I like sniffing out scents that you can’t find on every appeal shelf and every fragrance counter, and this one, Maria Christofilis Fleur 09 Eau de Parfum Spray, absolutely catches my nose’s attention. It’s an unabashedly bold and upfront white floral and citrus blend very much like a Tom Ford perfume, and it doesn’t back down from start to finish.
The official fragrance notes sound a little like a travel brochure: Sicilian yellow mandarin essence, Calabrese bergamot essence, bitter orange tree leaf water absolute, Moroccan orange flower extract, Tunisian orange blossom absolute, Indian tuberose absolute Orpu, Mexican Vanilla bean absolute and benzoin tears extract from Laos…
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Benzoin tears?
Yeah, I also stopped in my tracks when I read that one.
What are benzoin tears? Apparently, they are secreted from ducts formed on deciduous and evergreen shrubs after they receive a severe wound.
Fascinating.
Unofficial fragrance notes include designer high heels, wonderful white floral centerpieces at fancy weddings, pink tweed, Chanel bags and white gloves, and tea with ladies who lunch.
This is an expensive scent ($160 for the 1.7-oz. bottle visualized here), and it smells expensive, too.
Not new money expensive, though. We’re talking royalty.
FYI, Fleur 09 is not a lightweight perfume. If you’re all about that bubbly and light body splash life, this fragrance will probably kick the crap out of you…but it’ll do it in the most ladylike, refined way.
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A scent released yearly in limited quantities, you can find it now online and at Neiman Marcus stores.
Your friendly neighborhood appeal addict,
Karen