Fleur de Bambù
Il Profumo (2011)

Definitely one of my favorite fragrances from the italian brand IL Profvmo (Patchouli Noir, Black Dianthus, Otello, Chocolat Amere etc), a super interesting kind of aristocratic (and somewhat baroque e/o art decò) perfume house which I appreciate for its talented and visionary creator Silvana Casoli, a nose with a great sense of olfactory aesthetic. Fleur de Bambu by Il Profvmo is a aquatic-green-aromatic unisex fragrance launched in 2011. This enchanted fragrance is a wonderful green floral aquatic piece of pure dreamy and poetic measure. Perfecly blended, no doubts, it seems to perceive the voice of forest along the river (rattles, hums, far echoes of trees-fronds in motion and animal shouts, the water-flow's sounds, the birds-chirping etc). I agree on the topic this creation evokes memories from a Japanese enchanted zen culture and the dreamy oriental nature with all the repertory of secret gardens, ponds, streams, green meadows and floral little trees. Bamboo, ivy, water lily and rise are the main elements of this olfactory poetry. Green tea, bambo, lotus flower and water lily provide calming freshness and a very aquatic vibe while the rice gives a touch of balmy rise-creaminess vaguely conjuring the idea of heliotrope, milk and green banana smoothie mixed together (everything working as mere nuance or subtle undertone), finally ivy is responsible of the general green atmosphere which is wet as a meadow after rain or covered by jade. Aqueous, green, soapy/creamy (in a minimal touch) and floral elements are harmoniously combined as instruments of a magic orchestra. Fleur de Bamboo opens with a quite refreshing green and vaguely citric/floral/aqueous blast (mastered by green tea, watery spicy/botanic/leafy notes, and barely adumbrated citrus) but quickly this inebriating freshness recedes while disclosing a softer and delicate (slightly soapy/rise milk-nuanced) floral graciousness dominated by lotus and water lily. Greenness, hints of muskiness, light woods and a touch a piquancy provide anyway a more neutral and assertive masculine undertone in a way this perfume could be considered a perfectly unisex floral fragrance. Dry down is still floral/green, silent and slightly fairy and intimate, even with a plain balance and elegant harmony. This fragrance never screams, just paints and whispers in a light, airy and luminous way. A magic olfactory poem for romantic souls and delicate artistic spirits. Perfect for mediterranen spring time and a romantic day time date in a restaurant in front of the sea.