Penhaligon’s Empressa is part of the Trade Routes Collection which is made up of five fragrances. Each one is inspired by the luxurious and decadent commodities which were traded through London’s docks at the turn of the 19th Century. Empressa was created by Master Perfumer Christian de Provenzano.
Inspiration
Empressa is inspired by the beauty and nacrescence of pearls, precious silks and fine fabrics transported through London to adorn women of power and influence. Shimmering with bright pink pepper, succulent blood orange, dewberry and peach.
Notes
Top Notes: Blood Orange, Bergamot, Mandarin
Heart Notes: Peach, Cassis, Dewberry, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper
Base Notes: Vanilla Pod, Cocoa, Frankincense, Amber, Musk, Woods, Patchouli, Sandalwood
My Thoughts
I am kind of obsessed with Penhaligon’s Trade Routes Collection, each one is fabulous, opulent and complex. Empressa is beautiful, but a little softer and more feminine than Helfeti or As Sawira. Whilst the latter two could be easily worn by men and women, Empressa is just for the ladies. At the top of the fragrance you first smell the warm sweet orange and bergamot, which quickly turns into softer, sweeter fruits of peach, cassis and dewberry. The florals are white and pale pink or sweet pink roses and geranium. There is a hint of spice and warmth with the pink pepper and cardamom, but it’s only slightly there. The base is sweet, warm and woody, vanilla, amber, musk and powdery patchouli. It makes me think of pretty pink and cream flowers with fruity deserts being prepared nearby. It’s sweet musk with beautiful blooms and crisp citrus. It’s really rather delightful!
