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What does Bois de Violette smell like?

Bois de Violette is a masterclass in the interplay between soft flora and structural wood. At its core, the fragrance is a dialogue between a dry, pencil-shaving cedar and a delicate, powdery violet....

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 1992
Longevity: 7.3 / 10
Sillage: 6.2 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Floral, Spicy, Green, Powdery
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Evening
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Community Insights

Based on 7 discussions

Enthusiasts frequently compare this to other cedar-heavy scents in the Serge Lutens lineup, specifically noting its close relationship to Féminité du Bois, though the violet replaces the fruitier plum notes found in its sibling.
There is a notable sentiment regarding reformulation; long-time collectors often discuss differences between older batches and the current "bell jar" editions, with many mourning subtle changes to the original composition.
While the fragrance is celebrated for its elegance, performance is a common talking point. Some users report impressive longevity that lasts throughout the day, while others find the sillage to be quite intimate and understated.
It is widely considered a versatile, unisex option that excels in transitional weather like fall and spring, often described as a "cashmere sweater" scent that pairs well with refined, understated clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bois de Violette suitable for daily wear?+

Yes, it is highly regarded for leisure and daily use. Because its projection is more intimate than loud, it works well in professional settings or personal environments where a heavy scent would be intrusive.

How does the cedar in this fragrance compare to other woody scents?+

The cedar note here, a signature of perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, is clean and aromatic rather than smoky or heavy. It provides a structural, "pencil-shaving" dryness that keeps the violet from becoming overly sweet.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed and widely worn as a unisex fragrance. The balance of spicy cardamom and dry wood keeps the floral violet notes from feeling traditionally feminine, making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys sophisticated wood-based scents.

Does this fragrance last a long time?+

Performance can be subjective, but many users find that while the scent stays close to the skin, it has significant staying power. It is often described as an elegant scent that reveals itself in close quarters over many hours.

Appears in Collections

Unisex Fragrances3693 90s Fragrances340 Fragrances Starting With B501

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No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

What does Bois de Violette smell like?

Bois de Violette is a masterclass in the interplay between soft flora and structural wood. At its core, the fragrance is a dialogue between a dry, pencil-shaving cedar and a delicate, powdery violet....

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 1992
Longevity: 7.3 / 10
Sillage: 6.2 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Floral, Spicy, Green, Powdery
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Evening
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Community Insights

Based on 7 discussions

Enthusiasts frequently compare this to other cedar-heavy scents in the Serge Lutens lineup, specifically noting its close relationship to Féminité du Bois, though the violet replaces the fruitier plum notes found in its sibling.
There is a notable sentiment regarding reformulation; long-time collectors often discuss differences between older batches and the current "bell jar" editions, with many mourning subtle changes to the original composition.
While the fragrance is celebrated for its elegance, performance is a common talking point. Some users report impressive longevity that lasts throughout the day, while others find the sillage to be quite intimate and understated.
It is widely considered a versatile, unisex option that excels in transitional weather like fall and spring, often described as a "cashmere sweater" scent that pairs well with refined, understated clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bois de Violette suitable for daily wear?+

Yes, it is highly regarded for leisure and daily use. Because its projection is more intimate than loud, it works well in professional settings or personal environments where a heavy scent would be intrusive.

How does the cedar in this fragrance compare to other woody scents?+

The cedar note here, a signature of perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, is clean and aromatic rather than smoky or heavy. It provides a structural, "pencil-shaving" dryness that keeps the violet from becoming overly sweet.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed and widely worn as a unisex fragrance. The balance of spicy cardamom and dry wood keeps the floral violet notes from feeling traditionally feminine, making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys sophisticated wood-based scents.

Does this fragrance last a long time?+

Performance can be subjective, but many users find that while the scent stays close to the skin, it has significant staying power. It is often described as an elegant scent that reveals itself in close quarters over many hours.

What is the best season to wear Bois de Violette?+

Most enthusiasts prefer wearing it during the fall and spring. The cool spice of cardamom and the woodiness shine in the crisp autumn air, while the green, floral violet notes complement the blooming energy of spring.

What is the difference between the spray bottles and the bell jars?+

Bois de Violette is often sold in the iconic Serge Lutens bell jars, which are splash bottles. Many enthusiasts use pipettes to transfer the liquid into smaller atomizers for easier daily application, as the fragrance is highly prized and often involves careful sourcing from specialty boutiques.

Accords

Notes

HeartCardamom//Cedar//Violet

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Where to buy Bois de Violette

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Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Unisex Fragrances3693 90s Fragrances340 Fragrances Starting With B501