#ScentsOfChristmas: J'adore L'Or by Dior

If a woman, in all of her spiritual and corporeal splendour, could be replicated into a fragrance, the result would be J’adore.

First launched by Parisian maison Christian Dior in 1999, J’adore celebrates the spirit of femininity in its entirety, beginning with the elixir and right to the silhouette and contours of its high-neck flacon, adorned with the iconic ringlets.

Fast forward to 18 years later, J’adore, throughout its various editions, has remained one of the most desired and coveted fragrances by women around the world. This Christmas, entice your loved ones, your significant other or yourself with the sensuous olfactory temptation of J’adore L’Or. 

Conceived by notable “fragrance nose” François Demachy in 2010, J’adore L’Or is constructed around a bouquet of powerful yet evocative absolutes such as Jasmine Grandiflorum from the fields of Grasse, May Rose, and Vanilla from the isles of Tahiti, as well as Ylang Ylang and the headstrong Tuberose.

“J’adore L’Or is the perfume of extremes,” says Demachy, “its floral absolutes are exceptional and it is intensely concentrated. Its oriental character is present, instantly recognizable in a richly nuanced, rounded and expressive bouquet. Its sensuality is like a matiériste painting entirely dedicated to the beauty of flowers.”

Jasmine Grandiflorum, the opening note of J’adore L’or is unique. The absolute distilled from the precious flower is abundantly present in only a few great, iconic fragrances with J’adore L’Or being one of them.

Reason being, Jasmine Grandiflorum is a fragile flower that is difficult to grow. Sunny summers with scattered storms, mild winters, and above all no hailstones, are indispensable conditions, while too much wind or a cold snap can put an end to a crop.

Harvested from the Domaine de Manon, an exclusive Dior perfumes partner, the unique nuance of the absolute brims with opulence and evocative power that unfurls within Demachy’s composition.

“The Domaine de Manon’s Jasmine Grandiflorum is potent and subtle, with hints of Almond, Mango and Banana,” says Carole Biancalana, producer of fragrance flowers at the Domaine de Manon. “It is a fruity floral that also has a light animal note. We are proud of our Jasmine, which has a striking sensorial power. In fact, the first time I smelled J’adore L’Or, I was immediately transported to harvest time in my flower fields! I was in Paris, in the middle of winter, and yet at the same time I was in Grasse, in the month of August, in the middle of my Jasmine Blossoms.”

At the heart of the olfactory “femininity” is the essence of May Rose. Subtle, honeyed and slightly peppery, the May Rose, when interlaced with Grasse Jasmine, creates a heady and quintessential floral web.

Harvested every day from May to June (hence its name), the May Roses from Domaine de Manon are entirely reserved by Biancalana for Dior’s use in its perfumery and must be transported immediately to the specialists for absolute distillation. 

Finally, at the bottom of the fragrance lies the trinity of Tahitian Vanilla, which enfolds and bewitches with its husky charm; the exotic seduction of Ylang Ylang; and the traditionally heady beauty of the white Tuberose.

These beautifully formulated elixir is then bottled in the iconic amphora that speaks of a woman’s silhouette gracefully and effortlessly. Nevertheless, to achieve the shape of the emblematic flacon was not an easy feat.

It took no less than 5 years to achieve the staggeringly fine and precise engraving that adorns J’adore L’Or. Designed and created entirely by the House of Dior, this exceptional amphora has arisen from the secretive packaging design studio. On the other hand, the new adornment has changed. 

The long neck of the J’adore L’Or amphora is engraved with incredible precision. The golden rings that encircle its neck – a close resemblance to a traditional hand-crafted work – are no thicker than a hair’s breadth ripple, like incredibly fine, sensual and fluid waves. 

Frankly speaking, Dior’s J’adore L’or is a grandiose fragrant offering fit for any goddess of the modern day.

Retailing at RM595.00, the J’adore L’or by Dior is available now at Dior Beauty and Fragrances stores, counters at leading departmental stores and duty-free concessions worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Dior

To locate your nearest Dior Beauty and Fragrances stores and counters in Malaysia, visit http://en.store.dior.com/ for more details.