Roxana Villa is one of my favorite perfumers. She creates magical scents in her atelier high in the Malibu hills, all in small batches and all by hand. Hedera Helix is the latest I’ve tried and I love it. It’s a delicious, earthy green chypre balancing the sweetness of geranium with peach, rhododendron and violet leaves. Further along into the development it becomes darker and woodier (woods are one of the accords that Roxana is unmatched at) and since Hedera Helix is the name of one of the sacred trees of the Celtic forest, that fits. The final oakmoss (Wheee!) makes this a true chypre.
It also makes it a true delight.
It was originally created in 2007 as a special commission and I’m very glad it’s available to the rest of us. It can be ordered from her website, $205 for 7 Drams. My sample came from the perfumer.
I received my sample of Gracing the Dawn from Roxana Illuminated Perfume a few weeks ago. I have been wearing it and also sampling when I can sit, close my eyes and savor the wonderfully addictive scent.
I do not have the experienced nose to identify the complexity of the combined ingredients in this precious dainty little pink pot of heavenly scented beeswax, however, it melts onto my skin like silk, the scent is feminine, a little bit flowery, with a freshness and sweetness of forest air. I love it! The packaging is so pretty; it was the most special little surprise to receive. Roxana is an amazingly talented perfumer.
That’s a beautiful description, Tom.
I also love Roxana’s perfumes and Hedera Helix is one of my favorites!
Ooh, Tom, you’ve got me salivating! I know you and others have praised her stuff before; I just need to get off my duff and get me some. BTW, I’m with you on the “flats” — don’t want no stinkin’ hills to climb 🙂
I have this in the solid. I haven’t tried it in the perfume, yet. Roxana’s scents are wonderful and she is a delight to deal with.
Yes, she is. I’d love to have more of her stuff in my wardrobe.
I have not really investigated her line but this sounds magical.
And…waaah! I want an atelier high in the Malibu Hills!!!
xo :Devil:
I don’t. I house-sat for friends at the top of Beachwood Canyon for two months. Totally cured me of wanting hillside living. If I run out of milk I can walk 15 minutes to get some. I loves me the flats!
I love Roxanna’s Illuminated Perfumes Tom. Thanks for reminding me to trawl through my cupboard and grab them back out.
Portia xx
I hope you post about them, I’d love to read..