Casta Diva – a perfume in love

Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote a post about a Kilian perfume that made me think of the aria Casta Diva… One of my favorite arias of all times from Norma (yes, I have a thing for the druid thing, not so far-fetched if one is into the various aspects of scents).

I didn’t know then that there was a perfume with this name. The other week losing my olfactory mind looking at all that MiN New York have to offer, suddenly I found this obviously precious thing among their curator’s favorites.

Honestly? I would have tried it just for the name.

Honestly? After months of Swedish dark introverted winter when someone offers you (me)…

“Castadiva is a fragrance that resonates like celestial voices; 

its pure and flowery notes rise up towards the bright blue sky 

and explode high up with frangipani and osmanthus.”

…you (I) have no desire to refuse.

I confess, I am one of those women with slight floral phobia when it comes to perfume, but I do love frangipani. I also confess: the descriptions of this fragrance (quite opulent) categorize it as something that normally is not my kind of preference. But I was curious, for superficial reasons, for romantic reasons, for poetic reasons. 

I am wearing this female ceremony of a perfume today and I admit, it is strikingly romantic. It is organza dresses and long eye lashes and blushing cheeks and unforgettable kisses and makes me feel like an Alma Tadema lady in disguise. Random surrounding oceans of petals, gold hair pieces and Roman palaces and Illiads included. It is undeniably feminine and in love. It is a perfume in love. 

This love is composed of: ylang ylang, frangipani, osmanthus, jasmine of Egypt, neroli, oak moss, amber notes, white musk and vanilla. Marie Duchene is the nose.

Kilian Day 8: Jasmine whispers

Ok, another floral day… Not my thing. Still not my thing. But, if you like light florals you will probably love this one. It is very springy and very feminine and gentle. Like a soft kiss on the cheek. You hardly notice that you are wearing a perfume but you smell really nice. And I mean really really nice. It does not however make me want to surrender as much as it makes me feel like I already have surrendered, which to me is a less interesting feeling. But if you want to have a perfume that feels elegant and easy, try this one. Also I would say that it is an excellent choice for environment or situations where a more extrovert fragrance is not suitable.

Kilian Day 7: Iscious

Fragrance no 7 is described with these words by Kilian, “An inspiration from the Marshmallow. A pure sensual treat.” I didn’t read it however until today (I wore the fragrance yesterday), and it makes me smile. The description feels more than adequate as I felt a bit like this the entire day. Or no, I did not feel like this, but I felt like I smelled like this.

Holy Sweet, Stockholm

The roses, honeysuckle and the caramel are like a romantic embrace. There is something about the feeling that this fragrance creates that makes you think of women like in the old movies. Of blushing cheeks, soft skin, light red anticipating lips, blossoming cherry trees, skirts that swoosh on a summer’s day and crushes. Total utter impeccable sweetness. And… as much as I love seeing it and it makes me smile and fills my heart with marshmallows…it’s just not me. Well, ok, it is a part of me… Yes. But not enough parts to define me in a way that I am comfortable with so not a fragrance that I can “stay” in.

However…there is a person that is the embodiment of all the things mentioned above. Also she of course has many many other sides and is a more complex person. But. She has that very very very special kind of romantic sweetness that you find in so few people these days. You have met her before on this blog, Karin. Karin can carry blush, blossom, swoosh, caramel and rose with a credibility and contemporary touch that no one else that I know can master. So, my Love. don’t be shy-sample now belongs to her, it’s  a really lovely match. Perfumes like this are made for women and womanisciousness like Karin.