Shall we start violets a week early with Mona di Orio Violette Fumee? Yes, let’s! I hadn’t planned on doing Violette Fumee separately, but Luckyscent tucked in a couple of samples with my last order at my request, and I dabbed some on, went crazy over it, then dumped both samples into a sprayer to get the full effect, and I’ve worn nothing else (minimal clothing during menopause hot flash time – this should save on my heating bill this winter) since.
Mona di Orio Violette Fumee was created for her partner, who still guides her company, Jeroen Oude Sogtoen, as his personal scent. Notes of Lavender, Bergamot, Oakmoss, Violet flowers and leaves, Turkish Rose, Vetiver, Clary Sage, Opoponax, Myrrh, Cashmeran go into Mona di Orio Violette Fumee, but it is so much more than its notes. It opens with a rush of violet flowers, bergamot, lavender and myrrh, which is just weirdly wonderful, if you know what I mean. There are moments early on that remind me very much of her original scents, like Nuit Noire, a slight dirty aspect, that makes me think of violet-scented-lightly-used-before-getting-ripped-off underthings. The Nuit Noire carnal shadow fades into the background and the smoky vetiver and weird clary sage rolls in maybe 30 minutes in.
All that weirdness is foreplay for The Big Show – smoke, violets, incense, and fulfilled violet dreams. The vetiver starts chuffing along with the incense, creating puffs of creamy smoke. Yeah, I know, that’s a weird way to think of it, but that’s how I smell it. Mona di Orio’s website mentions pipe tobacco, but it’s not listed as a note. Doesn’t matter, they’ve got some tobacco or tobacco-like smell stuffed up in this perfume’s little pedigree. While it is smoking violets, it is so delicate, like the most ethereal smoke is sitting under the little violets and blowing up, releasing the slightly sweet violet with the smoke.
Then we go into the last stage, the most addicting, as the cashmeran and incense turn this into a silky little violet that’s a little gourmand in feel, but not really sweet, just rich. While I love everything start to finish, it is the drydown that turns this into one of my favorite violet scents. For a violet perfume lover, that’s saying a lot. Musette and I were yakking about this on the phone – she has’n’t smelled it yet – and I told her that as a violet fan, I don’t want to smell another violet soliflore. They’re pretty, but there really isn’t anything new. But creating a smoky violet? I had no idea there should be one or how much I would fall in love with it once it existed. Very unisex, and the longevity is a good 8-12 hours.
Of course we will do a giveaway! I’ll do it a little differently this time with a bigger sample. I’ll give away 2 ml sprays to two lucky commenters drawn at random. So violet, yes or no? Old fashioned, old-lady perfume? Can an old flower learn new tricks? Favorite Mona? Heck, tell me if you’re dressing up for Halloween and as what if you have no thoughts on the other questions!
Oh, my comment seems to have disappeared… But never my love for Violets.
The ability to describe scents . . . heck, the ability to SMELL these nuances! I’m not sure which is more enjoyable: the words or the perfumes.
I received this sample today. I love violet scents and the thought of a smoky violet was eagerly anticipated. I was so disapointed when I first put it on, it was just for lack of a better term “weird.” a few minutes later it dried down to an absolutely intoxicating mix of fresh violet flowers, green stems, and a smoky, powdery cashmere. I cannot stop smelling myself-this is gorgeous, sophisticated, elegant. It is definitely a fall scent. I will be getting a bottle when I am in Amsterdam next may, the boutiques have different sizes. I hope I don’t pine away longing for this beauty until then…
Violet–great big yes!
dressing up–no! (giving out candy–yes!)
Have never tried a Mona di Orio, this one along with Vanille, Musc, and Oud would be my top picks for most likely favorite. But you never know until you try…please count me in!
Thank you, Patty, for your fun and informative post! And for the opportunity to be entered in the drawing!
I have always loved violet scents, and have worn Violetta di Parma for years. It got a bit powdery for my tastes, so I’d be thrilled to get the chance to try smokey violet! Sounds fantastic!!
I’d love to try this – not just because it sounds fabulous, but because I’ve never experienced a violet scent! (Or anything by Mona di Orio, for that matter.)
Erm, that puts me out of the running for commenting knowledgeably on the topic, doesn’t it… 😉
Halloween! No plans for this year, sadly, but last year I wore a gorilla mask that had little 3D cutouts of Fay Wray sproinging out of the top.
This is one of the only releases in a few years that I am DYING to try . My favorite Mona is Carnation , which she sprayed on my arm in NYC while she described it to me in broken English . 12 hours later it was still fabulous . Thanks for the draw Patty !
THIS I want! As a child I would pick greedy bouquets,not as greedy now but still a thrlll. Was jealous of neighbors with violet lawns. I’ve tried a few times to create my own fragrance. I now leave this to professionals.
Here is what Mark Twain (yes,Mark Twain) had to say about violets: “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it.”
Wow this scent sounds amazing! Id love to try it.
the mention that it includes Incense too, with the Smoke & Violet, is what is grabbing me, plus the weird clary sage part, sounds like something I want to sniff!
I love violet by means of Balenciagia Paris, YSL Paris, Violet Blonde, Shalimar Initial…need I say more? This new one sounds captivating. I would love to try it.
I’ve never been drawn to violets but your description has me curious to try this. If I’m not too late, I’d love to be in the draw. Thanks for the opportunity!
I had never been drawn to violets before I recently smelled Exultat by Maria Candida Gentile. Then I fell very hard. Your description of this smoky leathery violet has me drooling. If I am not too late, I would love to enter in the draw!
I like violet scents, but I am wild about smokey scents….sounds fascinating, and I have never tried Mons diO perfumes (yet)
Violets YES ! Who cares if they’re old fashioned? My favorite
Since it is going to be Halloween, I picture Edgar Allan Poe getting misty eyed if a woman came into his orbit wearing this! His mother was known to wear orris root and, of course, died young. Something about the smoke and violet screams 19th century, doomed but loving young stage actress and mother to the young Edgar.
This sounds fabulous!
My mother had wallpaper patterned with violets in her bedroom, and a metallic lavender-colored Oldsmobile in the 60’s. (Yes, they really had that color one year so she had to have it.) As a guy I’m intrigued by this fragrance created with a man in mind.
What a great review. I love violet & some of my all time favs is YSL Paris and Après L’Ondee and anxious to try this one by Mona Di Oro – I have not tried any of hers yet. Besides, I will soon have my new custom made perfume cabinet and it would have a good home. I can’t wait to try a “smokey ” violet.
Violet + (anything) is always worth a try. I love Lolita Lempicka for the violet + licorice. Smoke-n-violets (smokin’ violets!?) sounds hot! I’ve never tried Mona di Orio but would love to. Not sure if it’s available in Australia, so three cheers for online shopping.
I love violet too. Old-lady? Of course not–what was once old is new again. Like when my parents didn’t like my choice of baby names because ‘Sophie’ was an old lady name!
I love violets in real life, but nothing I’ve smelled does it for me. I’m intrigued, & can’t wait to try it!
I have to smell this…I like Violet, but had dismissed it because it seems a bit old fashioned to me. But with smoke and incense? I have to smell this…
I love violet done right! A favorite is Stephen Jones. And Mona di Orio has some beauties: love the discontinued Lux and hope it may be re-released! Thanks for the draw!
I do not think of violet as an “old lady scent!” I love violet, and oh, my, have I been wanting to sample Mona D’Orio’s take on it. Sounds divine!!! I love SL Bois du Violette, CB I Hate Perfume’s Violet Empire, and I really adore mixing his two accords, smoky tobacco and wild violet, together. That is my fave, so I presume I will LOVE the D’Orio!! Thanks for the great draw!
When I was little and looking at perfume counters, the “classics” like Chanel were all behind elegant but quite intimidating glass doors and you had to ask the assistants if you wanted to try them. Yardley’s lavender and Devon Violets were on the shelf where everyone could treat themselves and the scent of them makes me think of women of my mother and grandmother’s generation in good feminine form! Great that Mona di Orio has mixed this up a little and left this smoky, violet legacy that you describe so well….
I’ve been really wanting to try this. I was waiting for some reviews before I purchased a sample. After yours I’ve got to get my hands on one. I like Mona’s Carnation & am looking forward to being able to get a bottle of that & possibly Lux next year (I think they’re both scheduled for re-release).
SMOKY VIOLETS – ohhhhh, however did you know that is what I wanted? *I* didn’t even know! Perfect! As it happens, I am at this moment wearing my favorite violet, SL Bois de Violette. Mmmmm, so delicious. I have samples of Attrape Coeur and Apres l’Ondee, but on me they are a bit insipid 🙁 so I am hoping to find this one suits my skin better. Thanks for the great review and the draw!
I’ve been looking for the right violet fragrance for a while. So many veer into candied violets, which tends to give me a headache. This one sounds right up my alley–I love almost anything with vetiver and/or incense!
My favorite floral note is violet. I started with Violetta di Parma, and it is very nice but a little simple. I’ve read good things about Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet- that its affordable but kind of complex and good for everyday but not shy. Recently, I read a book series that takes place in a steampunk 1800s London, and every main female character had a specific fragrance. The main character used cinnamon, another, a mechanic, smelled like vanilla and motor oil. I imagined I’d like something along the lines of lilac or another purple flower and smoke, but I’ve never smelled anything like it in real life. Maybe now I can!
I discovered that I actually like violet, vetiver, and bergamot notes in my pe. rfume. I love Dior Homme so much. I wonder if this one smells similar to it
I love violets, and I’m dying to try this now!
Wow! Now I really want to smell smoky violets!
LOVE violets, period!! All flowers are timeless in my books! Bosari, Devon, Toulous `s are classics for little mula 🙂 in those Victorian bottles!! We are lucky to get half a dozen treaters here – all go to the mall!!
Sounds luscious! Count me in for the giveaway!
Looooooooooooooove, Violets
I do like Balenciaga very much. For Halloween my department at work is dressing as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I’m Dopey!
Have not explored violet as a note, but am excited about anything described as smoky!
I love the sound of this one; hope to experience it
Sounds magical! I grew up smelling violet on my mother (who was French), and I too and im love with violet. This one is a must try … sounds very special.
I recently fell deeply in love with alll things violet, candies, perfume and the flower herself. I’m not an old lady, so it must not be old-ladyish. Can’t wait to try this scent! TFS
Ooh, this sounds amazing! I wore a lot of violets in the 80s as a teenager but I’d quite like to sample a more modern take on violets. I can’t get enough incense, so Violette Fumee sounds like a winner.
Violet lover here, too! Most recently, I’ve become smitten with the violet note in Orchidee Vanille. This MdO sounds amazing!
Very intriguing – I am a fan of violet – one of the reasons I’m drawn to such scents as Lolita Lempicka. There is something sweet but mysterious about it and well yes seductive. I recently bought some items from L’Occitane en Provence’s new shea butter scents – of course violet – lip balm and hand cream and they are positively addictive – I find myself just wanting to smell my hands and lick my lips.
This sounds so good! I have mixed feelings about violet perfumes (love some, hate some!) but would love to try this. Thanks for the giveaway!
One of the sexiest scents I know is a violet – Lipstick Rose.
Violet–yes! Smoke? Yes! So yes to both together. I have always loved violet and feel it is a much under-appreciated scent. So, so very tired of that “old lady” cliche. A favorite violet perfume is Jolie Madame; violet and leather.
How “old” is old lady? Because of this review I now have a strong desire to add this perfume to my scent memory. I hope I get that carrot, I mean Mona di Orio Violette Fumee.
Not really a violet person, but if there is incense in it…ahhhh. Every permutation of incense intrigues me. I love smelling like I just walked out of high mass.
If violet is an “old lady” scent, then I suppose I will be scented like an old lady at Holy Cross m
Oh that even sounds good!
Never thought I would hear of a violet scent that I would want to try!
Does Lipstick Rose count? 🙂 That’s my only violet perfume experience so far, but I love the “violet candies at the bottom of my grandma’s purse” scent in that one. P.S. I have nothing but good memories of “old lady” perfumes, so it’s never a bad thing in my mind.
Not sure I’ve EVER had a violet perfume, this one sounds right up my alley though. This post soooo makes me want to try it. That and the SSS Violet I’m seeing mentioned in so many comments.
I love violets! SSS Voile de Violette and Wood Violet, my tee-tiny vial of Guerlain Apres l’Ondee and so forth. This sounds intriguing–never tried Mona di Orio but I’d love to.
Sound very interesting. I’ve only had experience with Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde, and wasn’t too crazy about that. I’d love to try this one!
This sounds interesting, and different from the “regular” violets which I don’t generally find very tempting. My fav Mona is probably Vanille, I love the woodsy darkness it has.
Violet is one of my all time favorite notes from childhood when I discovered Avon’s Violets Violets to now. It can be green, woodsy and definitely modern. Thanks for the draw, I have been wanting to try Mona’s take on violets
I would never have thought of violets as smoky and sexy. VIntage in a silk teddy way. Fantastic. Thank you. (Nothing like my grandmother’s violet perfume)
I love violet! Beautiful plants and not bit old fashion – it is the powder in many, but definitely not all violet scents, that is thought of as old fashion. I have not tried this line yet and will add it to my list to sample. Great review, thanks.
Violets- sometimes. Lipstick rose in a so retro it’s not retro mood.
This really sounds interesting. I like violet scents and I do not think they are olf-fashioned.
Well, now I just want to try this one. I can’t remember the last time I tried any kind of violet scent, but the information you imparted makes me want this one RIGHT NOW. Thanks!
Violet is one of my favorite scents. But my other favorite is smokey blends. This sounds like a dream come true.
Thank you so much for calling this to my attention. I’m a violet fan as well, and smoke is one of my favorite notes. I’m very much looking forward to smelling this….
Smoky violet and incense? Yes please!
Tocca “Violet” ruined Violet for me. PLEASE pick me and let me fall in love again:) Have always had s special place in heart for Violet. Sentimental.
I love violet! It’s actually one of the first notes I learned to recognize in perfume. I love SL Bois de Violette, SSS Wood Violet, and Balenciaga. It doesn’t agree with my skin but I keep Guerlain’s Meteorites on hand just to smell it from time to time. I love the violet in Daisy too, although it’s skews a bit young for me. For my birthday in May, my husband bought me Diptyque’s Violet candle. It’s beautiful. Sweet like the candies. I wouldn’t want to wear the fragrance but I have it on my nightstand. When I catch a waft of the smell on the breeze from the cracked window, it’s soothing and gorgeous.
I love the idea of violet paired with incense and smoke. While I am not a fan of the powdery, well-bred violet of say, Borsari, I do love a naughty dark violet (Prada Violette is one of my very favourite perfumes. Ever.). Would love to try this.
Sounds so intriguing – like the violets are turned into naughty little flowers by the smoke and incense.
Hm, violet has not been a favorite note in perfumery for me–so often it does come off as “old lady” powdery, at least to my admittedly undereducated nose. Oddly enough, I do enjoy violets in cookery and candies! So the idea of a “smoky, sultry” violet perfume is intriguing.
Yes, violet! I have fragrant violets nestled in the lawn, for a few weeks a year I pick a bunch and just about stuff them up my nose. Not dressing for Halloween but I did carve a bass-o-lantern, which is a pumpkin carved to look like an upright bass, my instrument.
Violets with incense – sounds like Spring made to wear in Winter.
Mmmm….sounds mysterious, complex, exciting, and bound to satisfy my lust for the perfect violet scent!
Now I absolutely must sample this scent. I have not explored many violet scents, because they make me think of those little violet pastilles. But cashmeran, lavender, smoke and violets? Sounds very unique.
A smoky, incense violet? Nothing “old-lady” about that! It sounds kind of edgy, almost daring – like the Nuit Noire I had once (it got stolen, can you believe that?) I know just what you mean about it being slightly dirty as it opens. Love the sound of it! (And I’m not dressing up for Halloween, I already look like I have a mask on! LOL!) Great giveaway and review,thanks!
De-lurking to say that I love and adore violet! I can see how it’s perceived as being slightly old-fashioned, given the way it’s been used in the past, but it seems poised for a renaissance, like Laurels said in #72 above. I haven’t had the chance to try any of Mona di Orio’s scents yet – would love to!
I’ve been dying to try this fragrance ever since I heard about it. I love every Mona di Orio I’ve ever tried. Thank you for the review and for the draw!
An interesting concept. Most violet perfumes are too sweet for me even though I really like violets. The combination of incense and violet could be wonderful. Thanks for the draw.
Smoking Violet Incense, Cannot wait to try
xoxo
I think violet may be so old-fashioned that it’s new again, like the name Violet. Two of my younger (19 and 29) cousins recently “claimed” the names of our mutual great-grandmothers for their potential children–Elsie and Mae. Elsie really is a beautiful name if you’re too young to associate it with a cartoon cow.
Yes please! Love lipstick rose!
I love violet scents. I tried Gucci Generous Violet at Sephora recently, but didn’t enjoy it. Your description of a smokey violet makes me curious!
Ooh…how interesting, a smokey violet! Sounds wonderful. I purchased a MdO discovery pack and loved Oud the most. Thank you for the draw. 🙂
Violet is a prominent note in Bleecker St. by Bond No 9., and no way that is old lady perfume!! Thanks for the draw
Love violets, but haven’t yet managed to find a Mona di Orio that works well on my skin. I appreciate the quality and complexity – they’re clearly extremely well done, but the few I’ve tried just get weird and ugly when I put them on. Maybe this is the one!
I love all kinds of violets- I guess it so captures the color purple for me. I love the combination of violet and roses in Lipstick Rose, and (I have no shame) I love Berdoues Violettes Divine! It’s smoky purple goodness. Very excited to try Violette Fume.
Oh, yes — I suppose violets do smell a little bit old-lady — but that shoe fits me and I’ll gladly wear it!
Me too!
I have never tried Mono DiOro’s perfumes. The smokey violet note sounds intriguing to me. My only other experience with the violet note is with Balenciaga’s Paris and I was indifferent to it. I quite like the idea of a melancholic, introspective perfume but i am afraid that so far, delicate, wispy scents just dont register on my skin. Maybe this smoky, violet will! Anyway, I wont be dressing up for Halloween but one of my dogs will be a skeleton. Im still searching for another costume for my other one. Thanks for thr draw!
It sounds as if violets are having a revival…good!
I used to love the bath bomb by Lush, was it Bathos? It smelled like soft violets. I should have ordered the M di O with my last samples, so would love to win this one!
I’ve not worn a lot of violet scents but am curious about this one as it sounds different and lovely. I will not be dressing up for Halloween but applaud those who will! And I really wish this cold would go away so I can smell things properly again!
Well of course I’d love to try a fragrance by Mona di Orio.
I’ve never sniffed any of her creations, however, they ‘sound’ absolutely amazing.
Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂
I ve never tried any Mona di Oro fragrance – and also I have very few scents with violet as a note. But as I ve read “smoky violet” – it sounds interesting and I am sure that this combination of “old note” with new attribute can bring really new features and smell to fragrance. Nothing for old lady, I think. Smokey scents are very popular in these days. Thanks
I love violet scented everything. My wife wears those little meteorites by Guerlain and I just sniff her face. it’s so delicious and a bit sweet and powdery. for Halloween Ill be dressing as Tin Man.
I have tried Apres L’Onde and that’s just about the only violet fragrance I think I have tried. I would love to sample this. Please enter me in the draw. thanks.
Violets are definitely not old lady! I’d have to say that most of the violet perfumes out there today are for everyone to enjoy. Violette Fumee sounds fabulous.
Hello love your site! I had to come out of lurkerdom because this perfume just sounds so intruiging! I can hear my sample basket groaning as I write this. I’m still too much if a newbie to know violet when I smell it but the internets tell me it’s a top note in my beloved lolita lempika. Thanks for the draw!
Ps I’m going as a giant squid for Halloween (my sweetie will be a fisherman!)
Violets are certainly not old lady to me, indeed they seem to me often to be quite the opposite — wistful and a bit shy. My two favourite violets, so far, are Apres l’Ondee (gentle and rain-drenched) and the violets-in-the-earth Voile de Violette. I’d love to try violets with smoke. so please enter me into the draw. Thanks for the generous 2ml offer.
Yes violets! Of course. I love the scent. It doesnt scream old lady to me at all, although it may be the case I have an old lady in me living happily. I just adore Mona di Orio. I have yet to try any of her creations I dont admire.
Thanks for this give away.
Thanks for this review.I saw the perfume a few times but never ordered a sample but your enthusiasm will make it realy irresistable.I lovo Mona’s work and I’m tempted buy this new jewel.I guess my favourite is Oud it’s realy special.
That sounds delicious and I’d love to try it. My favorite violet is probably The Unicorn Spell, I like the green bean note!
Thank you Patty; WHAT A BEAUTIFUL review!!! Violette Fumée is my latest perfume obsession… It´s been my SOTD a couple of times (a department store nearby has the MdOs, so I have spritzed myself liberally during lunch hour and then spent hours and hours catching the most sublime wafts during its different phases. It wasn´t LOVE at first sniff… But, it only took 30 minutes to get me absolutely hooked…
I have a decant on its way, and VF will without any doubt be a FM purchase, hopefully in a not too distant future. And 100% unisex. Another MdO which I like?:I am also lemming a FB of MdO´s Oud… What a glorious perfume! And the Vanilla one is FABULOUS as well…
Oh yes Patty, A BIG YES to Violets!!! Other Violets? Adore Aimez-Moi (especially in extrait), Lutens Bois de Violette and Attrape Coeur which is HG material…
No need to enter me in the giveaway.
Violets? Yes please! I love the sweeter violets of Aimez-Moi and YSL Paris, and am intrigued by the idea of this smoky violet. (I’m dressing as a beatnik for Halloween). Thanks for the drawing!
Oooh, smoky violets—this sounds lovely. I kind of agree on the idea of another violet soliflore, it doesn’t seem like there is much more that would be interesting in that direction, but this one sounds original and new.
I am most curious about how many nascent MdO perfumes are left — anyone know?
I forgot to add my favorite! Mona’s Oud. For me, the best oud out there
Amen, Kathleen! Oud really does not agree with me, but somehow Mona’s works.
I love violet scents – two of my absolute favorites are Paris (YSL) and Insolence. Balanciaga Paris is a little quiet but also nice, works in the office.
I was under the impression that this was violet leaf, whilst lovely in it’s own right, never fills the void left by my beloved Ava Luxe Midnight Violet. Now that I hear this is proper violet, I will have to sniff.
Love violet, love Apres L’Ondee. Don’t yet have a favorite MdO, but I have only tried the rose one.
I’ve only tried two violets, Après l’ondee and Violet Empires by CB’s I Hate Perfume. I enjoyed them both and would love the opportunity to try more. Please enter me. Thank you!
So glad you’ve reviewed this, Patty, as I’ve been very curious about it. DNEM, of course. Hope it’s coming soon to Surrender to Chance! I’m so-so on violets but I adore Mona’s Lux, Vanille and Ambre, and am looking forward to trying this one.
I’d say yes to violets, although not amongst my favourite notes. It does have a bit of an old world feel to it.
My favourite Mona is the Vanille.
Violets always surprise me for some reason. Voile de Violette compared to Apres L’Ondee to Violets & Rainwater….none are quite what I expected from violets and yet each is beautiful. This one sounds great too!
I’m a big violet fan. Love Apres L’Ondee, Lou Lou, Jolie Madam, YSL Paris Jardins Romantiques and modern violets like Balenciaga Paris. Others that I have sampled and like include Alexander McQueen My Queen. I tried Unicorn Spell, but despite the magical name, it smells like canned green beans on my skin. 🙂 I haven’t tried any Moni di Oro scents. Smokey violet sounds good to me. I love Sycomore, which is smokey vetiver, so I think this might be good, too.
I’m curious about Violette Fumee. Violet is an iffy fragrance for me, but I’ve not tried any Mona di Orio perfumes and I’d like to stretch a little. Thanks for the draw!
sounds fantastic
I’m wary of violet because the candied variety give me a headache, but I’m curious to see how Mona handles it. Violet smoke sounds kinda fabulous. Thanks, Patty!
Violets, yes
they can learn new tricks, like the “fumee”- would love to be able to try this one!
My fav Mona is ” Vanille”-that is, till now…
thanks a lot for the draw
Sounds amazing! I’m 50/50 on violets. Some violet soliflores get what I can best describe as a “vomit” note on my skin…much better when mixed with something else, as I’m sure MdO has done. Love her Musc and Vanille, and also some of the older perfumes like Nuit Noire and Carnation. Thanks for the draw!
Soivohle’s Purple love smoke is my favorite violet so…I guess this new MdO perfume will be my next favorite violet, I love all of them, from Vetyver to Oud, (well, the original line is still a mistery for me, what a shame).
Thank you for the draw!
I went crazy recently in a not obvious perfume with violets: Orange Star by Andy Tauer.
Your description of MdO’s Violette Fumée makes me wonder and wish to compare.
I love some MdO’s like Oud and Musc.
Congratulations for this so entertaining and informative blog!
I love violets! I don’t think they’re old lady at all. Sadly, I haven’t found many that I think are great.. Would love to try this one.
Just off the top of my head: Le Dix, Jolie Madame, Lipstick Rose, Putain des Palaces. I’d love to try Mona I’d Orio’s line, specially her Vanille, which seems to be amazing. thank’s for the giveaway, Patty!
“Thank you Guerlain for having violets in your DNA.” Amen, sister! Just posted about my Après L’Ondee!
My mission is to find a replacement for my beloved Le Dix, and this sounds like it could be the one. Totally and uniquely different of course (well it is a Mona creation), but hauntingly beautiful. And a perfect fragrance for the autumn season.
Oh, Patty, thanks for this review and for the draw.
I have been waiting to read about this one ever since I saw the announcements of a smoky violet!
I love smoky notes.
But I ADORE violet perfumes: it’s genetic.
I come from a small town close to Parma, which in the centuries past was famous for its violets – the little flowers gave their expensive absolute and made “violetta di parma” a trademark ante litteram.
My main complaint is that violet scents usually = violet soliflores, and I am not really into this style of perfumes.
I have found my HG violet perfume in attrape coeur – I guess I have gathered enough bottles to last for a lifetime, but you never know!
I recently smelled for the first time samsara, and something about the fragrance reminded me of violets (it seemed related to both attrape coeur, bois des iles and the violet loaded feminite du bois…and also a bit of la petite robe noire, which is tinged with violets too, IMO). In short, I guess I need a bottle of samsara too.
Thank you Guerlain, for having violets in your DNA – maybe we are related? 😉
My favorite MDOs are Lux, jabu, and Tubereuse. I also surprisingly liked vanille.
I am really lemming this violette fumee – it is not unapologetically masculine, is it?
Oh, my, I can’t wait to try it!!!!!
P.S.
samsara is just so beautiful, I really don’t get the plastc, bombastic, and all the infamous adjectives that kept me away form testing it!
I get a violet tinged bois des iles…ahhhhh….
Oh yes!!!! This is on my list now. My HG of perfume is Guerlain’s Après L’Ondee – weep with me over the damn IFRA rules, my oak moss was FINE – and a non-sugary violet that’s got some sophistication to it? I’m in.
Thanks for the great review! Well, from me, anyway. My budget looks upon both of us askance.
Love violets! In perfume, and as a flavour (violet macarons mmmm 🙂 )
Love MdO too. I have the nombres d’or coffret but still have to catch up on the last two. So glad to hear this one has a rave review 🙂
I have yet to try anything in this line and would welcome a sample to compare with a smoky lavender by Lutens which I dearly love: Fourreau Noir.
I don’t think I’ve played in the Mona di Orio line yet. I’ve played around the edges of violet as a note, I know that I love the green smell of the leaves. And mentioning smoky, incense and tobacco notes made me race to add this to the wish list.
I would love to try this. Already know and like violet in different forms, from Voile de Violette, SSS, Blanc Violette, HdP to Violette by Molinard, all quite different, but all wrapping you in a soft, nonoffending, comforting veil for when you need that.
I have Apres L’Ondee which is a very soft violet, but this Violet Fumme sounds amazing with that smoky note! I would love to try it some time, along with other Mona D’Orio scents.
How have I managed to miss the Mona di Orio line? Will have to explore it.
Violet? Ughh. It turns horrid on my skin. Except for Armani Prive Cuir Amethyste. Love, love, love. But Violette Fume sounds intriguing, with some similarities to Cuir Amethyste.
And those menopausal hot flashes? Sure are changing what scents I want to wear…….
Smoky violet, sounds dynamite! I would love to try this.
I have tried only one violet perfume, SSS Voile de Violette. Somehow it was completely different than I expected (I think I was mostly surprised by how foodish it was?), and it has made me think twice about violet notes ever since. That said, I should give Voile de Violette another try, and I’d also love to try Violette Fumee. Thank you for the draw!
I think this sounds wonderful. And fie on talk of old lady perfumes! We are all old ladies in waiting, and of course our yastes will continue to become more and more exquisite. 😉
Should add that for a long time the Vanille was the only Mona that I truly loved, but recently I got a decant of her Oud, and can sit for hours observing its development. No question, she had genius. Thanks for the draw!
Ahh, this sounds amazing (and I’m generally a no when it comes to violets, due to a mishap with a spilled full vial of SSS Wood Violet a couple of years ago…*shudder*). I love her Ambre (and her Vanille, and her Nuit Noire…). Thanks for yet another generous giveaway, Patty!
My favorite Mona is Eau Absolue and I do like violet, the smoky treatment sound fabulous!
Yes to violets! This sounds amazing. Does Violet Blonde count as a violet perfume?? Violetta di Parma also tickles me. I have never smelled any Mona di Orio, sadly.
Never thought i’d like violet scents, but now Ihave to think again! Thank you for the little push and reminder to try something new.
Yes to violets! I’ve recently been scouring the blogs and boards researching the right violet for me. This one sounds amazing!
Smokey is great this time of year because of all of the bonfires going this year. Yes, in Cleveland, it’s clambake season and lots of bonfires. Fall is the only time of year where you can get a good bonfire going. Chanel Sycomore and L’Air du Desert Marocain compliment this greatly. Can’t recall smelling a violet dominant perfume off the top of my head so I wouldn’t know violet even if it bit me.
Eldarwen22,
I’m a misplaced Clevelander and your mention of clambakes just brought back some lovely memories. I’ll have to get out my sample of L’air du Desert Marocain and try it again for bonfire season. Thank you for the suggestion and happy reminder of home.
Smokey violet sounds wonderful–not old lady. My favorite Mona di Orio is her Vanilla–great on its own or layered with something else.
I love violet and have been craving it lately. Have SSS Wood Violet on my wish list. I have never tried and Mona di Orio perfumes but really would like to. Anyone else love those violet pastilles? Was convinced as a child they didn’t count as candy but were breath medicine, lol.
Ok, my app keeps crashing so I double posted. Sorry.
I loved violet pastilles as a kid. I don’t see them anymore – wonder if they still make them.
You know if it’s a Mona fragrance it’s not just going to smell of violets, there is always a surprise! I love her Ambre and I’d love to try this!
I love violet and have been craving it lately. Have SSS Wood Violet on my wish list and am just waiting for the shopping cart tot go back up to order some (somehow feel silly emailing her with a perfume emergency). I have never tried any Mona di Orio scents but really would love to. Remember those violet pastilles? I love those too and was convinced as a child that they were medicine for your breath and not candy. Guess I was pretty cute and earnest because I could usually talk someone in to buying them.
oh my goodness….I would so LOVE to try this! My favorite scent on earth is her Musc which wraps me in a musky heliotrope soft blanket of happiness….again, would so love to try this interpretation of violets!
I really want to try this now – it sounds amazing! It probably is a bit old lady, but I love violet fragrances.
Mona d’Orio is a favorite line for me. It is one of the few lines where I will buy a bottle the first time I smell it. My four bottles are all special to me.
DNEM Patty
I am so miffed that I walked straight past this last weekend, Jin and I were looking at Oud by MdO because he is trying to decide between that and Creed’s Royal Oudh, GRRRR! I saw Violette Fumee but it didn’t twig.
Lovely review as always.
Portia xx
Violets… A BIG YES! I love them in perfumes and I love Violets in general. Well sometimes they might smell old but that is exactly what I love about them, because they smell so elegant and sometimes old. I like perfumes that are old fashioned because they are nostalgic and because they survive in a world of fruity-floral perfumes. A smoky violet scent, that sounds Awesome! Thank you for the review and for the draw! Wish you all the best! ^_^
Sounds delish!! I like the smokey aspect to it.