Late last year, Pirouette launched a separate collection of perfumes, Gold. The price point of these perfumes are more than that of Pirouette Essentials, but the ingredients in these are much more rare and costly. Being a fan of a few Pirouette Essentials perfumes, I looked forward to trying what Karyn had to offer without any “restraints”.
Anna Bella is a perfume inspired by female empowerment. In this composition, Karyn focused on the ultra-feminine and the powerful.
Anna Bella is a Belle Époque fragrance to me. It’s a dusty, rich floral with spice. I smell it and I see art nouveau interior details, Gibson Girl updos, lacy parasols and rosy cheeks. The florals in this swirl together like the robes worn by a Mucha-esque sylph. The most noticeable flower in the bouquet is the rose. It’s a dense, almost chewy rose. It’s such a velvety, tactile bouquet. A flirty violet appears, disappears and reappears. Anna Bella becomes a dustier, woodsy floral that reminds me of a burlesque Belle Époque dressing room – lacquered woods, face powder, a bouquet of florals and a ceramic dish of dry potpourri. The dry-down of Anna Bella is a delightfully skanky honey, beeswax and woods. It’s the woman after the performance, her most intimate self.
Notes listed include tuberose, osmanthus, lemon chiffon, pink pepper, rose otto, honeysuckle, cardamom, violet, honey amber, ambrette, maple and buddhawood. Launched 2013. PERFUMER – Karyn Gold-Reinke
Try Anna Bella if you like older-fashioned florals. Or if you like perfumes like CREED Fantasia des Fleurs, Houbigant Quelques Fleurs, Ungaro Diva and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Absolue Pour le Soir. I do consider Anna Bella as a feminine fragrance, for a woman that has been through a lot – it’s for survivors and conquerors.
Projection is average and longevity is above average. I get 14+ hours from this. And there’s major sillage.
The 1 oz EDP retails for $160 at Pirouette. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A dusty Belle Époque bouquet – This is an old-fashioned floral so it won’t be everyone (no perfume is). I do feel if you are drawn to this era or want a “lived in” floral, this is one to try.
Want more reviews? Try…
Ça Fleure Bon – Not really a review but a great interview with Karyn.
I like the idea of “the woman after the performance.” I have a few Pirouette perfumes waiting to be tested; I need to do that! Thanks for the reminder.
I have the rest of these I need to try too…
Wow, thanks so much for the review Victoria – just seeing this now! Also, you posted on Jan 14th, that happens to be my birthday, so its like getting one more present 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂