Shocking Parfum by Elsa Schiaparelli | Fragrance Fragrance
What does Shocking smell like?
Shocking is a dense, high-contrast floral animalic that captures the surrealist spirit of 1930s haute couture. The opening is sharp and bright, using a heavy dose of aldehydes and bergamot to cut thro...
Enthusiasts emphasize that Shocking is a powerhouse of longevity and sillage, standing in stark contrast to modern, lighter body sprays or ephemeral designer scents; it is known to persist through long evenings and even remain on clothing after wear.
The fragrance is frequently discussed as a landmark of "animalic" perfumery, with many highlighting the polarizing nature of its civet and musk notes which provide a visceral "human" quality that some find earthy and others find challenging.
It is widely categorized as a cold-weather fragrance, with the community favoring it for fall and winter nights where its heavy honey and spice accords can bloom without becoming overwhelming.
While it is a historic floral, the addition of tarragon and spicy carnation leads many to view it as a precursor to the bold, "kitchen sink" orientals of the 1980s rather than the delicate florals of the early 20th century.
