Hello Perfume Posse! Paname Paname is one of the fragrances released by the only Belgian nose Libertine Louison. I have been rummaging in my sample boxes and it jumped out at me. The name, repeated, on a vial called me as I was looking. It was either sent to me by a mate in a sample pack or came as a GWP but I have zero recollection of it arriving here. I thought today we could meet it together
Paname Paname by Libertine Louison for Technique Indiscrete 2008
Technique Indiscrete gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Cumin
Heart: Jasmin, Lotus, Apple Cake
Base: Vetiver, Moss de Bois, White Musk, Amber, Chypre Accent
Slightly bakery opening, Paname Paname has a softly doughy tinge that overrides the citrus. It’s very nice together on me. A bit like Marmalade and White Bread. It doesn’t last very long but as an opener it definitely got my attention. Then (and it could be the notes list talking but I can almost taste it) what’s designated apple cake smells more to me like an Iced Apple & Walnut Scroll.
You know those things that look like snail shells flattened, with apples, walnuts, glaze, icing and custard? So freaking delicious. My memories of them go back to Mum buying one from the bakery and the three of us sitting at the kitchen bench or dining table having 1/3 each with cold milk. I happily stay in this moment for the next little while, huffing and remembering.
PDI
Dry down comes early and stays linearly around for a while. It’s softly mossy and dry/sweet. It is reminiscent of chypre but a castrated chypre compared to the oldies like Jacomo Silences or even CHANEL No 19. So if you find the hard core chypres too challenging then this soft focus beauty might just hit the spot. Paname Paname is a polite version of their ferociousness.
There is something hugely alluring about Paname Paname, it’s not groundbreaking or outrageous but it’s so wearable and plush. It feels gorgeously expensive and super modern.
Are you chypre-phobic? Would you try this?
Portia xx
Portia also writes for Australian Perfume Junkies.
I would definitely try this, the description sounds both scrumptious and elegant. Truthfully I’m not sure what the term chypre typically designates — I have several natural ones that I love, but I suspect I would need to have some small degree of familiarity with vintage greats to know what everyone is talking about (oftentimes my nose is overpowered by synthetic elements, so I lack the necessary motivation to go sifting through current versions of Chanel no. 19 et al.) I really enjoyed your memory of apple scroll and find it intriguing that that sort of aroma could be the opening to a chypre! Thanks for the fun review.
Hi Rosemacaroon,
My personal favourite chypre genre is the Floral Chypre. Bandit, Niki de Saint Phalle, No 19 and (vintage) Miss Dior are all from this category.
Portia xx
I’m all about old-school chypre, so this one might be too training-wheels for me! Also not a big fan of gourmands, but now I want to eat pastry.
HA! Pastry is good anytime HeidiC.
Yeah, if you love your chypre old school then this will not be heavy duty enough.
Portia x
This sounds like a throw back to old-school-beauty with it’s chypre lite. I might like it. Loved your recalled memory of eating pastry. 🙂 I’m wearing Gucci No. 3 today, a chypre too.
Gucci No 3 is WONDERFUL DinaC.
Enjoy your beautiful fragrance.
Portia x
It is too bad that Louison is such a ripoff artist. He takes people’s money and doesn’t fill their orders. Then he moves from country to country to avoid customers who he owes items to. Not to mention the psychotic and violent tweets that he posts. I strongly recommend that you do not support this criminal.
WOW Ron,
THAT should be public knowledge. thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Portia x
I love chypres, and your description of this fragrance sounds wonderful and intriguing. I’m akways inspired to sample fragrances based on your reviews Portia. Thank you!
Hey Kathleen,
That’s a really nice thing to say.
Portia xx
Not a huge chypre fan but there are a couple I enjoy from Amouage and Malle. But now I am craving cinnamon buns!!
HA! Cinnamon buns are freaking YUM TaraC.
Portia xx