Change of Habit: La Religieuse by Serge Lutens

sergeThere was a point in my journey as a scent lover that I would almost salivate at the idea of a new scent from Uncle Serge, especially if it was one that would not be sold in the US. There was a reason for this, of course. There were stunners in there; scents that literally changed the way I think about scent.

I guess that it’s a “not you, it’s me” type of thing. No matter how good it might turn out to be I am not going to walk through hoops of fire to test any new fragrance, even if it’s from Serge Lutens.

Having written that, I do have to tip my hat to La Religieuse. It’s one of the lighter ones in the collection, starting off with sugary, nutty mimosa and incense. after a while the jasmine comes in, at first sweet and innocent then becoming more carnal as the musk develops. It’s like a version of “The Sound of Music” directed by Ken Russell, where at the end Maria is running around the place in fishnets and thigh-high boots.

Do I need to tell you that’s a good thing?

La Religieuse is available at the usual suspects at $150 for 50 ML. My sample was asked for and given at ScentBar.

Image: LuckyScent

  • Eloquaint says:

    I have tried a sample, and I just don’t like it. It’s uninspired. It’s…boring. And it has a really nasty middle, between the opening and the far end of the drydown. Uncle Serge, why?

  • masha7 says:

    Tom, your comment of “It’s me, not you” made me think of Fiona talking to Scotty in the movie “Eurotrip”: “No, it actually is you. You’re so predictable!” That is how I am starting to feel about Uncle Serge these days, sigh. LR just didn’t move me at all.

  • Lisa Darty says:

    Tom, you describe the same evolution I’ve undergone. There was a time that I thought Lutens perfumes were the most intriguing, beguiling aromas I had ever encountered. And, at the time, they were. Lutens was the house that took me from mainstream to niche. I still love many of them, but I no longer feel I have to hunt down samples of every release.

  • Tara C says:

    Read lots of lukewarm reviews on this one so far but I really like it. It’s a sweet fruity jasmine on me and I plan on giving it a lot of wear this summer.

  • bevfred says:

    Oh Tom, you do have a way with words! Your brief description of Maria running helped me to totally understand this fragrance.
    I’m going to have to try it if only, in my mind. to live up to the imagery. Happy Easter!