I love the smell of bluebells but I’ve found that all bluebell perfumes are sharp, synthetic messes that can’t capture the beauty of these spring flowers (um-hum, Penhaligon’s Bluebell). When I was given a sample of Union Gothic Bluebell, I admit I wasn’t looking forward to trying it. It claimed to contain essences of hand-picked English bluebells and all of that. I wouldn’t say that Gothic Bluebell is a “realistic” bluebell, but I can say that I’m pleasantly surprised by this vintage-feeling perfume.
When I first tried Gothic Bluebell, I was immediately reminded of Caron. Could this be an homage to Narcisse Noir. It’s a “dark narcissus” – a honeyed, incense floral. It’s a very “classic perfumery” interpretation of spring florals – hyacinth, narcissus and bluebells. This does’t smell like a spring meadow, instead it smells like perfume… a grand and proper perfume. Underneath the “stewed” florals, there’s powdery church incense and a floral sweetness.
It really is a dark bluebell. Little spring florals dotting green abbey grounds on a cloudy spring day. It will bring to mind Brontë sisters’ literature.
Notes listed include hyacinth, narcissus, violet leaf, ivy, oak and bellflower. Launched 2013. PERFUMER – Anastasia Brozler
Give Gothic Bluebell a try if you like the idea of a vintage-modern floral. Or if you like perfumes like Caron Narcisse Noir, Caron Narcisse Blanc, Tom Ford Jonquille de Nuit, Guerlain Jardin de Bagatelle and/or CREED Love in White. If you like classics but what something less formal, give Gothic Bluebell a try.
Gothic Bluebell has nice sillage and longevity.
Union Gothic Bluebell is available as a pre-sell at Union Fragrances. In the U.S., you can find the line at Henri Bendel. Will retail for $185 for 3.4 oz.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Caron Narcisse Noir for a modern era. It’s great to something like this launched today, you know, sophisticated perfumes.
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