Like always, Diptyque fragrances are captivating. I was surprised when smelling Tempo for the first time in 2018 because I found a very pronounced chypre accord in this fragrance. Let me get you through this scent.
But first, here is the official description from the website:
During the 60s, a certain scent was changing the world: patchouli. Tempo pays tribute to it with three extracts of this essence, a nuanced composition that hovers between elegant and woody, enveloping and earthy. Elevated by violet leaf, Tempo vibrates with remarkable sophistication.
www.diptyqueparis.com
Tempo is a tribute to patchouli (and chypre)
Although it has some refreshing notes, such as citrus, green, and aromatic, Tempo’s overall nuance is warm and sentimental. It opens with violet leaves and bergamot, a sweet combination of green and citrus notes. The green and leafy facet of violet leaves enhance bergamot’s green-peel facet and give the citrus more complexity and intensity. Violet leaves play around the brightness of bergamot charmingly, tone it down slightly, yet provides volume.
A warm and aromatic nuance from pink pepper and clary sage follows right after, imagine the smoke of hot brewed tea. The tea notes, also coming from mate, creates a nice twist to the chypre accord and making the fragrance breathe.
The scent’s development is so smooth and delicate. Musks make a beautiful cloud around the green and earthy facets of this chypre accord. It creates animalic, skin-scent facet, and silky nuances. It is also responsible for the powdery texture in the fragrance. A touch of sweetness coming underneath this aromatic phase, brought by velvety flowers and ambers. This effect eases the classic powdery tonalities, making it more youthful, fresh, and lightweight. This phase is really my favorite part of the perfume.
Tempo then brings us to the wondrous combo of oakmoss and patchouli. Both materials’ green and earthy characters blend amazingly well, complementing each others’ strengths. Together they built the foundation of this fragrance. Oakmoss’ damp, green, earthy notes form a fluffy texture, like touching the moss on top of the stone. Patchouli builds a beautiful forest background just after the rain: wet soil, damp woods, and green breeze. Find my full description of patchouli in this post: What Does Patchouli Smell Like?
The woods, smelling creamy, nutty, and gentle, has the effect of sandalwood and vetiver. The woody and powdery-musky aspects are in great harmony. They go really well with the patchouli’s sweet facet that lingers throughout the fragrance development until the dry down. The balsamic smell of ambers gives color to the composition, like sunlight peeking through the tall trees in the forest. A tad of oriental rounded the fragrance, creating a gorgeous end.
Tempo smells comfort
In my opinion, Tempo’s character is calm, warm, smooth, yet profound. Each facet is crafted with great details. Although it won the Best New Men’s Fragrance by The Fragrance Foundation Awards London (FIFI Awards), I think both men and women can totally wear this perfume.
The development of Tempo reminds me of 34 Boulevard Saint Germain, another classic from Diptyque house. Which, I guess, their signature scent. Although they smell very different in the opening with 34 having more potent spicy and floral notes. I love 34 very much, and that makes me love Tempo too. I will do a separate post for 34.
The nose behind Tempo is Olivier Pescheux
I definitely love his creations for Diptyque. He also created 34 and Eau des Sens, my two favorite fragrances from the house. Other beautiful creations of his are Eau Moheli (love the ylang-ylang here), Fleur de Peau (oh Iris!), L’eau de Neroli, and many more.
Have you smelled Tempo? I would love to know your impressions about this fragrance. Feel free to comment below.
Cheers,
Lygia
