Jacomo Silences : Fragrance Review

Star rating: 5 stars--outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars--very good, 3 stars--adequate, 2 stars--disappointing, 1 star--poor.

Wearing Jacomo Silences is like being caught in a moment before the rain, when the green sweetness of foliage becomes suspended in the wet humidity of air. The succulent green richness of Silences rendered via a classical combination of galbanum and hyacinth is foiled by the Hedione. This radiant lemony jasmine note threads the accords of the composition like pearls on a string, harmonizing the multifaceted arrangement. …

Although Silences (1978) was launched in the midst of the late 70s obsessed with sensual orientals—Yves Saint Laurent Opium (1977), Estée Lauder Cinnabar (1978), Lancôme Magie Noire (1978), its lineage is closer to the green floral symphonies like Chanel No. 19 (1971) and Estée Lauder Aliage (1972). Like No. 19, Silences relies on the galbanum-hyacinth pairing embraced by an elegant iris note.

Of course, although remaining in the same family, the fragrances exhibit sufficient differences to warrant a lover of green florals with chypre accents to explore both of them. While No. 19 falls onto an intricately executed base of iris, vetiver and leather, Silences continues to shimmer like a handful of emeralds. Its verdant floral heart only hints at the animalic desires it contains. The gentle green accord of Silences makes it easier to carry off, and its radiance can dispel the gloom of any rainy day. 

Jacomo Silences includes notes of galbanum, bergamot, iris, hyacinth, jasmine, rose, oakmoss, sandalwood and cedarwood. Silences should not be missed, especially since it can be found effortlessly for under $20 at various online retailers, such as Imagination Perfumery, Scentiments and Perfumemart . There are two types of packaging, the grey box with a single incidence of Jacomo Silences and the newer version on which Jacomo Silences appears several times. I am only familiar with the older edition.

Silences ad from Parfum de Pub.

Comments

[marchlion]

Did you know you are singlehandedly responsible for more unsniffed purchases than I can decently admit to?

Here is another one! ;-)

[Judith]

What March said. Really beautiful review!

[Marina]

I've yet to tro try any of the Jacomo fragrances, and yet they come with great recommendations. Luca Turine raved about Paradox (I think), your lovely review makes me want to try Silences. What is a girl to do? The girl is to go look on eBay :-)

[Allison]

I wholeheartedly agree with your beautiful description of Silences. I love how it is both sophisticated and seductive! It's one of the most alluring scents I've come across.

[annE]

What March and Judith said. A-shopping I will go. Your lovely review makes it irresistible!

[Ina]

I didn't think this one would work for me but I'm afraid I've had a change of heart. I must at least try it. Oh, and the bottle is gorgeous.

[Robin]

My usual question: will I like it?

[The Scented Salamander]

My husband finds it "sultry" and I like its greeness and dryness. I would have done a review of it had I not left my bottle in Paris on my last trip there:)

[Amandampc]

Your parallel between Silences and 19 is spot-on - both of these are my mother's all-time favorites. I have been meaning to acquire Silences for some time now; 19 doesn't suit me but your description of the Jacomo makes me believe there may be a dry green-chypre that I can wear!

[BoisdeJasmin]

March, oh, I hope that you will like it then. I think that it is gorgeous. Jacomo de Jacomo, the man's fragrance, is also stunning.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Judith, thank you. I find the green accord to be so beautiful. It was perfect on a rainy day like yesterday.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Marina, I personally do not care for Paradox, but I find Silences and Jacomo de Jacomo to be wonderful. I have never seen the line sold at the regular stores, therefore Ebay is the best bet.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Allison, I am so glad to see another fan. I think that it is very alluring indeed. I am wearing something else right now, but I keep smelling the blotter with Silences that I still have on my desk. Gorgeous!

[BoisdeJasmin]

Ann, I certainly find it irresistible. The emerald green clarity of its green accord wins me over every single time I revisit it.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Ina, the bottle is gorgeous, especially the older edition, which is made from black glass. I believe that the newer one has a plastic case.

[BoisdeJasmin]

R, the chances are quite high that you might.

[BoisdeJasmin]

H, I think that it is a beautifully composed fragrance. To me, it is one of the most elegant I have encounted recently.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Amanda, Silences strikes me as lighter, gentler than Chanel No. 19. It has more florals in the top and the heart notes to softer the impact of galbanum. The effect is quite beautiful. Of course, the best part is that it is still easily available online and reasonably priced.

[Laura]

Now THIS sounds really, really promising! I hope I wait to sniff before buying, but your review is awfully seductive ;D.

[luccia]

The idea and the name are very intriguing. You inspire me to try many new fragrances, it's one of the best things about reading your site!

[Tania]

It's so funny that we were both wearing this yesterday. There is a wonderful freshness to its wake, like wind coming through an open window after a rainstorm. I kept catching whiffs of it all day and marveling 1) that it was so good, 2) that it was so cheap, and 3) that no one seems to have heard of it. Kudos to you for helping to dispel the problems of marvel #3. :)

[Jenny]

MMMMmmm I love Galbanum and it's lovely in combination with hyacinth. I love Chanel no19 and I think I will like this one as well. Thank you for the great review.

[Patty]

This sounds wonderful, I need some too!! :)

[BoisdeJasmin]

L, I think that you might find it very beautiful too. I am glad I finally decided to explore Jacomo line further.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Luccia, I am so glad to hear it! I hope that I continue inspire further discoveries, and I hope that they will be interesting ones.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Tania, yes, I am constantly amazed that it is not mentioned more often among the line up of fascinating classics. It definitely deserves more attention. Plus, it is just so incredibly inexpensive!

[BoisdeJasmin]

Jenny, I love No. 19, and Jacomo Silences was a wonderful discovery. I also like Jacomo de Jacomo, which is a masculine fragrance. It is quite amazing.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Patty, it is wonderful! Everyone who loves green fragrances needs to discover it.

[Marian Bendeth]

Beautifully described Ms. Jasmin.

For me, "she" could be a direct descendent of Balmain's Vent Vert. Eau de Campagne may also be a cousin. Although both of these fragrances render the razor-sharp bitter green overtones, I find Silences warmed throughout. Still dewdrop in blend, she cascades without being too shrill.

An effortless fragrance for the birth of the dawn. A clearing from a rain-soaked glen.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Marian, it is an honour to see you here. "Still dewdrop in blend, she cascades without being too shrill." What a beautiful description! I can definitely see a kinship with Vent Vert, another breathtakingly beautiful fragrance. Eau de Campagne is something I absolutely have to revisit. The Sisley counter near me did not have a tester.

[Romina]

I was just thinking of this the other day. Wore it in college. Cool that it's still around. will have to revisit.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Romina, it is still available online. I am not sure about the regular stores, as I have not encountered Silences there.

[Rachel]

Beautiful review! Makes me want to try it and see what it is like to wear fragrance with shimmering emeralds at it's heart. I wonder if you have ever experienced Jacomo's Parfum Rare? Someone on Basenotes compared it to Chopards' Madness by saying it was less sweet and more arid. Any recollection of this one??

Thanks very much,
Rachel

[BoisdeJasmin]

Rachel, thank you. Unfortunately. I have not tried Parfum Rare. It sounds wonderful, and I will try to look for it.