fact, I like this one where I don’t like Noir Epices, but I noted that the opening has more than a hint of Sel de Vetiver, and the drydown comes close to the sugary amber of Jasmine de Nuit. The end result , for me, is a bit of a cut’n’shunt job. It leaves me puzzled.
  Your comment is interesting, especially in that it points to a possible style, but Ellena says that she’s too young to have forged a style just yet. Maybe her style is more evident than she knows.
  Forgot to add: I adored your description of biting into a real cherry, vs a Jolly Rancher. I think that’s a perfect way to convey the concept of this ‘idea’ of an oriental.
  Thanks for sharing the Ellena interview, Karen. It’s fascinating, particularly her description of Oriental Lounge’s story being that of a “box of unknown wood hidden in our memory.” It calls to mind the evocative, poignant memory boxes in William Gibson’s Neuromancer. The connection, for me, is so intriguing that I feel compelled to try this scent. Although truth be told, I really to love Sel de Vetiver and Jasmine de Nuit, so the idea of smelling something less that grand from Ellena Jr. fills me with a little trepidation.
  I like Jasmin de Nuit, too. It sounds like you really should try this one. And wasn’t that a gorgeous description–the bit about the box?
  It was. I feel like she approaches her scent design very intellectually (perhaps all noses do and I’m just learning it) and I find it interesting since scent to me is such an emotional experience.
  I had the same thought! I guess every art form has emotional and intellectual sides, and I tend to respond more emotionally to perfume, too. But I’m interested in hearing the brainy bit behind it.
  In contrast to Ellena’s approach, in interviews I’ve read with J. P. Guerlain, I get the impression that his approach is much more emotional than intellectual.
  I’d like to learn more about him. I heard an interview with him on the radio once and listened eagerly.
  Mr. Guerlain has one recent interview on his site – monsieurguerlain.com (I *think* he uses the French version of Mr.).