Hi Posse. Recently I met the Creative Director for P Frapin & Cie parfums, David Frossard. He was in Sydney to launch the latest two Frapin frags Laskarina and Isle of Man. Directly after Sydney he was to hit Melbourne and then go motorbike riding along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide. Seriously gorgeous guy and so knowledgeable.
Isle of Man by Alienor Massenet for P Frapin & Cie 2017
Parfumo gives these featured accords:
Top: Grapefruit, Bitter orange, Basil
Heart: Salt, Freesia, Violet
Base: Ironwood, Haitian vetiver, Musk
Wearing Isle of Man today I was surprised by how salty and warm it smelled. Opening is brisk and refreshing with citrus squealing, and the plush green creaminess of basil. Usually that saltiness is combined with much fresher and more ozonic notes through the heart but here we smell warm woods, dry vetiver and only the merest hint of the mentioned florals. Dry down is softly sweaty woods, sounds terrible but it is gorgeous.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been on a motorbike in the cool evening air by the sea. We have some pretty strict headwear rules here. Your body is rugged against the cool and for safety so you are warm but you know it’s cold outside. Head is fully enclosed in a motorbike helmet, I usually have my visor about a 1cm crack open so I can taste and smell the air. Near the sea is a very special place to ride bikes, maybe because of all the movies and ads I’ve been brainwashed by, but seriously it does feel free-er and more wonderful. That salty bite to the air with a hint of motor oil and road tar, the smell of your warm body and ,further, the slightly sweaty manhead helmet smell all combine to make a scent remarkably paralleled by Isle of Man.
PDI
First In Fragrance has €125/100ml and Samples
Finally, have you tried any of the P Frapin & Cie fragrances? Does this one sound good to you?
Portia xx
Haven’t yet tried anything from this line and OMG, this one sounds Fantastic — will try to get myself a sample for warm weather enjoyment. Thanks for the yummy review, Portia!
Hi there RoseMacaroon,
Welcome.
I think it might be a good fit for you. The house does some very nice work. Impressive.
Portia xx
I have and love the original scent, 1270. Just found a local shop today in Montreal, Henriette L, that carries the line, so I’ll be trying more!
Woo Hoo! A local retailer is a big win TaraC,
Portia xx
That does sound great, thanks for the evocative review. I adore salty scents. Haven’t tried anything from Frapin but will keep my eyes and nose on alert for them. That bottle’s shape is perfect, and the cap looks divine. I love a substantial cap!
Hey Tiffanie,
I think the cap may even be wood, it’s all very luxe.
Portia xxx
BASIL?!? I have yet to find a great basil note in perfume, but I keep looking. I bought Isabella Rossellini’s Manifesto because it was supposed to be based on basil, and while it was a lovely soft herbal, I never really read basil. But basil, grapefruit, and vetiver? I die! Will definitely have to seek this out.
Hi there HeidiC,
Just recently I tried a fragrance that was so basil I could taste it. I wonder if it was this? My mind is in holiday mode.
Portia x
Grapefruit, bitter orange & basil? I’m in! Do you have to wear full-face helmets? I would crack mine open, too! xoxoxo
Yes, full face is the law. It’s constrictive but less cost to the government in reconstructive surgeries.
Portia xx
Isle of Man and motorbikes – I don’t need anything else to arouse my curiosity. I also feel that “salty but not ozonic” will be a better option for me. And yes, I remember how it feels riding a motorbike in the evening air and I miss it so much…so I’m going to order a sample right away. Thanks for the review Portia!
Hey there Neva,
Nice to see you. I bet you cut a swathe on your bike. Men falling dead of lust in your wake.
Portia xx
“Slightly sweaty man head helmet.” I’m done!
I’m done love it, or hate it RPRICHPOT?
Portia xx