Ormonde Jayne Ta’if – Una flor apetitosa

Ormonde Jayne was founded by Linda Pilkington in 2002. Nose Geza Schoen collaborated with Ms. Pilkington in the creation of her fragrances. The first boutiques were opened in the city of London, but the brand has since expanded to other salespoints throughout Europe, many of them in Germany. Everything about Ormonde Jayne seems pulchritudinous and aesthetically pleasing: from the packaging to the website to the products themselves.

Some five years ago I purchased Ta’if unsniffed (I know, I know…I don’t do it anymore these days) and although I had -of course- expected to like it,its beauty rendered me breathless.Original without bending classic beauty standards, Ta’if is technically a floral oriental. It differs from most fragrances of this family in its comparatively dynamic and bright feel; it almost seems to sparkle.Ta’if owes its name to the Ta’if Rose (Rosa Damascena var. Trigintipetala) grown in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia. This variety (the same species as Bulgarian rose) has been cultivated in the area for over 300 years and has earned worldwide reputation.

In the eponymous Ormonde Jayne fragrance, Ta’if rose seems to be the centerpiece of a banquet where Mid-Eastern delights abound, a feast for the senses. A generous amount of pink pepper and saffron threads is sprinkled over juicy peaches and golden Deglet Noor dates. The spices provide good balance to the otherwise excessive sweetness of the fruits. Although rose clearly dominates the composition, it is rendered rounder and more sensuous with the addition of orange blossom and an ambery base. The blend is complex and exotic but nonetheless streamlined; its longevity and sillage are excellent.
Ta’if shines at its best when paired with a festive mood, equally celebratory attire and a glass of champagne.

Caro

Origin of sample: Bottle of eau de parfum purchased at Ormonde Jayne boutique, London