This is a perfume is that is obviously targeted towards those that have a nostalgic attachement to Africa and all things African. It was inspired by the cool breezes of Saint Germain as well as having an influence from the styles of Josephine Baker. It is a perfume that is supposed to be passionate and suggest the movements of dance. Therefore the customer is primed for a very interesting experience that harks back to the good old days of simplicity and fun.

The Brand

The inspiration for the perfume was Josephine Baker was born over a century ago. The style is supposed to have humor and sexiness. This can be a very effective quality in the perfume if the manufacturers are able to pull it off. Given the inspiration this is a perfume that prides itself on tradition and it remains to be seen whether this tradition will take it to the top of the pecking order in terms of revival perfumes. For those that have an interest in the longevity of perfumes this is a welcome development.

The Fragrance

The fragrance list includes African marigold, cyclamen, vetiver, jasmine, violet, bucchu, cedar, black amber, and musk. This makes for a heady mixture that is true to its exotic origins. What one finds in the perfume is that it is not overpowering. It suggests the themes that have inspired it but does not shout them out. Therefore the person has a very good chance of gaining lots of pleasure from the scent.

The Packaging

The packaging comes with some promotional photos of an African lady in traditional dress. This might appear to be tacky but I think that if done black and white, it has a great feel to it. I know that it might divide opinion but generally I think that it is absolutely fine. What I really like is the bottle itself. It is a simple and elegant design that would fit in very well with any wardrobe.

General Customer Feedback

The customers were very pleased that an old perfume was making something of a comeback. They even expressed satisfaction at the tasteful way in which it has been presented. It would appear that the perfume is set to make a triumphant return to the fragrance stage.

Popularity: 34% [?]

This is a perfume that is meant to make a statement and a bold statement at that. It follows in the line of its predecessors in shocking the public but bringing a new spiciness to what they think of perfumes. The Montale is somewhat tempered by some of the other ingredients which might increase the appeal of this particular perfume. At the same time it is relatively powerful when compared with other perfumes.

The Brand

Montale has a distinct fragrance that runs throughout their perfumes. What you get is the occasional variation to suit the current label but usually you can smell a Montale fragrance from a mile away. This has led to complaints about the similarity among the fragrances that they produce. One can only hope that they produce some sort of distinction because it would be such a shame to lose such a powerful perfume.

The Fragrance

We start off with the surprising red pepper, cumin, saffron, iris root and sandalwood which then gives way to the obligatory vetiver. At the same time aoud is never far from the fragrance notes as they waft through your nostrils. The final impression that you get is a perfume that combines the deep tones of leather with the hints of chocolate. The fragrance list is challenging and so is the final perfume product.

The Packaging

For some reason the bottle reminds of India but in a good way. I like the dark red that is broken by the golden tops. It gives off a feeling of elegant sophistication but also a sense of grandeur that eludes some perfume. I think the packaging pays great homage to the title of the perfume itself.

General Customer Feedback

The customers who looked at the perfume found it very interesting from a fragrance list point of view. However there was concern that the perfume might not be getting the full credit for its individuality because of the similarity in ingredients to its other counterparts. Some people also felt that the perfume had the capability of completely overpowering them. All in all I think this is a great perfume that can add individuality to your attire.

Popularity: 4% [?]