One of the three colognes released by Christian Dior in 2004 under the guidance of Hedi Slimane, Cologne Blanche was composed by Francis Kurkdjian. All three fragrances are well-composed, with the attention to detail that cannot be left unnoticed, from the high-quality ingredients to the understated luxury of the packaging. If the name cologne leads one to expect thin and bland citrus concoctions, Cologne trio will definitely be a wonderful surprise. The colognes are quite varied, from bitter herbs and caramel undertones of Eau Noire to chilly elegance of Bois D’Argent. Cologne Blanche is an epitome of refinement, with its marriage of indulgence and comfort set against a ravishing delicacy of almond base enriched by the softest of musks.
Gilded notes of bergamot and orange are like radiant ornaments on the backdrop of sumptuous softness, delicately intertwined with the herbal whisper of green herbs. It is as if a branch of rosemary got caught in the fruit basket, its piney scent adding a rejuvenating element. The feeling of understated sensuality is an interesting touch, considering the essentially “straight out of the shower clean” aura of the composition. However, there is something ethereal and alluring about the fragrance that makes one want to lean in and inhale the scent emanating from the skin.
The stunningly elegant drydown is reminiscent of inhaling the bittersweet aroma of peach stone, which alternates between milky green almond and lusciously sweet nut. A mere hint of confectioner’s sugar subtly scented with vanilla foils the understated musk of the base. If I am to imagine a fragrance Napoleon would like on Joséphine (a woman of whom he said in his letters, “I must see her and press her to my heart. I love her to the point of madness, and I cannot continue to be separated from her. If she no longer loved me, I would have nothing left to do on earth”), Cologne Blanche would be it, fitting Napoleon’s fastidious cleanliness as well as Josephine’s predilections for exotic musks.
Cologne Blanche, like the other two colognes, Bois d’Argent and Eau Noire, is available in 4.2oz, 8.4oz, and 16.9oz bottles, and can be found at Eluxury and Neiman Marcus.
Painting: Pierre-Paul Prud'hon. Portrait of Empress Joséphine. 1805. Oil on canvas, Louvre. Abcgallery.com
Hello dear V! I tried these a few times and I must say that I really like Bois d'Argent the best of the three. Eau Blanche is rather nice but if I had to buy one it would be Bois d'Argent.
Hope all is well.
xoxo
Posted by: parislondres | September 13, 2005 at 02:21
V, I love & own Bois d´Argent. I´ve never tested the other two, but Eau Blanche really sounds worth trying because I love scents containing almonds.
Posted by: Sisonne | September 13, 2005 at 06:53
This one sounds delicious! Would like to try all three.
Posted by: Laura | September 13, 2005 at 07:34
Ah, what a stunning review! Mmm, almonds...If you could compare Eau Blanche to another fragrance, what would it be, just to give me a general idea? Is it anything at all like Lea St Barth for example? Jour de Fete? Like nothing else? Many thanks, Vikochka!
Posted by: Marina | September 13, 2005 at 08:22
I tried Cologne Blanche but didn't love it, and especially not at the price. But the whole trio is very nicely done. I wish they had done a coffret set of smaller bottles, similar to the Hermessence sets!
Posted by: Robin | September 13, 2005 at 08:43
Dear N, I like Bois d'Argent as well, and I will review it next. I like the softeness that Cologne Blanche has, which is very comforting and uplifting.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 11:44
C, Cologne Blanche is soft and smooth, with the notes of almonds providing a beautiful backdrop. It is very refined and sophisticated.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 11:50
L, that is what I have done, and ended up with all three! Dangerous road to choose... :)
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 11:51
Marinocka, thank you. It is more similar to Jour de Fete, but perhaps a touch less sweet. It has a wonderful silky softness that is subtle, yet lasts really well.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 11:57
R, I agree--the trio is excellent. I am very impressed with it, unlike with the latest Dior feminines.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 11:58
Oh V, you do such beautiful reviews! I am now feeling the stirrings of lemmings dang you! :-)
Posted by: Laura/kyahgirl | September 13, 2005 at 12:24
L, you are very kind. I was suprised how much I enjoyed it, with its feeling of comfort and elegance.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 12:32
Dear V, Cologne Blanche sounds so beguiling...it´s really "dangerous" ;D to read your reviews: I get to know so many new fragrances - which is a good thing, but I want to own so many new fragrances - which isn´t such a good thing ;)
Would you be so kind to help me: I already own Jour de Fête (You wrote it´s a bit similar to Cologne Blanche) - is Cologne Blanche different enough to justify having both?
Posted by: Sisonne | September 13, 2005 at 13:35
Dear C, you are very sweet. Thank you for this nice comment. I would say that they are a little different. Jour de Fête is more of a cashmere wrap, and Cologne Blanche is a georgette blouse. It is sweet and delicately powdery, yet very uplifting and refreshingly clean (without being boring). I own both, but my example is not really the best one. :) I have a Libran inability to choose. Cologne Blanche is a perfect thing to wear first thing in the morning, or whenever you are around people. It is suble, requiring one to lean in and inhale the scent, yet it veils the wearer beautifully. If you write to Dior (or call their boutique, check the link to their site on my About page), I would imagine that you might be able to obtain samples. The fragrances are sold at the free standing boutiques as well as Sephora in Paris.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 13:52
Beautiful review! Now I need to try it. Discovering your blog was very bad for my wallet. :-)
Posted by: Linda | September 13, 2005 at 17:06
Thank you. I am sorry your wallet is suffering. :)
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | September 13, 2005 at 17:30
This really is a lovely fragrance. Somehow it just feels white to me -- it must be the notes of almond, powdered sugar, and the powdery note. There is something in it that pulls me in a similar direction to Caron's Farnesiana though I haven't tried them side by side to see how they segue to each other, if they do otherwise than in my mind.
Posted by: Karin | October 12, 2005 at 21:03
ps another Libra, huh? it's dangerous around perfumes not to be able to pare down, LOL.
Posted by: Karin | October 12, 2005 at 21:04
Karin, yes, you are absolutely right--Libran indecision when it comes to perfume is just dangerous.
I was intrigued by your observation about Farnesiana and Cologne Blanche, which is one of my favourites from the trio (well, I do have all three--another case at point!). Of course, I now have to test them side by side.
Posted by: BoisdeJasmin | October 12, 2005 at 23:56
would you consider reviewing BOIS D'ARGENT? i see you made mention that you might. i just love what you do!
Posted by: rutherford Rodger | April 14, 2007 at 00:16