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Top Review
14
Black Widow
Love in Black was created as a tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which is sort of amusing when you consider that she was known to favor civet bombs like Jicky and probably would have politely declined to wear LiB had she ever encountered it. Nonetheless, it is a beautifully composed violet and iris perfume that probably appeals to non-parfumistas simply because it is an homage to "American Royalty."
The combination of violet and rose has always struck me as utterly romantic and somewhat retro. However, when paired with iris the "shy" violet becomes a thing of sinister beauty to my nose. Part of that association came about from reading the novel, "White Oleander," in which a lovely but sociopathic woman poisons her lover. Many of the novel's characters are strongly linked to a specific fragrance, and Ingrid the Poisoner is always drenched in an unnamed violet perfume. I remember thinking that Chanel No. 19 would have been a better pick and that matching a violet perfume to a beautiful murderess seemed unfitting somehow. Then I discovered LiB, which contains an iris/orris note that is similar to the chilly accord that many find aloof and "bitchy" in No. 19. Suddenly it all made sense and Ingrid's perfume was no longer nameless. While I certainly don't identify with the character, it can be a bit of harmless fun to try on a different fragrant persona, even that of a femme fatale hiding behind a bouquet of violets.
In terms of practical matters, LiB behaves rather strangely, as jtd noted below. One moment, the wearer is surrounded by a cloud of sweet violet wrapped in a dry, woody iris and then it suddenly disappears. A short time later the scent mysteriously reemerges. After much puzzlement and a little research, I think I may have found an explanation for this oddity: High doses of the ionones found in violet and iris notes apparently can cause temporary anosmia. http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2011/02/perfumery-materials-violet-violet-leaf.html
As far as the matte black bottle is concerned, it pains me to say that it was evidently meant to imitate the black sand of the Greek Isles where Jackie and Ari were married. While that might make you cringe, don't let it stop you from giving LiB a sniff. It really is a wonderful perfume for lovers of violet and/or iris fragrances. As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds is given to the World Wildlife Fund. :)
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