Il Mondo di Odore

In my teens I was exposed to a series of romantic novels based on the adventures of a temple dancer called Muna, the Rose of Madore. Katharine Gordon's works of fiction provided a rich tapestry of colour, passion and fragrance ... influencing my fertile immagination to such an extent that I could feel the swirling silks of the sarries fluttering around my legs and catch whiffs of the Attar of Roses employed by Muna in her dancing. The imaginary state of Lambagh and it's Peacock Throne became tangible in my thoughts ... and I fell in love with my romantic version of India.  I was, therefore, thrilled to discover the fragrances of Neela Vermeire Creations ... steeped in the history of this vibrant culture as they are. From the spiritual aspects of Vedic tradition to the significance of Noor Jahan's sequestration and the 'Boom Town' effervescence of Bollywood and Mumbai, the three fragrances from this collection are completely captivating and resonate strongly wit...

Mango, Lychee, Blackcurrant, Cardamom, Cumin, Cistus, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Tuberose, Plumeria, Gardenia, Patchouli, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vanilla. Bertrand Duchaufour has come up with a very interesting scent in Bombay Bling. The woody tobacco note is implemented as a foundation and I detect it upon initial application. In essence, this is a floral-tobacco-woody and rather versatile as well. The emphasis seems to be put on the tobacco and both genders are welcome to don this extremely comfortable creation. Bombay Bling opens with a sweet and deep green, floral aroma. It is expansive and has a spicy edge to it. To me, I smell Lychee out front with the rest of the opening notes offering a substantial contribution of balsam and herbal tones along with that undercurrent of spice. It's not fruity, floral or herbal but a concerted effort resulting in a fully formed and substantial accord. Bombay Bling settles down in 5 minutes with a  tobacco note merging with ...

Cardamom, Coriander, Ambrette, Carrot, Black Pepper, Elemi, Turkish Rose Oil, Jasmine, Orris, Hawthorn, Almond Milk, Leather, Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, Oudh Palao, Benzoin, Vanilla, Tonka Bean. Mohur opens with a very manifold accord consisting of a light camphor, balsam and herbal tones accented with a hint of spice. The spice is subtle, peppery and no sooner it appears, there's a floral component just as soft on its heels. After wearing Mohur a few times, what's most noticeable to me is the balancing act of detectable notes. I smell most of what is listed, yet every emergence is on the delicate side with an equal volume for all. The jasmine and rose combo is extremely smooth, setting the stage for the heart accord. The pepper is carried over from the opening and adds a nice contrast to the floral notes. After 15 minutes or so, a gentle leather and the suggestion of oud merge into the accord. I have to say that I like this implementation of "oud" immens...