Hey Posse, As the Northern Hemisphere makes its way into the heart of spring I thought we could chat about a perfume that I was going to sell onwards. It had sat unworn and unloved for a few years. As I pulled it out to put it on the sale pile I sniffed the nozzle. Happy memories and a REALLY good scent. As Romano Ricci said “With Gentlewoman, I wanted to give women a dash of dandy. Modern, daring, I envy her freedom, her taste, her look.” Yes, it’s ad speak drivel BUT if you like a clever cologne style with the longevity of an EdT then maybe Gentlewoman could be a perfect fit. Nowadays you can grab a bottle at the discounters for a very reasonable price (perfumista math free). FragranceNet has 50ml for under US$40. IKR!
Gentlewoman by Juliette Has A Gun
Juliette Has A Gun gives these featured accords:
Top: Bergamot, Neroli
Heart: Almond, Coumarin, Orange Blossom
Base: Ambroxan, Musks
Firstly, can we talk about the bottle? The silky touch navy blue paisley jacquard look is stunning. It’s a comfortable fit in my hand ands hefty enough without being heavy. I’ve had my bottle for ten years now and it got a lot of use when I got it from Romano at the launch here in Sydney (did you hear that clang as I dropped his name?!?). It still looks and feels brand spanking new.
How does Gentlewoman smell? Opening is a cool citrus, tangy and fresh cut. It smells of pith, that vegetal muskiness. So smooth and fluffy. The opening lasts so well before adding in some floralcy. The nuttiness doesn’t show up in a big way for me. It’s a way back chorister.
Dry down still has loads of that citrus pith muskiness and that amorphous woody/amber/ozonic feel ambroxan often gives me. I can smell it much better as it walks past me on the street than when I’m pumping it out myself. It must smell very nice because when I wear it to work, long after I can smell only a whisper of pith, others ask what I’m wearing.
While gentlewoman seems very sexed by name. It really is a luxurious boys for girls scent. SO, that means that it’s unisex. So freaking unisex. It’s a perfect spring, summer and into autumn fit. I remember giving myself a spritz mid-winter when I wanted a break from the ambers and loving it then too. It’s deep and warm enough through the base to wear anytime.
Surrender To Chance has others in the JHaG range to try but not Gentlewoman. BUM!
I wrote about Sunny Side Up when it was released.
Are you a JHaG fan? Did you try Gentlewoman?
Portia xx
I had the sample set when I was a regular Basenotes. Back then they were similar smelling roses. I do recall getting squirted with this in Harvey Nicks when it was first releases. Not for me. Might try Sunny Side Up though.
I do have their Lipstick Fever. It works for me when I want to go all Hollywood glam. So the house isn’t a total bust.
I love the idea of you do full Hollywood Glam Alityke. Bet you are fire.
Portia xx
It’s a rare occasion these days. More I’ll wear the JHaG in my jammies
YAY! That’s even better.
Nice post. I tried some – I think mostly rose based – JHaG early on but did not fall for any. I like the notes of this one and will add it to my sample list. That’s the list that keeps growing and when I finally get it down and have fun with the samples, snap it’s long again!
HA! Maya, I think this is the story of most perfumistas.
Question: Do you finish your samples?
Portia x
Only the ones I really like.
Fair.
I didn’t love the original and sort of stopped paying attention. But this sounds intriguing.
Heya Tom,
I’d love to hear if you ever get a sniff of it.
Portia xx
What a stunning bottle! I think I tried this at some point and it didn’t call to me which is too bad given the price. It’s been chilly the past few weeks plus a big hail storm, looking forward to the warmup coming this weekend which should stay that way, I’m ready to put some house plants out to bask for the summer.
Hope no damage with the hail March.
Our indoor plants get some sun baths during warm but not too hot days too. They’re always grateful.
Portia xxl
hmmm… JHAG ( the whole line) seems to have slid under my radar! Sunny Side Up sounds like a fun one! Gentlewoman sounds like a ‘maybe’ as I do love almond
Hi there Musette,
They’re a pretty good niche crew, that really are Mass-Tige. Romano Ricci is related to Nina Ricci, maybe grandson? He did talk about it but I can’t remember.
Portia xx
Nina’s Bigarade is how I fell into the Posse’s snare!
WOW! I did not know that.
A few years ago my son bought me the JHAG sample coffret as a gift. I just ran upstairs and pulled it out and SCORE! Gentlewoman is included. I dabbed some on my arm. Like the neroli and almond. Dislike the ambroxen. Maybe it will soften as it dries down. Thanks Portia!
Hey there DinaC,
Fingers crossed for an ambroxan diminution in late stages. Glad you found it and can play along.
Portia xx
I love JHAG but have somehow missed trying this. Sunny Side Up is a favorite – truly a mood lifter and wonderful I all seasons. For years, Lady Vengeance was a comfort scent for me (in spite of the name) but it was awkward telling people what I was wearing without sounding more dangerous than I really am.
So maybe Gentlewoman would sound safer…?
HA! I reckon you could become VERY dangerous when pushed to it MaggieCat, Sunny Side Up is heartwarming, I agree.
Gentlewoman sounds like an undercover bad ass to me.
Portia xx
Undercover bad-ass – well, it might suit me perfectly!
HA! Perfect