What a superb paean to a superb fragrance. Whenever I'm asked what I'm wearing when I wear this I always shy away from the "lady" part and call it Portrait Of A Lad. And if FM steal this title for a "butched" up flanker I will sue for either a portion of the profits or a lifetime supply of Portrait Of A Lady.
I am in my 20's and love wearing Portrait of a Lady with a white shirt and jeans or something along the line of the photo of Suzy Parker...not what the majority of people say about a very luxurious/evening ball/opera occasion (although it works well in such occasions). Portrait of a Lady is the assertive, courageous, steadfast voice behind the facade of the woman who wears it: I think that is where the genius of this scent lies.
I heard so much about Portrait of a Lady and I decided to give it a try. The first scent was bit overpowering to me. So I decided to come back and feel it again later. Few hours later, after the first note settled down, I was actually attracted to the richness of this woody and rosy scent. What surprised me more was that since I sprayed it on my wrist with my watch on, the pleasant smell was left there for days and I liked it even more the next few days.
So happy to hear you speak so passionately about a scent that has also captivated me. I’ve always heard how beautiful this was, but figured it was surely overhyped given the price-oh how wrong I was. I’m sampling through the entire line now, but it’s going to be hard to top this one as my most likely first bottle. I’m actually eyeing the new 30ml bottles-any experience with those?
Hey Dariush, not sure if you are comfortable with me addressing you by your name. Apologies if you aren't, will be mindful from here on. I recently discovered your channel and your blog and have been going through your content. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to catch you livestream (yet) but hopefully will do so soon. However, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I thoroughly enjoy your informative reviews and how you present your opinions about the fragrance. I can call myself a fan of your work, as the more content I go through, the more I enjoy. Thank you so much for putting out such good content around fragrances for noobs like me. Growing up around fragrances, perfumery is very close to me and thanks to people like yourself, the essence of the art still remains strong. Warm regards, Pratik.
When Portrait of a Lady was first being released, the sales assistant at Barneys sprayed some on my arm. It wasn't actually being released for another two weeks. I became obsessed with getting a bottle and couldn't until it was officially released. I've never had such a strong reaction to a perfume. I love and have The Night as well, but it took a few years before I finally worked up enough nerve to purchase a bottle (price and all).
Well, as it happens, my first experience of Portrait was very similar. I’d popped into Liberty in London and the assistant at the FM counter told me she was able to give me a preview of the scent, but didn’t have any bottles to sell yet. One spray on the back of my hand was enough to get me hooked. I had my nose glued to my wrist for hours. Thanks very much for writing 😊
A very good review! I've tried Portrait today and it's really fascinating. It reminds me a little bit of Montale Rose Oud and Amouage lyric but I think it's darker, velvetier with a very interesting smokey incense note- gothic! The rose is very realistic ... For me it's like a very dark red, velvet gown...like the one Vivian Leigh is wearing in Gone with the Wind. And again I have to thank you for the experience 😊
Great video. I love FM. My first purchase was carnal flower. Then I went back for POAL. It somehow reminds me of amouage epic woman. Not the exact smell, but the feeling it gives me of being both feminine and empowered. Amazing stuff 👏 I haven't tried the night, but i like the moon from that collection.
By the way about the Image of parfum in my mind Is the book , Portrait of a Lady. That personality. Fascinating,misterious, aniway,not a modern Image . Sunglases etc .
This is a real rose for me, certainly a white one. Not under the sun at all, but at night. As you beautifully and very exactly put it, under the silvery glow of the moon 🌛
Missed the live broadcast. I am glad you found the photo. My idea of POAL was more in keeping with the Henry James novel of the same name. Roses, although timeless do have a very 'vintagey' reputation, as does Lavender and Civet. Maybe I should try it on skin the next time, at the London boutique. It's abt time my Une Rose, sitting sedately in the fragrance vault had a companion. Thank you for this episode.
It’s an incredible coincidence, this video. I just received my sample of The Night and have been wearing it incessantly (for comparison purposes) with POAL and Montale Aoud Cuir d’Arabie (again just for comparing and contrasting), so I’ve been searching for any new review content on these that I can find. I’m so glad I came across your excellent review/celebration of these amazing scents. I don’t know how but I’m going to need to add The Night to my collection. Perhaps the 10mL? 😅 Is it documented that POAL is at least in part an element in the Night? It certainly smells so, but I wonder if Malle or Ropion confirmed this in some way. Thanks again for the excellent review! You’ve gained a new subscriber.
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for subscribing. Yes, the link between Portrait and The Night is acknowledged by the perfumer. Here are the words of Ropion himself, as quoted in the book I show in the video... “For The Night, Frederic and I reversed what we had done for Portrait ... Our radical idea was to replace the patchouli with a quality and a quantity of oud that had never been seen before.”
Intrigued after watching this I went to Liberty today and tried The Night and Portrait for the first time. The Portrait opening smells like grapefruit on me and the dry down smells like melon and musk. Too strong for me. The Night smelt sleazy on the opening and then dried down to smell like blood and hospital wards.
Frederic Malle boutiques in Paris said to me that it's not being reformulated...but obviously not true, as legal restrictions in EU has changed since 2000 and also the taste of people. Now POAL is still strong but no soooo strong as it was when released. It's one of the best fragrances ever created. Frederic Malle has a few classics already: POAL, Musc Ravageur, Monieur, iris Poudre...
Such a wonderfully informative video! Really enjoy your channel and content Mr P! Just added PAOL to my collection - my fifth Malle. Something extremely special about this wonderful fragrance.
Just revisiting your Frederic Malle episodes as just bought a 12 sample set and realised that I never commented on POAL although I already have a 5ml decant . It’s beautiful but not my absolute favourite. I still love Lipstick Rose but have fallen in love with Musc Ravageur of the ones I have now tried ( Bigarade ‘ carnal flower ‘ Eau de Magnolia’ iris poudre and En passant ) I have yet to try French Lover ‘ Geranium pour monsieur ‘ une rose ‘ monsieur and vetiver extraordinaire of the set . Really enjoyed En passant as well .
Persolaise you make my quarantine much more bearable! I would really like to hear your thoughts on a new Etat Libre D'Orange called Spice Must Flow. It reminds me of Portrait a lot, minus the tartness and without being so heavy on the patchouli. Have you tried it?
Nick, that is such a kind thing for you to write, thank you. Yes, I’m pretty sure I have tried that ELDO, but I’d need to check my notes. Let me see if I can dig them out.
@@Persolaise I binged the entire Twin Peaks Opus and have since become a David Lynch fanboy. His movies are unique and mesmerizing. The Criterion bio "David Lynch the Art Life" is worth a viewing. Thanks for making such interesting fragrance videos.
@@Persolaise when she was sold and most currently ... on other Facebook on fragrance people who had the honor of owning the old bottle before reformulation said the same.. I have never had the pleasure of trying the old formulation.. also she change with age if not kept refridge ... one of the question I would like to ask is what temp should I keep her to prolong the freshness of her life..if you know please enlighten. sincerely loc n.
How would you compare The Night to Mukhalat Malaki? I haven’t tried either, but just curious, as you seem to regard them highly within that woody/rose/oud family.
For the life of me, I don't get what all the fuss is about. Bought a ten ml. sample, but I wish I'd saved my money to put towards a scent I actually like (like Xerjoff's MAMLUK). So many of these overhyped niche scents like Naxos, Ivory Route, Le Lion and POAL do absolutely nothing for me. Much ado about nothing in my view.
I really enjoy your video whether live or recordings. You are contributing so much to my perfume knowledge. I cannot find a sample of dries van noche anywhere. I enjoyed how you described it so well that I want to sniff it. Do you know where I can find it please?
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
What a superb paean to a superb fragrance. Whenever I'm asked what I'm wearing when I wear this I always shy away from the "lady" part and call it Portrait Of A Lad. And if FM steal this title for a "butched" up flanker I will sue for either a portion of the profits or a lifetime supply of Portrait Of A Lady.
This has made me burst out laughing!!!
Thanks for watching.
I am in my 20's and love wearing Portrait of a Lady with a white shirt and jeans or something along the line of the photo of Suzy Parker...not what the majority of people say about a very luxurious/evening ball/opera occasion (although it works well in such occasions). Portrait of a Lady is the assertive, courageous, steadfast voice behind the facade of the woman who wears it: I think that is where the genius of this scent lies.
Thank you for this wonderful comment 😊
I heard so much about Portrait of a Lady and I decided to give it a try. The first scent was bit overpowering to me. So I decided to come back and feel it again later. Few hours later, after the first note settled down, I was actually attracted to the richness of this woody and rosy scent. What surprised me more was that since I sprayed it on my wrist with my watch on, the pleasant smell was left there for days and I liked it even more the next few days.
Wonderful -- I'm so pleased it grew on you.
So happy to hear you speak so passionately about a scent that has also captivated me. I’ve always heard how beautiful this was, but figured it was surely overhyped given the price-oh how wrong I was. I’m sampling through the entire line now, but it’s going to be hard to top this one as my most likely first bottle. I’m actually eyeing the new 30ml bottles-any experience with those?
Thanks so much for watching.
No, I don’t have a single one of the 30 mls, but I’m sure they must be very handy.
Hey Dariush, not sure if you are comfortable with me addressing you by your name. Apologies if you aren't, will be mindful from here on. I recently discovered your channel and your blog and have been going through your content. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to catch you livestream (yet) but hopefully will do so soon. However, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I thoroughly enjoy your informative reviews and how you present your opinions about the fragrance. I can call myself a fan of your work, as the more content I go through, the more I enjoy.
Thank you so much for putting out such good content around fragrances for noobs like me. Growing up around fragrances, perfumery is very close to me and thanks to people like yourself, the essence of the art still remains strong.
Warm regards,
Pratik.
Thanks for this kind message, Pratik. And yes, of course, it’s totally fine to call me Dariush.
Thanks very much for watching my videos.
When Portrait of a Lady was first being released, the sales assistant at Barneys sprayed some on my arm. It wasn't actually being released for another two weeks. I became obsessed with getting a bottle and couldn't until it was officially released. I've never had such a strong reaction to a perfume. I love and have The Night as well, but it took a few years before I finally worked up enough nerve to purchase a bottle (price and all).
Well, as it happens, my first experience of Portrait was very similar. I’d popped into Liberty in London and the assistant at the FM counter told me she was able to give me a preview of the scent, but didn’t have any bottles to sell yet.
One spray on the back of my hand was enough to get me hooked. I had my nose glued to my wrist for hours.
Thanks very much for writing 😊
A very good review!
I've tried Portrait today and it's really fascinating.
It reminds me a little bit of Montale Rose Oud and Amouage lyric but I think it's darker, velvetier with a very interesting smokey incense note- gothic!
The rose is very realistic ...
For me it's like a very dark red, velvet gown...like the one Vivian Leigh is wearing in Gone with the Wind.
And again I have to thank you for the experience 😊
Thank YOU for watching. Portrait is truly special.
Great video. I love FM. My first purchase was carnal flower. Then I went back for POAL. It somehow reminds me of amouage epic woman. Not the exact smell, but the feeling it gives me of being both feminine and empowered. Amazing stuff 👏
I haven't tried the night, but i like the moon from that collection.
If you like Portrait, you might love The Night.
By the way about the Image of parfum in my mind Is the book , Portrait of a Lady. That personality. Fascinating,misterious, aniway,not a modern Image . Sunglases etc .
Ah, interesting. Thanks for sharing.
My favourite. A true masterpiece worth every dollar
It’s wonderful.
This is a real rose for me, certainly a white one. Not under the sun at all, but at night. As you beautifully and very exactly put it, under the silvery glow of the moon 🌛
I'm so pleased you like it.
Missed the live broadcast. I am glad you found the photo. My idea of POAL was more in keeping with the Henry James novel of the same name. Roses, although timeless do have a very 'vintagey' reputation, as does Lavender and Civet. Maybe I should try it on skin the next time, at the London boutique. It's abt time my Une Rose, sitting sedately in the fragrance vault had a companion. Thank you for this episode.
Thanks very much for watching, Peggy. Yes, I also went down the Henry James route... albeit via Dubai! 😂
It’s an incredible coincidence, this video. I just received my sample of The Night and have been wearing it incessantly (for comparison purposes) with POAL and Montale Aoud Cuir d’Arabie (again just for comparing and contrasting), so I’ve been searching for any new review content on these that I can find. I’m so glad I came across your excellent review/celebration of these amazing scents. I don’t know how but I’m going to need to add The Night to my collection. Perhaps the 10mL? 😅
Is it documented that POAL is at least in part an element in the Night? It certainly smells so, but I wonder if Malle or Ropion confirmed this in some way.
Thanks again for the excellent review! You’ve gained a new subscriber.
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for subscribing.
Yes, the link between Portrait and The Night is acknowledged by the perfumer. Here are the words of Ropion himself, as quoted in the book I show in the video...
“For The Night, Frederic and I reversed what we had done for Portrait ... Our radical idea was to replace the patchouli with a quality and a quantity of oud that had never been seen before.”
Persolaise Perfumes wow that’s so fascinating. Thank you!
Pleasure.
The first Time i Smell it i wanted to cry! It was an emotional wave! (I am french so sorry for my english 🙈)
You're right -- it really is very emotional.
Thank you for watching.
Intrigued after watching this I went to Liberty today and tried The Night and Portrait for the first time. The Portrait opening smells like grapefruit on me and the dry down smells like melon and musk. Too strong for me. The Night smelt sleazy on the opening and then dried down to smell like blood and hospital wards.
I suspect it's the oud in The Night that carries the 'hospital' connotations.
Thanks for watching.
Frederic Malle boutiques in Paris said to me that it's not being reformulated...but obviously not true, as legal restrictions in EU has changed since 2000 and also the taste of people. Now POAL is still strong but no soooo strong as it was when released. It's one of the best fragrances ever created. Frederic Malle has a few classics already: POAL, Musc Ravageur, Monieur, iris Poudre...
Thanks very much for watching. Yes, so many beauties in their range.
Such a wonderfully informative video! Really enjoy your channel and content Mr P! Just added PAOL to my collection - my fifth Malle. Something extremely special about this wonderful fragrance.
I completely agree about Portrait.
Thank you so much for watching.
Just revisiting your Frederic Malle episodes as just bought a 12 sample set and realised that I never commented on POAL although I already have a 5ml decant . It’s beautiful but not my absolute favourite. I still love Lipstick Rose but have fallen in love with Musc Ravageur of the ones I have now tried ( Bigarade ‘ carnal flower ‘ Eau de Magnolia’ iris poudre and En passant ) I have yet to try French Lover ‘ Geranium pour monsieur ‘ une rose ‘ monsieur and vetiver extraordinaire of the set . Really enjoyed En passant as well .
As always, thanks for writing. Lipstick Rose is really beautiful.
Great review. Thank you!
Thanks for watching.
My first perfume just purchased...scared to wear in office though
Amazing video sir and loved your comparison to Al Ghurair centre 😂
Ha! I’m glad someone appreciated it 😊
Thanks for watching.
Persolaise you make my quarantine much more bearable! I would really like to hear your thoughts on a new Etat Libre D'Orange called Spice Must Flow. It reminds me of Portrait a lot, minus the tartness and without being so heavy on the patchouli. Have you tried it?
Nick, that is such a kind thing for you to write, thank you. Yes, I’m pretty sure I have tried that ELDO, but I’d need to check my notes. Let me see if I can dig them out.
Portrait of a Lady reminds me of another great rose chypre, Diva by Ungaro.
Ah, I haven’t smelt that one for ages.
Thanks very much for watching.
An olfactory work of art. Simple as that.
Agreed!
What a fantabulous review
Thank you.
I just started to follow you! POL is my all time favorite!!! Love it!
Ah, wonderful. And thanks for watching.
will we have the episode regarding the recent announcement?
At the moment, I'm not planning to do one. I don't really do episodes like that.
Wow, you've said "Cześć" like a OG Polish person :D
😉 I’m half-Polish.
Thanks for watching.
@@Persolaise Ciekawe! Pozdrowienia z Polski ;)
"David Lynch sense of drama"...brilliant.
Oddly, this comment has reminded me that I still haven't the latest Twin Peaks movie, ie the one from 2017.
Thanks for watching.
@@Persolaise I binged the entire Twin Peaks Opus and have since become a David Lynch fanboy. His movies are unique and mesmerizing. The Criterion bio "David Lynch the Art Life" is worth a viewing. Thanks for making such interesting fragrance videos.
yes she has been reformulated
That is perfectly possible.
Thanks for watching.
@@Persolaise when she was sold and most currently ... on other Facebook on fragrance people who had the honor of owning the old bottle before reformulation said the same.. I have never had the pleasure of trying the old formulation.. also she change with age if not kept refridge ... one of the question I would like to ask is what temp should I keep her to prolong the freshness of her life..if you know please enlighten. sincerely loc n.
I would say the temperature of a normal, household fridge would be fine.
@@Persolaise thank you
How would you compare The Night to Mukhalat Malaki? I haven’t tried either, but just curious, as you seem to regard them highly within that woody/rose/oud family.
The Malle is much smoother: it brings a more European sensibility to the composition. And Mukhalat is spicier: more saffron.
Thanks for watching 😊
Best roses please !
Yes, that’s going to have to be done soon!
Thanks for watching 😊
just bought a full bottle of poal
Enjoy it!
For the life of me, I don't get what all the fuss is about. Bought a ten ml. sample, but I wish I'd saved my money to put towards a scent I actually like (like Xerjoff's MAMLUK). So many of these overhyped niche scents like Naxos, Ivory Route, Le Lion and POAL do absolutely nothing for me. Much ado about nothing in my view.
Well, what can I say. I think Portrait is heavenly, but I know plenty of people who don’t.
Many thanks for watching.
13:24 This is peak Mr P cuteness 🥺
Really?! 😂
@@Persolaise Yes!!
I tried POAL but it gave me an instant headache. ☹️
Oh no! That’s a shame.
Smells like an old lady's apartment.
Can you review a new one since Estée Lauder took over I notice a huge difference
Oh really? I’ll have to see if I can find a bottle.
@@Persolaise I’ve looked everywhere to purchase a 2010 or 2011 bottle and cannot find one anywhere
i find poal terrible
That’s fine. Not everyone likes it.
I really enjoy your video whether live or recordings. You are contributing so much to my perfume knowledge. I cannot find a sample of dries van noche anywhere. I enjoyed how you described it so well that I want to sniff it. Do you know where I can find it please?
Thanks very much for this. I’m afraid the Dries Van Noten scent has been discontinued. A real shame.
@@Persolaise thank you so much. I am ordering my first discovery set now.