Penhaligon's Clandestine Clara Eau de Parfum

Within the collection of the British brand Penhaligon's, one can find fragrances that narrate various historical moments of England, as well as about personalities somehow connected to them. One such fragrance is Clandestine Clara, which tells the story of Clara—a mistress and favorite of Lord George. Here she is, flirting with him, swirling in a romantic dance, offering sweet nights. Yet, the very next day, quite unlike a lady, she drives a car and smokes. This perfume unfolds in the same way, astonishing with its oriental bouquet of shades.

The concise trio of notes plays a tercet of nuances. The first, noble and aristocratic, comes forth as sweet amber. Following it, a spicy, cozily warm cinnamon performs an independent intermezzo, enveloping with its soothing bitterness. The final chord vibrates with the overtone of balsamic patchouli, scattering sparks of an enticing, musky-woody aftertaste behind it.