Ormonde Jayne Frangipani

Frangipani by Ormonde Jayne was the one perfume in the line that didn't win me quickly. Now I think it was about expectations- I kept waiting for the tropical paradise of my dreams but it never materialized. Instead, there was tuberose, jasmine, more tuberose, linden and more white flowers, a hint of the tropics and a surprisingly persistent lime note that kept things zingy and airy. I didn't know what to make of it.

Eventually I got it. Frangipani might not take me to that island, but it's easy and carefree. It's sunny and blooming, there's a view of the Pacific from a road down the hill, pink, red and orange bougainvilleas everywhere, wearing a silk scarf and big sunglasses while driving a convertible. For me, it's Los Angeles in November.

I'm writing this on a muggy East Coast August night when the only thing keeping my sanity is the a/c, so early winter in L.A. is as good a fantasy as any. Ormonde Jayne's Frangipani is actually a perfect summer scent. White flowers in general and tuberose in particular bloom beautifully in the heat. But this isn't your typical variation on the Fracas theme. Several notes here, from what I assume is the water lilies to the very green lime, keep things from going all diva on us, while there's enough depth and jasmine that it never becomes too dainty and bridal. Like the other Ormonde Jayne fragrances, Frangipani is as fun as it is pretty, and we all can use some of this mood every now and then.

Ormonde Jayne perfumes (£68.00, 50ml EDP or the 4x10ml travel spray vials) are available from the London boutique as well as online. They sell  internationally and the discovery set (£42.00- 2ml sample of each fragrance) ships for free.

Photo: Regine for Meggy Rouff by Henry Clark, 1951

£54.00