AKSOUM, By Dominique Ropion

An immediate encounter with lemon, orange and bergamot reveals a colorful opening that calls to mind the vibrant landscape of the Queen of Sheba’s homeland. Like an eau de cologne, the top notes give way to a fragrant hint of camphor, Tunisian rosemary rubbed with black pepper, that evokes the queen’s lively spirit.

Her wealth is symbolized by a trio of regal flowers: orange blossom and tuberose resound together in a sensual heart and then are joined by Egyptian jasmine absolute, which adds volume to help the bouquet flourish. Irresistible coconut lactones envelop the petals, infusing the white flowers with a sublime gentleness that caresses the skin.

The queen’s power is epitomized by a base of noble woods that give depth to the sillage and offer a faceted elegance. Sandalwood, molecular distilled patchouli LMR, Atlas cedar and musk pod round the fragrance out with smoky nuances that create an alluring, misty sillage.