Monday, June 29, 2015

Aftelier Bergamoss Solid Perfume




Guys. I won something. An amazing thing. A beautiful thing. And I was so excited when my name had been drawn that whooped out so loud I scared my husband. 


Mandy Aftel, of Aftelier, held two giveaways recently, one on Instagram and one via Facebook. Both giveaways were for an antique watch case filled with her new perfume solid Bergamoss. I entered both and was drawn for the Instagram contest! My beauty (valued at $265) arrived a week after the contest ended in a dazzling golden bubble mailer. Tucked inside the mailer was a glassine envelop housing a pull-drawer box.



The artwork on the front of her business card. 



The bottom of the box.



This bag. I love it. Mandy's attention to detail and high regard for craftsmanship is evident.


The treasure inside. Isn't she lovely? After tinkering around with some light research, the grouse hallmark indicates that it is Swiss made and 0.800 silver. The lack of a "Swiss Made" stamp may indicate the age between 1880-1887. I am obviously not an expert on antiques but I do appreciate their histories, stories and journeys. 


The etching makes me swoon. The little village, the flower, and cresting waves. 


Bergamoss. The hue of the glass outside the case foreshadows the perfume's depth of color within, an ancient living green.

Swirling my finger tip on the firm yet silken surface releases sparks of antiqued citrus in the air like so many dandelion wishes. Warm skin acts a catalyst, caressing out more depth, excavating nuances of spice and fruit flesh. All the while that rich golden green oakmoss sings. Bergamoss enchants me with her timeless luxury and quiet beauty. 

The antique case compliments the fragrance inside seamlessly. It looks and feels and smells like a treasure that has laid hidden in an attic for a century. A silver flash of sunlight dances on the surface, catching a little girl's eye who has been playing in the trunks of old gowns and shawls. She wanders over to the dust draped table and picks up the watch case and cradles it in her hand. Scents from lifetimes ago warming in her palm and rising to the rafters. Golden green shafts of light. 




8 comments:

  1. Congrats on the win, and what a beautiful prize! I am with you on appreciating the story behind older pieces. The perfume sounds lovely as well! Thanks for the review. :)

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    1. Thank you Gil! It was quite a shock for me. The personal history behind old pieces is so neat. I wonder who carried this, what his life was like, where he lived. Are you a fan of chypre? I can't help but fawn over this fragrance. Thank you for reading! How has your week started?

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    2. Have to admit I haven't explored chypre very much. When I looked on the Fragrantica list of fragrances with it I recognized only a few, and liked none whatsoever! I will put this company on my radar, though, as the story I imagine in my head now that you've brought up the questions is so mysterious and lovely. My week is finally sunny after a rainy Pride weekend, so I'm feeling oddly optimistic today! LOL Hope you're well. :)

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    3. Chypre can be polarizing I imagine. It is a distinctive family of fragrance. Sorry the Pride weekend was so rainy. It has been wet here too. But happy the sunshine is peeking out for you! I am well thank you. Very much enjoying my summer break!

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  2. How exciting, Julie!! The antique watch is stunning and I can only imagine how gorgeous the Bergamoss smells!! I was reading up on the scent and it sounds devine. Lucky you :)
    http://www.aftelier.com/Bergamoss-Solid-p/solid-bergamoss.htm

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    1. Oh Lynda!! If I could knock on your door and bring my perfume with me this would be the first thing I would make you smell. I am still over the moon about this. What a treasure!

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  3. Completely amazing all around! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing with us! :)

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I look forward to exploring Aftelier's teas, face oils and perfumes. I already know I love her body oil. Also the books! I wish we could do a book club together on them!

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