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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Aldehyde 44 - Le Lebo - Review

Le Labo perfumery, located in Grasse and New York, had a vision of something different for their in-store perfumery sales. Their technique blends essential oils with alcohol and water at the time of purchase. Every order is made fresh right there while you wait. I'm not saying it is any better made fresh, but it sure is an interesting concept that draws the buyer into a closer relationship with the perfumer.

Today I am testing the exclusive Aldehyde 44. (By the way, the number in the fragrance name refers to the number of notes that make up the scent's composition.) The reason I say exclusive is that this fragrance is part of a marketing strategy that has us perfume lovers quite in a frenzy. Aldehyde 44 was made for and is only available in Dallas, Texas. Le Labo started this exclusive campaign with Tuberose 40 which is only available in NYC. No phone or internet sales, you must track down a live body in NYC or Dallas to make the purchase and send it to you. Not a challenge for a seasoned perfumista, but an obstacle to be sure. And, there are plans to add more city-exclusive scents. So more scurrying will ensue.

Aldehyde 44 is a beautiful, classic, aldehydic floral. One I would love to own and hope to one day. I warn you, I'm a push over for aldehydic florals so it was easy for me to fall. I'm testing this from a vial and can only imagine how lovely will be sprayed; the manner aldehydes are meant to be experienced. The opening is a fresh and bright bouquet of florals. As it settles in, the florals begin to get creamier and the indoles come into (or should I say - out to) play. Not too strong as they are tempered and smoothed by a woodsy, musky, powder. Very nicely composed. Now who do I know in Dallas?? Hummm.

Notes: Aldehydes, tuberose absolute, narcissus absolute, jasmin sambac, musks & woods

Only available at Barneys - Dallas, TX

Photos from: Le Labo

12 comments:

Juvy Santos said...

Great review, Vic :) I'm quite fond of the Le Labos myself, but haven't smelled this one. Truth be told, it doesn't sound like me, but I've been surprised before.

chayaruchama said...

It DO sound pretty, my dear.
Too bad it's too exclusive for the likes of you and me.

Sending you kisses across the miles.
[Waving to my daughter, the Juvkins]

Anonymous said...

Hi Vic!

Great review and thank you for letting me sample this beauty. It's a great scent folks.

:) Dawn

Anonymous said...

I'm close to Dallas - but my two LEAST favorite notes are tuberose and jasmine. I'll drop by Barney's and see what the SAs have to say on shipping.

Victoria said...

Well if you like aldehydic florals you can't go wrong here. :O)

Victoria said...

Hey Chaya, yes, they made an OC fragrance but it was released to Walmart. LOL

Victoria said...

Hey Dawn, so fun yesterday!

Victoria said...

Hi there Texas Snow! I don't care for tuberose one bit, but it's do-able here. Check it out. You may be surprised. :O)

Unknown said...

I'm a huge fan of this one, and I'm never sure why. It's just a little bubbly slice of heaven.

Victoria said...

Hi Patty, I agree; it's bubbly and heaven! :O)

tmp00 said...

Count me in as one who likes this one as well. But I grind my teeth about the Dallas bit. Hail to the decanters!

Victoria said...

Yes, long the the secret society of off-eBay decanters!