Since a young age I have been fascinated with gemstones. Like an inquisitive magpie, I would wander the banks of rivers looking for unusual coloured stones that had been polished and shaped by the water’s currents. Fast forward to the future and I still have numerous gemstones in my home. So when I came across a fragrance house that combined both gemstones and fragrance, I was immediately intrigued and couldn’t wait to discover the range.
Created by husband and wife duo Thomas and Ruth Méaulle, is the Parisian based perfume house Orlov. Graduating from HRD Antwerp, Europe’s leading authority in grading diamonds, Ruth has always had a huge passion for precious gems. After a misplaced diamond of hers turned up under one of her many perfume boxes (she is a fragrance fanatic like me) it ignited an idea to combine the two. Along with Thomas’s business background and Ruth’s precious gem know-how, they set out to create their fragrance line. Joining forces with an array of talented perfumers around the world, Orlov was born. Orlov refers to the legendary diamond that was encrusted into the imperial Sceptre of Russian Empress, Catherine the Great.
Each of the fragrances created in the Orlov range are inspired by various gemstones. Their notes are cleverly composed to exude the unique healing energy and characteristics that gems are said to harness. This theme is carried into the presentation of the sophisticated glass bottles, each mirroring the shapes and lines of an elegant cut gem. There are currently three collections in the Orlov range; Diamond, Place Vendome and By Orlov. I was kindly sent a selection of luxury travel sprays from their recently released By Orlov collection, which is the perfect way to explore the full range. Although each of them was impressive in their own right, I gravitated towards the impeccable Sun Drop.
When I first saw the name Sun Drop I almost expected a full-on citrus composition, instead it played with my senses and revealed a surprising set of notes that I simply did not expect. Inspired by a black diamond gemstone, it delves much deeper than those fleeting hesperidic notes that I presumed, revealing a more complex and intriguing nature. The opening is a stunning plethora of spices including Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Cardamom. Their uplifting and powerful characteristics have been beautifully laced with an enveloping scattering of Saffron. This rich addition bestows an oscillating aroma of warming, earthy and sweet tones that entice you in from the initial spray.
The heart is where the fragrance opens up, unveiling an array of intriguing facets to create the most exquisite and opulent composition. Surprisingly, one of its more prominent notes is the renowned ingredient Oud. Although this is prevalent in many fragrances these days, Sun Drop exudes an interpretation of this luxurious ingredient that is unique, intricate and dare I say, extremely addictive. The unmistakable Oud in Sun Drop is sumptuously smooth with an underlying smokey nuance that partners perfectly with the cool floral tones of Rose. The pairing of Oud and Rose can sometimes create a powerful unity that can often overwhelm a fragrance but the injection of Clove bud adds a deep, spicy note that balances it out beautifully.
Along with its creamy woody base of Patchouli, Sandalwood and Musk, the notes seem to merge to create the most irresistible scent which is both powerful and refined. Elegance seems to ooze from every droplet of this fragrance and as soon as I spritzed its golden elixir onto my skin, its presence was a boost to my confidence. It made me want to adorn my blazer, head to the nearest cocktail bar and order a sophisticated drink. This sultry long-lasting woody spicy fragrance is truly captivating and a definite stand out creation from the By Orlov Collection.
Notes
Top: Saffron, Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Cardamon
Heart: Oud, Rose & Clove Bud
Base: Patchouli, Sandalwood & Musk
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation 4/5
Sillage 4/5
Projection 4/5
Longevity 4/5
Fragrance Concentration: Eau de Parfum
Available from Orlov Paris , €95 for 75ml
BLU BLAZER GUY 
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