The House of Aurora was born from Hong Kong born Charles Wong’s ongoing love affair with France, and Paris in particular. What began as a coffee table book for bon vivants and Francophiles, grew into a perfume brand that now boasts four original fragrances. Charles’ creative direction means that he works closely with perfumer Robert Asfour, and I applaud his transparency in giving him due credit. Charles and I have become pen pals and he very kindly sent me a bottle of Aurora Le Vent D’ Été, just to see what I thought. Here’s my verdict.
Firstly, the packaging has to have an honourable mention. Like previous Aurora fragrances, this is wax sealed with an A for Aurora and its neck is clinched with a stylish velvet bow, in this case, in teal and gold. This is Extrait de Parfum so you may expect a room-filling statement fragrance, but it isn’t. Its strength is what gives it longevity, and this beauty lasted all day on my skin without my customary lunch time top up.
Perfumer Robert Asfour has successfully pulled off a difficult task here; he has made a very long-lasting citrus fragrance. Citrus notes often wilt after a while and have to be held up by supportive flower chums, like a drunk bridesmaid. In this case, the citrus is one of my favourites: grapefruit. It has the astringency of lemon, but I find it prettier and even more refreshing. Now add in some ripe and juicy mango and an olfactory hint that a fig tree in full bloom is nearby. Some tart and refreshing bergamot peel sits nicely with a hint of watermelon, but somehow, the fruitiness isn’t the point here. This is not a sticky cocktail of tropical fruit, more a beautiful clean high note that transcends any sugar and reminds me of those lemon shaped soaps that Bronnley used to make.
Imagine having just lathered in one of those and imagine that the fruits are floral tipped accents. I enjoyed the soapy note in Aurora Le Vent D’ Été, whether it was intentional all not. I also enjoyed the fresh air accord, which may also be accidental, but is certainly most welcome. By the afternoon, I could pick up clean and comforting white musk wafts, another note that pleases me no end. By the time it was bedtime, there were still citrussy musk notes on my skin. From the packaging to the perfume, this is a pleasure to own and wear. Bravo Charles and Bravo Robert for a beautiful Extrait de Parfum.
Where to buy it
This a limited edition. Please contact me and I will put you in touch with Charles Wong. It is £185 for 50ml of Extrait de Parfum.
Disclosure
I was kindly sent my bottle of Aurora par Charles Wong: Le Vent D’ Été by Charles Wong himself. I have received no remuneration for this and my opinion and decision to review it are both my own.
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