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Osmanthus: Hints of the Rising Sun
Osmanthus is an incredibly rich and versatile fragrance ingredient. Its notes are smooth, velvety, and dense, creating a texture reminiscent of peach skin. Perfumers have an inexhaustible olfactory palette when working with osmanthus, which presents sweet, honeyed, tangy, juicy, floral, and even animalistic and leathery facets. This remarkable ingredient gained recognition thanks to Jean Patou's perfume 1000, renowned for its daring composition. In this floral chypre, osmanthus serves as a heart note, masterfully paired with violet, rose, and jasmine. Combined with the chypre and woody notes that Jean Patou incorporated, 1000 is an exuberant and extravagant fragrance. Since then, osmanthus has attracted other noses, and many perfumers have created soliflores or solinotes to highlight osmanthus.
The Association of Osmanthus with Different Olfactory Families
Osmanthus's multifaceted nature allows it to harmonize with various olfactory families. It is often found in floral perfumes, where it contributes its unique floral and luminous notes, as in Eau de Dolce Vita by Christian Dior. Here, osmanthus appears as a base note, accentuated by vanilla to enhance its sweetness. At the top, the scent of pear tree delicately enters on citrus notes. The heart remains voluptuous and floral, thanks to jasmine and peony. The result is an irresistibly sparkling fragrance. Eau de Dolce Vita's carefree and light character has earned it the nickname "anti-depressant perfume." Another effervescent fragrance is Kenzo Jungle le Tigre by Kenzo, where osmanthus is combined with spicy notes. A wild yet sweet accord, Kenzo Jungle le Tigre caters to women who cherish their freedom, creating a modern and sensual fragrance.
As an iconic Chinese shrub, osmanthus produces lovely fragrant flowers. A true treasure for perfumers, osmanthus dazzles with its diverse and captivating scents. Currently on-trend, osmanthus pairs perfectly with floral, fruity, spicy, and woody notes, serving as a delightful source of inspiration.
Fun Facts About Osmanthus
- Osmanthus is known as "the perfume plant" due to its highly fragrant flowers.
- It is traditionally used in Chinese cuisine to flavor teas, jams, and desserts.
- In Chinese culture, osmanthus symbolizes love and romance, and it is often associated with the moon and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- The name "osmanthus" comes from the Greek words "osme," meaning "fragrance," and "anthos," meaning "flower."
