Envious captivates the senses. A hedonistic rush of ylang-ylang bursts through mandarin and bergamot as the perfume opens, tempered a little with a subtle sage note, this is a glorious overture to the sensual headrush of white flowers and roses in the heart. These floral notes of jasmine, tuberose are creamy and opaque, illuminated by delicious orange blossom, creating a billowing sense of comforting vibrancy. Ylang-ylang is a determined note, it can be overpowering in perfume and often divides opinion, but its velvety miasma can be transportive and narcotic. Envious might be considered on the feminine side with its powerful floral overdose, but the fresh, bright top notes, especially the sun-warmed lemon and the rich, basso profundo base of musky woods, amber, vanillic smoke, vetiver and benzoin create a sensual snarl and thrum that subverts the flowers with an elegant masculinity. Boadicea was both Queen and Warrior, Envious embodies that strong dichotomy in its marriage of floral regalness and virility.
