...price I'm willing to pay for an FB with smell-alikes like Kai and Neil Morris's lovely Rainflower.Fluxit:Thanks for sharing your experience with us, ScentFan :) You may want to put them on to the individual scent pages as statement / comment as well, so they get preserved there and can guide curious noses... some that you can recommend, I'm all ears (maybe per pn to not derail this thread that's rightfully devoted to NadiaZ).Anyway, nice impressions, ScentFan, cheers...

...Appreciate it, Lovefrag16. I'm in search of good niche perfumers these days and happily share the results. I bought Aegean for hubby's birthday and he's now in love with it. Bought Summer of Love for myself. Additional future purchases await.Lovefrag16:Thanks for such wonderful review. I personally didn't know some of them exists, you have worked so hard :) recognized

...Hubby and I just tried the Deco line out of London and their six offerings. For men: Ernest, Lawrence, Quentin and for women Constance, Loretta, Millicent. Synthetics alert. I am literally now gasping for air. Thus this dis. In the few moments I could still breathe Quentin and Loretta seemed the best which isn't saying a lot. Read a promotional article somewhere that they're all the rage of fashionable London. I seriously doubt it.

...for sharing your experience with us, ScentFan :) You may want to put them on to the individual scent pages as statement / comment as well, so they get preserved there and can guide curious noses... some that you can recommend, I'm all ears (maybe per pn to not derail this thread that's rightfully devoted to NadiaZ).Anyway, nice impressions, ScentFan, cheers...

...Final installment ...Fleur de Loukoum Night WomanSo far, I haven't liked Loukoum as a perfume note, but Nadia persuaded me to try hers because it's natural. Must say this is the best I've encountered. Here, the hyraceum doesn't smell like dung. The raspberry and buchu (like strong black currant, apparently) with the animal and resin create a deep and subtle gourmand which eucalyptus brightens a bit. Not my thing, but not off-putting either.Fleur de Loukoum Day WomanThis is a similar formula with Damascus Rose instead of Jasmine, which makes for a somewhat brighter scent. Again, not my thing but somewhat agreeable.Japanese Spring WomanThis is easily my favorite of the samples I have. The wonderful gardenia/hyacinth combo is enhance by African myrrh and Hyraceum, creating an unusual and alluring scent. Were the price not prohibitive I'd buy a bottle, but $7.5k only makes me think of the many other perfume wonders I could experience for that amount. I'll swing for a 40,00 CHF 1.8 ml roll-on though.Magnolia Night Ode to Gobi UnisexThe website calls this, "erotic, primeval, floral and balsamic," and I find that a good description. Once past the potentially off-putting top note, the several exotic ingredients blend interestingly. It is a carnal scent that makes me think of veiled beauties locked in harems. Not for me, but it will surely work for some.Métamorphose Lilas (Day) WomanAnother unusual combination of notes that becomes agreeable after the top note. It's hard to describe except by reference to the notes themselves. I love the lilac and the lotus. Vanilla, tonka, beeswax and coconut are beautiful. The woods are haunting, but overall it's a tad too raw and rustic for me.Métamorphose Lilas (Night) UnisexNo lotus, here, but the formula is smoothed and deepened by frankincense and oud. To me it's more appealing.Symphonie de Cologne Opus I UnisexAnother interesting and agreeable melange of green leaf, resin, animalic and wood that actually does settle into a kind of olfatory symphony. Hard to compare to other perfumes, though.It's been both an opportunity and a challenge to test NadiaZ scents. They smell of traditions far away from western perfume houses, but for those seeking scent adventures that may be a very good thing. What comes across is raw nature — the jungles, rainforests, deserts from which the ingredients came. On the way to the drydowns, odd or off-putting smells can arise, but all settle into the skin and eventually create their own beauty. The rare ingredients do mildly twitch my nose as if a sneeze might arise, but one never did. Perhaps I'd find myself allergic to repeat wearing of one or two of the ingredients. As scent experiences, though, these deserve a perfumista or perfumisto's test. My personal favorites are the complex Symhonie de Cologne Opus I Unisex and the beguling Japanese Spring Woman.

...Continuing . . .Before sniffing through each of the NadiaZ samples, I'll share that she says her perfumes are 100% natural, and are meant for both men and women. Her design philosophy (Not all perfumes are to wear or for seduction) reminds me of my reaction to early Slumberhouse. Though I couldn't wear most of them, I bought every single one because of the brilliant and unique experiences of smell they offered. So, fyi, finding a fragrance personally unwearable doesn't necessarily put me off. Here goes..Anji Bamboo MistNadia calls this a green perfume. I had to look up the unusual notes. In Greek mythology, Aglaia was one of the three "Charities," the goddess of beauty splendor, glory and adornment. She was the wife of Hephaistos (not Aphrodite?). Botanically, the name refers to a Southeast Asian/Pacific tree in the mahogany family so this note is probably a wood. Next is Boronia, an Australian flowering plant in the citrus family, Next is Tuberose then Palo Santo, a Mexican tree, Coffee blossoms, Mushrooms and Precious Woods. The top note is decided freshly green and woody, a hint of tuberose beneath, rising through the smell of mushrooms growing near. It smells like an authentic depiction of being in a rainforest. Any rawness in some of the top notes mellows as this dries and on my skin I'm left with the fresh, woody smell of tropic outdoors.Camino de Azahar WomanI can't identify the odd citric, fruity and floral notes here, and the overall bland effect doesn't inspire me to keep sniffing until I do. Camino de Azahar Oro WomanThe website calls the notes: Vanilla-like, Anisic, Creamy with a Citrus Zest. This scent does have an unusual feel, a hint of dark, sweet fruit. As advertised, it is creamy. It has a dark syrupiness as it dries. It's interesting, but for me not beautiful.Celestial Violet ManPungent on first sniff but not in a lovely way, to me. At least it's not a scent envelope to which western noses are accustomed. In its strong, earthy dry down, the unpleasantness fades after a while and becomes intriguing. The image that comes to mind is of a man swathed in costly robes in some faraway land. Worth a try for those who love the unusual.Celestial Violet WomanHere the top note is less pungent, but still not especially lovely—somewhat like dung, to tell the truth. I can't see many westerners waiting for the drydown. It's a complex, interesting scent I'd try but for the dung, which must be contributed by Hyraceum. I have a sample of it here and it alone isn't all that offensive. Well, I guess it is. It's the rock-like feces and urine of the Cape hyrax, which looks like a cross between a rabbit and a wolf. I can imagine florals prettying it up but in this case, not for a good while. For the brave of heart, this scent IS deeply carnal and even hypnotic in the dry down—a scent experience not easily had.

...Final installment, from Morris's The Vault Parfums.AseaThe name says it all, thank goodness, because I can't find notes anywhere—perhaps freesia and iris or magnolia and marine notes? In any case we are at sea and perhaps there are whales because there could be a little ambergris. I don't see it still offered on the website so on to the next… Dark SeasonOn a quick advance sniff through this group, only Dark Season closed my eyes. Its star is the luxurious oakmoss/labdanum combo which make this a near-chypre. Intead of bergamot and amber though, vanilla, cinnamon and myrrh introduce a gourmand feel and the woods (patchouli and fir) make the whole thing thrum. Winter is the dark season, especially in Nordic countries, and this is a winter forest, inspired by a walk on a "cold night, Finnish fir trees, warm fires burning on distant hearths" … and warm mugs waiting inside. This is a richly beautiful and narcotic scent.FetishNow to Fetish, a review of which introduced me to Neil Morris Fragrances. Bearing in mind that they are all accomplished, loving or not loving any specific Morris fragrance is only a matter of personal preference. I don't consider any of them flawed. However, this very interesting fragrance is a no-go for me. I wouldn't wear it, but I'm holding onto my sample because I like smelling it. Ambergris-leather-oud-musk announce serious funk, to which patchouli, rosewood and myrrh add resinous, woody beauty. There's benzoin and I always forget what that smells like. Reaching for perfumery notes kit … oh, right medicinal, like a kind of resinous iodine. All I can say is that, though a number of scents now range along my arms, Fetish took over the atmosphere. I could get addicted to it, like a kid sniffing something under the sink in hopes of getting high. That's why I'll keep it handy, but not wear it. Full disclosure: hubby, irreverent jokester that he is, said, "If your feet don't smell like feet, spray this on them." Guess he's solidly in the not-in-love-with-Fetish camp. I'm in the Fetish DMZ.Midnight TrystVery funky indeed, due to its animalic base sporting not only castoreum, but civet and musk. The floral heart isn't helping as much as I'd hoped because narcissus (in its swampy guise) dominates gardenia, magnolia and rose. The top of sweet spice adds interest, but for me not beauty. Later in the drydown a dark beauty does arise. If you love Fetish, try this, too. I prefer his glorious Summer of Love.The Neil Morris website says his fragrances are inspired by memories and intended to evoke emotion. They certainly do. Discovering his artistry has been a joy. Off to put things in my Neil Morris cart and get more samples.

...Now to the accomplished rest of the Signature Collection …ClearAnother outdoorsy scent, based on the memory of a bicycle ride, per the website. The grapefruit and linden blossom top note with resin/mint center do evoke clear days beneath these trees. For me it's Lake Geneva where I rushed to and from meetings under the Linden trees. This is an open, clean scent. I'd say it's refreshing, but for the musk and cedar base which makes it deeper—more tree, less air.CoralPer the website, this interesting fruity-floral is Laguna Beach and with the rose, pomegranate and fig, the woody, musky, resinous base, I can picture sand and flowers. It feels like a sultrier version of Lalique's Amethyst, one of my faves.GothamAn October night in New York, evoked by black pepper and quirky yuzu in the top, narcissus and rose in the heart and a fabulous base, all resin and animal and leather. For me it's a standout, a smell experience I want for myself or hubby.StormTo experience this scent, you either have to try this perfume or get caught in an actual thunderstorm. I recommend the former because it's more beautiful. Papaya and lime in the top are followed by dark flowers then a complex base of tonka, musk, earth and marine notes. It's not a loud perfume, but one that will leave you feeling part of the natural world.ZephyrA very pleasing mix of tropic fruit/citrus top; honeysuckle, lily and white tea heart with amber, musk and sandalwood in the base. Inspired by the memory of a soft breeze on a hot day, Zephyr is a fragrant, fruity delight.Though they occupy opposite poles of the scent spectrum, Zephyr and Gotham are my favorites of this group, which concludes the Signature Collection.Next installment, four from Morris's The Vault Parfums.

...So happy to discover this niche purveyor of high quality scents, who is also a member here. An appreciative nod to him as I sniff my way through his Signature Collection Parfums, and a few additions.First, to those who haven't tried them, these are artfully-composed perfumes that will not cause sneezing, asphyxiation, or make your eyes water unless you happen to be allergic to a specific ingredient. Like great perfumes, they project and last. This line also has a personality. Think earthy, resinous base notes, haunting floral absolutes, and unexpected replications of natural phenomena, like rain. Though, to my nose, Neil Morris fragrances are unique, together they bring Slumberhouse to mind. I plan to own every Slumberhouse ever made, whether or not I can personally wear them. I thnk they are that incredible — scent experiences not to be missed. How do Neil's compare? Very well indeed, displaying an equal artistry—genius at work at the perfume organ with a little of D.S. & Durga's regional flair. To me, some are an acquired taste, like several from Slumberhouse, yet I don't just admire the ones of Neil's I like, I adore them. IMO, only the last two Slumberhouses are very wearable, particularly the spectacular New Sibet. Of the 7 Neil Morris's I've sampled, three I have to own immediately, if not sooner. I'll start with them and hubby's favorite, Aegean.AegeanIf the Aegean doesn't smell like this, it ought to—citrus, sandalwood, musk, lavender combine with quince and basil blossom to evoke the fresh outdoors when at seaside. Getting it for hubby's birthdayAfireThis made me forget about my yearning for Mary Greenwell's completely unavailable (TMK) Fire. Unsuccessfully I searched for it, hoping it would be similar to nearly unavailable (and, IMO, stunning) Amouage Tribute Attar. Hard to explain why my brain has made connections between these three. Apparently they only share Frankincense for sure, possibly some citruses and woods. Yet when I sniff from my dwindling sample of Tribute and my newly-arrived one of Afire, I no longer mourn the loss of Tribute as much.Aptly named, Afire starts out like a house afire, smoldering up my nose and into the surrounding air—taking possession of the olfactory space as if a few Las Vegas showgirls, eating cotton candy, just rode in on the backs of lions. What a fragrance! I lost my mind immediately, just as I recently did over Bogue's achievement, Gardelia. Somehow to my brain the caramel/berry heart of Afire mimics Tribute's intense floral/leathery appeal. They're not the same, of course, but for me these two have the same effect — an exuberant desire to apply them unstintingly. RainflowerFreesia ups the ante on this marvelous floral, grounded in musk. Caught in the rain in a field of flowers, my feet muddy, seeking shelter from approaching lightening, this is what I'd expect to smell. It is a must-have, earthily sweet, joyful fragrance.Summer of loveMoaning began at first sniff of this animalic scent, civilized by Freesia, Patchouli and Cedar and I am back in a long-ago garden pool, a bee landing on the palm of my hand but not stinging. Trois Gymnopedie No. 1 is playing from the house and I think I will l never forget this garden, the deep purple of the pool, these flowers — and I never do. This fragrance is likely to take you back to your own summer of love, or conjure one for you. I find it brilliant—sensuous, passionate, and not remotely crass.Kudos to Neil Morris. I expect to find more loves among his creations.To be continued …

...for the link, ScentFan, I had read part of the website as well, but will be doing more of it in an attempt to grasp the concept...

...Good question, Anessa. Here's her page addressing that. What do you think?

...calculator gripped in one hand and from the cold, dead fingers of her other hand, a trail of perfume was detected. It wound its way inexorably up to ScentFan's desk, where a bottle of Gardelia reigns, unashamedly. Who could have done this delightful (excuse me, dastardly) deed? What's more, other... the premises for clues, we learn the body disappeared; no trace of MadBudgeter is left. Outside a window we see the shadowy figure of ScentSir (ScentFan's hubby), bending suspiciously over a shovel. Oh well, c'est la vie.On to the final beauty contest. How compare 14 scents? Oh wait. Now it's 16... suspiciously over a shovel. Oh well, c'est la vie.On to the final beauty contest. How compare 14 scents? Oh wait. Now it's 16. carefully, of course. ScentFan identifies the spots. 1) back of hand 2) thumb bottom 3) back of wrist 4) down two inches 6) down another two 7) inside wrist 8) down a final two...

...ScentFan:(...) sourced from indigenous harvesters of rare plants around the world, thereby preserving both people and plants.(...)At this point I can say that... is a worthwhile challenge, especially since some of her ingredients may never be available again.I hope you wouldn't mind me 'cropping' your post, ScentFan, if you do, I apologise! It seems to be an interesting experience indeed, and I was glad to read your thoughts both on these fragrances as well as...

...Oops, missed multiple replies. Thanks for them. I'll try the Delacourte line again in case they fare better when the climate's warm.

...I would, Briarthorn, but I physically can't tolerate them enough to detect anything and write a review. One sniff, and I'm anosmic.Briarthorn:I think a review of this line would be very helpful. I follow a few people who seem to have the same kind of nose I do and I always appreciate it when they put out how they perceived different things. It helps me to know what pitfalls I may find in a particular line. I'm sure you have similar followers. I would just suggest that you try to keep the review more focused on the particulars and specifics of what you don't like (ie. synthetic overtones, or sharp notes etc.) and avoid the bashing of the scents generally.

...a Genius, a Prince and a Soirée in Versailles." Now I'll have to wait until they go on sale in November, I think it is.Cryptic:What a shame, ScentFan. I was hoping this line would be a runaway success, prompting SD to leave Guerlain forever, but I fear it will suffer the same fate as Tom Ford's...

...Samples came so here's another quick one.Louis Vuitton, you may have entranced me yesterday, but today it's Maria McElroy's artisanal perfume aroma M.CamelliaThis beauty is what made me order the aroma M complete sample pack. It's a feast of florals riding on a restrained and haunting Frankincense.Geisha BlancheSpectacular rendering of Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lychee and Ylang ylang. Hyacinth is a fabulous counterpoint for the other notes, bringing out the best of them all. This is equally fresh, fruity and luxurious. Something makes my nose twitch a little, but since I'm still breathing I don't care.Geisha Vanilla HinokiAn agreeable composition, but one I wouldn't return to. It's beautiful, but doesn't quite rise above the ordinary and has something that makes my nose twitch. Perhaps the clove.Geisha VioletUm, no. For me the chocolate doesn't work with the florals since there's nothing else to provide balance and create depth.Geisha Hana-ChaAn interesting solo rendering of Bergamot and Jasmine, allowing these legendary notes to shine rather than blend into an orchestra. Geisha RougeA quite beautiful spicy perfume--clove, cinnamon and star anise turned gorgeous by sandalwood, tobacco and vanilla. If you like spice, this is a great one.Geisha NoireYummm. Sandalwood, amber and vanilla. Appealing depth.Geisha Nobara-ChaSimplicity itself in an earthy rose, possibly the centifolia.Geisha O-ChaNot much smell coming up from this green tea and clary sage concoction with orange, rosewood and vanilla. I think the latter three swamp the first two, to the glory of none.Geisha BlueI wouldn't have thought green leaves and green tea could smell so good. Must be the Jasmine, with honey and chamomile. This is a mildly hypnotic, delightful scent.Geisha GreenA very lovely and definite absinth supported by amber, mandarin, black currant, tonka and violet.Geisha MarronA lovely citrus-floral.Geisha PinkIt smells like a fabulous citrus wafting up the nose; turns out to be orange, sugared plum and vanilla. The plum begins to resemble mothballs as it dries.Voluptuous NostalgiaI really like this one. It has my favorite animalic, ambergris,, intoxicating florals, tonka and amber.Having smelled them all, I realize there is something else in several, an aldehyde perhaps. In general these are restrained and elegant perfumes. Must haves for me: Camellia, Geisha Blanche, Blue, and Green.

...Having obtained a small collection of NadiaZ samples today, I dove right into them. First, who is NadiaZ? Located in Switzerland, she's the artisanal perfumer who posted a blog here recently. In fact, I think it's still on the front page. She's also a lady on a passionate mission -- to create perfume as art, sourced from indigenous harvesters of rare plants around the world, thereby preserving both people and plants. NadiaZ. Her marketing approach is equally unique. In order to suggest which of her unusual perfumes might work best for you, she will want to know you--your age, gender, ethnicity, among other things--the latter on the theory that different racial skin types react differently to particular ingredients, a theory I hadn't heard . Not sure it's right, though, since my favorite among the group so far is Japanese Spring Woman and I'm not Japanese.Because of the rare and precious materials, the NadiaZ line is expensive, a full bottle running well into the thousands. Glass mini roll-ons are available for about $40 and sample card vials for $20.Is an FB worth it? Maybe.The first thing to know is that these perfumes must develop on the skin. In exactly the opposite fashion to the new Louis Vuitons that sweep one instantly and thrillingly off one's feet, the NadiaZ top notes can be a challenge. Hubby sniffed Magnolia Night Ode to Gobi |Unisex and was so repulsed by the odd vegetal/musky top note that he said he never wanted to smell it again. Two hours later, the scent is entirely inoffensive, resting on the back of my hand like a fine kid glove. So don't look for hypnotic top notes, though Japanese Spring Woman was a dream from the start. Simple and lovely, it belongs in my gardenia sniff fest. Also, the wonderful Camino de Azahar Woman and the green and resinous Symphone de Cologne Opus|Unisex are both purring on my skin, especially the former, so I'll wear each of the samples I received and report.At this point I can say that exploring NadiaZ perfumes is a worthwhile challenge, especially since some of her ingredients may never be available again. Just be sure to have your ancestry ready, because she will want to know. I suppose it's possible there's some connection she's figured out because she's smart, having invented perfumery techniques of her own. We discussed IQ. Turns out she's got a big one. Me, too.

...Gaye StrazaKaiWhat do Mary J. Blige, Cate Blanchett, Khloe Kardashian and Cher have in common? Their names are listed on the Kai website's page of "devotees" along with 78 other celebrities who adore this scent that Gaye Straza developed for herself in the 1990's, working with a boutique perfume house. Later she sold it in her Malibu boutique before developing a full line of Kai-scented beauty products. From the website I gather the primary note is gardenia, wrapped in jasmine and exotics like plumeria and pikake that grow all over the Hawaiian islands where Gaye grew up. Soon after applying it, I understand the page of devotees. This is a light and beautiful floral that doesn't vanish into the skin. Even if you're not a celebrity, you might turn heads wearing it. It's captivating in spite of becoming a little soapy as it dries. It certainly belongs in the gardenia beauty contest.

...Thanks, Don.DonVanVliet:Hmm something wrong here .. we're checking that, sorry