Reviews of Fleurs de Rocaille by Caron
Vintage parfum: sparkling floral. My first introduction to aldehydic florals was Chanel no.5, so my first association when I smell an aldehydic floral is to compare it to no.5, but the vibe here is quite different.
Fleurs starts off with a blast of soapy aldehydes and the most cheerful flowers. I get an image of a grand white room filled with vases of every type of flower so no single one stands out.
From the outset this is not no.5. This is innocent, pure, sheltered femininity. Whereas no.5 has a haughty edge, Fleurs de Rocaille has people and walls to keep the unwashed masses away.
The sweet warmth of the Caronade joins in the symphony over time, but does not disrupt the Golden Age scene. I can hear Edith Wharton narrating...
Beautiful and of another time.
This was my grandmother's signature when she was young. It gives me insight into who she might have been before the burdens of womanhood.
Fleurs starts off with a blast of soapy aldehydes and the most cheerful flowers. I get an image of a grand white room filled with vases of every type of flower so no single one stands out.
From the outset this is not no.5. This is innocent, pure, sheltered femininity. Whereas no.5 has a haughty edge, Fleurs de Rocaille has people and walls to keep the unwashed masses away.
The sweet warmth of the Caronade joins in the symphony over time, but does not disrupt the Golden Age scene. I can hear Edith Wharton narrating...
Beautiful and of another time.
This was my grandmother's signature when she was young. It gives me insight into who she might have been before the burdens of womanhood.
I think I don’t like aldehydes, all I smell is soap and not a soap I really like. I truly couldn’t smell any of the other notes, so sad
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Aldehyde floral classic construction, Jasmine, Rose, soapy sandalwood etc..
Caron sure does like it's carnations, most I've tried figure this note prominently, it is present here as well, most noticably in the heart, and gives it that classic Caron signature. It has also one of the most shocking and seriously animalic civet I've had the pleasure to encounter, progressively toning down amidst the splendid bouquet and musks.
It is so... beautiful.
Sampled from a very old and bruised up top pure parfum.
Caron sure does like it's carnations, most I've tried figure this note prominently, it is present here as well, most noticably in the heart, and gives it that classic Caron signature. It has also one of the most shocking and seriously animalic civet I've had the pleasure to encounter, progressively toning down amidst the splendid bouquet and musks.
It is so... beautiful.
Sampled from a very old and bruised up top pure parfum.
By now, almost everyone knows that the times have not been kind to the house of Caron too many of the current offerings are shadows of their former selves. I can only guess what vintage Fleurs de Rocaille smelt like, but the current EDT offers little to recommend it inoffensive' being the kind view here.
After touches of lilac, carnation and mimosa done in a light air-whipped style, it shifted into an ambiguous floral foam both soapy and watery at once but with an unappealing resinous squeal emanating from its base reminiscent of preparations used to treat wood floors. Fortunately the latter didn't last long, but the feeling of a needlessly buttoned up floral remained.
After touches of lilac, carnation and mimosa done in a light air-whipped style, it shifted into an ambiguous floral foam both soapy and watery at once but with an unappealing resinous squeal emanating from its base reminiscent of preparations used to treat wood floors. Fortunately the latter didn't last long, but the feeling of a needlessly buttoned up floral remained.
A slightly sweet, nicely glowing jasmine is the core top note - and top in quality it is indeed, with a hint of gentle sweetness. This as well as the drydown is chracterised by an overarching abundance of aldehydes, giving is a crisp side. In the base a sandal appears, and I also get a honeyed creamy impression that at times takes on ambery characteristics.
All this is beautifully blended of ingredients of highest quality. I get moderate sillage, adequate projection and six hours of longevity. Strangely though, after six hours a slightly powdery resurgence of the honeyed amber provides pleasant transient reminiscences, which last another five hours, albeit extremely close to my skin. And have to apply it very liberally, otherwise it last less long.
A classic of simple structure but of the highest quality. 3.5/5
All this is beautifully blended of ingredients of highest quality. I get moderate sillage, adequate projection and six hours of longevity. Strangely though, after six hours a slightly powdery resurgence of the honeyed amber provides pleasant transient reminiscences, which last another five hours, albeit extremely close to my skin. And have to apply it very liberally, otherwise it last less long.
A classic of simple structure but of the highest quality. 3.5/5
Yet another super classic floral bomb, with a lot of jasmine, lavender and heliotrope; earth, pollen, aldehydes, sumptuosity and femininity at its best. Slightly honeyed, and increasingly soapy as minutes pass - a floral, rich, powdery and slightly metallic kind of soapy. A hint of citrus at the opening, camphoraceous resins and benzoin on the base. Can't get any more classic than this, in a totally good and compelling way: a safe, confident, classy, well-aged and even kind of austerely majestic floral chypre for elegant ladies (and men). Perhaps unoriginal (or a bit washed-down in the current version), but a solid one.
7,5/10
7,5/10
This is the only scent that reminds me of Estee Lauder's White Linen. White Linen is my signature scent. Fleurs de Rocaille is like a softer more summery version of White Linen to me. I do find it lasts on my skin, although on others I see it does not. It does rate good comments when I wear it and I always have a backup bottle. When I first smelled it it was like stumbling on a golden smell I'd looked for for a long time.
I agree, this perfume is 'done right'.
I agree, this perfume is 'done right'.
The opening of Fleurs de Rocaille is very aledhydic, though on my skin the aldehydes only last a short time, giving way to almost bittersweet floral notes (which remind of me heather and gorse). After 5-6 hours it is still very strong, and becomes very animalic: I have seen some fragrances (most notably Kouros) described as having an almost urine note, which is definitely evident in this stage of Fleurs de Rocaille; maybe it's a type of musk. It's not unpleasant, but definitely animalic.
Apart from the aldehydic notes which only last 10-15 minutes on my skin, I can't compare Fleurs de Rocaille with perfumes such as Chanel No5 or Arpege, as I have seen a number of online reviews doing. Fleurs de Rocaille is very elegant and sophistcated, and certainly not dated.
Do not confuse Fleurs de Rocaille with the newer Fleur de Rocaille, which is a much more modern and in my opinion, not very pleasant floral fragrance.
Apart from the aldehydic notes which only last 10-15 minutes on my skin, I can't compare Fleurs de Rocaille with perfumes such as Chanel No5 or Arpege, as I have seen a number of online reviews doing. Fleurs de Rocaille is very elegant and sophistcated, and certainly not dated.
Do not confuse Fleurs de Rocaille with the newer Fleur de Rocaille, which is a much more modern and in my opinion, not very pleasant floral fragrance.
I don't know where people are getting aldehydes in this...this is a straight up floral blend,
appropriate at all times and nice in warm, even hot, weather. Never too cloying
appropriate at all times and nice in warm, even hot, weather. Never too cloying
Initial review for the reformualation: Very light, undistinguished floral medley of rose, jasmine, violet, lily of the valley, musk, cedar, sandalwood, oak moss. Luca Turin describes it as "a carnation floral, so prim and proper it feels almost disapproving." He gives it an "adequate" rating, while his co-author, Tania Sanchez tags it as "disappointing."
I agree. This modern reformulation of the original 1934 creation is dull and lifeless.
First Edit: Just bought a one ounce unopened vintage bottle and the scent is an entirely different experience than the reformulation. A burst of sharp muguet and carnation announces itself and eventually quiets down to a medley of "honeyed" wildflowers. Delicious. Seek out the vintage in the rectangular bottle with painted flowers on the stopper top.
I agree. This modern reformulation of the original 1934 creation is dull and lifeless.
First Edit: Just bought a one ounce unopened vintage bottle and the scent is an entirely different experience than the reformulation. A burst of sharp muguet and carnation announces itself and eventually quiets down to a medley of "honeyed" wildflowers. Delicious. Seek out the vintage in the rectangular bottle with painted flowers on the stopper top.
For the duchesses' symposiums at Court. I don't exactly remember whether Al Pacino was talking about Fleur or Fleurs de Rocaille in its notorious Scent of Woman but i'm sure about the identity of the fragrance i tested and this one is the older Fleurs de Rocaille, a fragrance which an old seller gave me as a gift as soon as i purchased nearby its decrepit shop a 100 ml Marte Arte Battistoni for 25,00. So lucky am i, and so patient as an olfactory investigator ready to rake the old decrepit shops around the world. I tested the one in the old packaging far different from the modern niche one and i'm almost sure it was the vintage, vintage version. What to say? Absolutely hard to wear nowadays with its old-school cologny vibe but timeless for sure. This is an ethereal fragrance, celestial, cool, conservative and gentle as a natural whiff carring out a victorian garden floral early riser aroma. I detect the otherworldly aldehydes airy/powdery touch for sure, perceive the bergamot, the lemony vibe, the astringent herbs and obviously the complicated floral bouquet with all those "magistrally stuffy" nuances of ylang-ylang, muguet, rose/jasmine and violet. Many other sharp floral nuances (carnation and geranium overall) whirl over the woody (sandalwood-cedarwood) base and the juice holds on to be sharp (despite hints of perfectly balanced rounding amber/musk providing faint soapiness/powderiness) and natural till the end. I do not detect a sweet or mellow fruity presence in the blend for sure. Probably a minimal hint of civet closes the round in order to bind its action with a vintage connection of aldehydes, hesperides and patchouli. I have this extremely classic fragrance in my collection now and i'm proud of it.
Long ago I actually bought this perfume. At that time I felt that it was fresh & complex, distinguished!
But I began to dislike the lily of the valley note that seems to become acidly metallic on my skin....nooooooo, not for me....
But I began to dislike the lily of the valley note that seems to become acidly metallic on my skin....nooooooo, not for me....
I have been wanting to smell FLEURS DE ROCAIILE since I watched Scent of A Woman in the 1992. Nearly 2 decades later, I have finally acquired a little of it in parfum extrait.
Quite simply, this is an aldehydic floral done right. There is a slight animalic tone to the opening but nothing I would describe as 'poop'. Perhaps the vintage version is much more animalic? Anyway kudos to Ernest Daltroff for achieving such a fine balance. On some days, the rose or the carnation gets a little more airtime but often it graces the air like a refined floral bouquet. I find it timeless and quite elegant, just perfect for a lady.
Quite simply, this is an aldehydic floral done right. There is a slight animalic tone to the opening but nothing I would describe as 'poop'. Perhaps the vintage version is much more animalic? Anyway kudos to Ernest Daltroff for achieving such a fine balance. On some days, the rose or the carnation gets a little more airtime but often it graces the air like a refined floral bouquet. I find it timeless and quite elegant, just perfect for a lady.
The classic icon of a stylized bouquet of rock garden flowers says it all from the electric blue tulips to the lip stick pink daisies, a multi faceted floral/amber parfum of immense beauty & complex construction. My recently opened flacon of 'extrait' from the early fifties has kept remarkably well, like a genie locked in his lamp this golden hued amber juice yearns to be liberated from it's crystal prison with the sole purpose of bestowing fragrant wishes upon those who would seek to sample one of Caron's most treasured jewels.This Ernest Daltroff creation is a sumptuous affair receiving similar recognition & acclaim also afforded to many of his earlier works including 'Bellodgia, 'Narcisse Noir' & 'Tabac Blonde', a symphonic opus masterly constructed with high quality absolutes, essences & raw materials all cleverly fixed & bolstered by powerful synthetics considered novel and innovative even 10 years after the launch of Chanel's No.5 & Arpege by Lanvin. I appreciate the floralcy in Fleurs de Rocaille, violette, lilac, lily of the valley and a gorgeous spiced carnation/rose effect similar to the theme in 'Bellodgia', no animalic undertones detected apart from a slight hint of civet, drying down with a warm lactonic ambery base counter balanced by cool cedar & sandalwood. Fleurs de Rocaille could be perceived as being dated, slightly stuffy and reserved by some, I have found this Grand Dame from Caron thoroughly charming and deserving of it's place in classic perfumery.
(Pure Parfum Review)
Rose Perfeccion!
Hints of jasmine, carnation, rose, violet and lily of the valley are evident, but everything is so well blended, it's like being in a victorian garden.
This scent is a delicate, powdery floral, a great example of high quality French Fragrances.
On my skin this is more ylang-ylang and violet than carnation or jasmine.
My only regret is that this fragrance wears VERY close to the skin, but at least the scent doesn't disappear.
Fleurs de Rocaille is an absolute masterpiece.
Rose Perfeccion!
Hints of jasmine, carnation, rose, violet and lily of the valley are evident, but everything is so well blended, it's like being in a victorian garden.
This scent is a delicate, powdery floral, a great example of high quality French Fragrances.
On my skin this is more ylang-ylang and violet than carnation or jasmine.
My only regret is that this fragrance wears VERY close to the skin, but at least the scent doesn't disappear.
Fleurs de Rocaille is an absolute masterpiece.
(Pure Parfum review)Because I liked this in EDT, I wanted to try the parfum version. The parfum, on me, came out of the gate with... a fall on its face. Seriously, i couldn't smell anything. But i was heading out the door to see a movie (Inception) and couldn't apply another layer.Two hours later, while siting in the theater, I was hit with a pure, dewy, oily-sweet note. At this point i thought it smelled exactly like N'aimez que moi, a similar rose/sandalwood composition. But after a while it became dryer, and very, very nice.Have you ever flicked a styrofoam cup and gotten a 'thump'? This is how most commercial offerings wear to my nose. A flick to a glass mug adds a short vibrato to that thump and makes it crisper, and this is how alot of the better perfumes wear on me.Caron (parfums) wear like Swarovski crystal. This is what's missing from the EDT version. Worth the extra $$, as always
Fleurs de rocaille is one of my all-time favourite fragrances. Of course it is a bit outdated but it is most certainly part of its charm as far as I am concerned. My mother who was a very refined and elegant woman used to wear it when I was a kid in the early 60's and I loved it. I am sorry Fleurs de rocaille is not very popular nowadays. Classic perfumes may not attract the younger generations but they still deserve to be kept on the market for those of us who still appreciate them.
A stunning classic that rivals the best of Chanel (No. 5) and Givenchy (Le De) or YSL (Paris). To some, this scent seems dated. Its aldehydic/floral-soapy/woody combination harkens back to bygone days when fragrance had character, instead of style.Fleurs de Rocaille is a floral/carnation concoction so prim and proper it almost seems destined only for well-behaved women.Like other Carons of its day, it reflects the common saying that "Guerlain is for kept women, Caron is for duchesses."
As far as this gal goes, Fleurs is way too light. But I love the aldehydes and the fact that, unlike another certain aldehydic floral, it neither gives me a headache nor turns into baby lotion on me. I can wear this one-- not for long, five hours at best-- but it works on me. That isn't to say it suits my personality, but I can wear it, and that is pleasing. I know aldehydes can be intimidating to some, but I think the lightness, subtlety, and utter prettiness of Fleurs would make it a good fragrance for a gal who isn't that into perfume.
I fell in love with it. I like florals; i have tried thousand of florals; many of them alike. But this one is extraordinary, amazing... This is an impressionist masterpiece...
Fleurs de Rocaille is a retro aldehydic floral with a blend of flowers including magnolia and lily of the valley. Fascinating and unusual aroma. To me, it has a phantom note that smells like fruit punch, but is almost spicy. Clean, a bit soapy, with an up-lifting feeling. Not the least bit heavy. If you like Caleche, you should like this as it is much more interesting.
My fingers move aside the floral silk and cotton skarves that drape the corner of the mirror. My hand caresses then passes over the sepia photo tucked under the edge, moving down to the tortoiseshell bowl of dried roses and carnation pinks, riffling the petals as my fingers pass. My fingers turn to the bakelite container. I lift the lid and powder drifts up and hangs in the still air. I lean forward, the layers of my dress rustle against the old leather of my stool. What next? Ah. My hand pulls the ornate brass handle of the drawer and sifts through slips and stockings. There- I fish out the elusive cylinder and scroll it open to apply the deep dusky pink to my lips.
So vivacious, so refined and so delicate, this magnificent fragrance has been a favourite of mine for fifty years. Made bright by the aldehydes, none of the complex mixtures of ingredients predominates. In my mind, this is THE perfect floral bouquet.