Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal

Here’s a sad story Posse. One we know all too well. I’ve long had this virtually unused 15ml bottle of Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal. For some reason I got the urge to read gardenias and Patty had it in her Gardenia Best Of post. So I went and scouted it out. Fortunately I know where my Annich Goutal box is and it was right at the front. Yes, I still call it Annick Goutal. The new age, first name stealers give me gas. I will never buy an Yves Saint Laurent garment or an Annick Goutal fragrance without the first name of its founder and inspiration. Fortunately YSL Beauty still bears the Yves. OK rant over.

Don’t go looking for it. Gardenia Passion has gone the way of the dodo. Sadly, there is no sign of it at Goutal Paris. Sometimes it’s nice to reminisce though.

Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal 1989

Featured accords:
Top: Gardenia, Jasmine
Heart: Tuberose, Orange Blossom
Base: Vanilla

Opening is crazy gardenia, fresh off the bush. That dark bleu cheese creaminess is front and center. Within moments though Gardenia Passion turns totally tuberose. It’s a similar vein, still quite breathy and full of sensual flesh but without the gritty gasp of real gardenia.

The heart is a vanilla white floral, it’s very alluring and lasts for hours in stasis. There are even whispered wafts of citrus weaving throughout. Gardenia Passion is all light, beautiful sunshiny gorgeousness. Hefty but with an ethereal feeling.

I’m surprised at Gardenia Passion’s longevity. My memory of the fragrance was that it had a fabulous opening and then collapsed. The dry down is a very lovely creamy vanilla with still hints of white floral. Even whispers of coconut and ylang style tropical night wear. So very feminine that EVERY man should add it to their armory, a little subversive twist to the ultra masculine.

Didv you ever love, wear or loathe Gardenia Passion?
Portia xx

Related