Los Angeles welcomes us with a combination of aromatic, fruity, and citrusy opening.
The aromatic top reminds me of eucalyptus and sage, smelling fresh to the nose. There’s an intriguing fruitiness behind the aromatics that instantly gives color to the opening–a fresh yellow color reminiscent of sweet pineapple and peach. On top of that, bright, juicy citruses reminiscent of mandarin elevate the freshness and give a sparkling effect. Overall, Los Angeles has a bit of unexpected opening that turns out lovely and inspiring.
Los Angeles’ fruity-pineapple note is impressively immersed in the woody backbone, giving an exciting accent to the smoky woods. Although fruity, it does not smell sweet and cloying like ripe fruits. Instead, it has a translucent touch from the transparent florals and oceanic notes that well balance it.
Los Angeles’ oceanic aspect is intriguing and powerful.
It acts as an excellent bridge between the fruity and the woody notes, and at the same time, gives a lovely aesthetic to the fragrance. The floral reminds me of a marriage between lily of the valley and opulent white florals, like narcissus, tuberose, or ylang-ylang. The lily of the valley’s transparency is undoubtedly beautiful. Its green and ozonic facet blend well with the marine elements. Underneath, the white flowers’ presence gives a sophisticated accent, richness, and tenacity to this elegant composition.
Towards the dry down, Los Angeles progresses to be more woody and smoky, with a faint aromatic-pine note in the background. The woody accord is earthy, smoky, and somewhat creamy, reminiscent of cypriol, copaiba, and guaiac wood. A touch of cade oil that smells burnt gives a twist to the woods. It provides an elegant smoky hook that pushes the woody notes to the top, making it visible since the opening.
Los Angeles leaves a woody, sweet-earthy, and somehow musky dry down on the skin. The fragrance projects well in the first spray and gets close to skin-scent after four hours. Although it does not have a tremendous staying power, I don’t mind. I find Los Angeles pleasing and very enjoyable.
Los Angeles was launched in 2019 and the winner of 2020 Best Niche Fragrance at the Pure Beauty Global Awards.
For Los Angeles, Gallivant founder, Nick Steward, found his inspiration from Hollywood.
“A sultry, shimmering Hollywood. Homes hanging on to the dry earth hillsides, eucalyptus and clary sage, a breeze from the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to conjure up the whoosh of cars. Hot tarmac under the Californian sun, the rubber of limousine wheels cruising along Sunset Blvd. Red taillights. Fruit smoothies and post-gym selfies. Tiki bars and pineapple cocktails. Neon lights. Pink sunsets. Dry ice and disco lights.”
Nick Steward, www.gallivant-perfumes.com
The nose behind this marvelous creation is Karine Chevallier, an independent perfumer with over twenty years of experience.
In 2005, she created her own fragrance house, Olfactive Design, creating famous brands such as Gallivant, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Une Nuit Nomade, etc. Besides a perfumer, she is a professor at Ecole Supérieur de Parfum, teaching perfume formulation. Find more about her at www.olfactivedesign.com.
Have you tried anything from Gallivant? Would you share your experience with their perfumes? In case you haven’t tried, you should! Find more about them on their website, www.gallivant-perfumes.com.
Cheers,
Gia.
