If I could describe this scent in three words, it would be a creamy, breezy, floral. It’s also a new direction for the luxury fragrance house Gucci. Editor Trudi Brewer shares summer’s hottest fragrance launch.
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Gucci is renowned for making captivating scents. The fourth Flora Gorgeous Orchid is no exception; it joins the lineup of Gorgeous Gardenia, Gorgeous Jasmine and Gorgeous Magnolia. But this Flora is a first for the brand, best described as an ozonic, floral, gourmand fragrance. To unpack that, it contains a delicate flower and vanilla, one of the most expensive and coveted ingredients in scent-making, and gives this scent a familiar, creamy quality. Then, a breezy nod to the ocean adds an unexpected juxtaposition of aquatic freshness. The creator behind this new scent is master perfumer Marie Salamagne, who has worked with some of the most luxe-y fragrance brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Guerlain, and Giorgio Armani. Salamagne’s talent lies in enriching scents to give them a transportive allure. With this newbie, she has infused creamy vanilla with marine notes imparted through an Ozonic Accord. Read on to learn more.
Prepare to be wowed. If you like the addictive quality of vanilla, it is layered within this fragrance to last for hours. The first whiff is a vibrant duo of vanilla, followed by vanilla orchids to add a floral heart. Then, a refreshing, unexpected ozonic base heightens the creaminess and elevates the aroma of the ocean. The sunshine yellow lacquered bottle adorned with Gucci’s iconic flora print was first created by artist and illustrator Vittorio Accornero for Gucci back in 1966—evidence that a classic never dies.
Why do I like it?
We have followed the Gucci Flora Gorgeous fragrance story for years, and Gorgeous Orchid would have to be one of our favourites to date. Thanks to the aquatic freshness, the vanilla is not cloying but mouthwatering. It may sound odd to mix a rich blend of vanilla with the sharp freshness of sea air, but if you are looking for a comforting and invigorating fragrance - here it is.
Another designer expression of loving our true selves.