I was inspired to post this review of Jacques Fath Lilas Exquis because Sarah McCartney was wondering aloud on the 4160 Tuesdays FB page what to do with some lovely lilac ingredient she has (Watch that space). Suggestions followed and I was reminded of this post, not least because I have been wearing it non stop for a week.

Where I live the lilac trees are abundant. I don’t live in Narnia or anything, just a neighbourhood with lovely front gardens. If a tree is overhanging the pavement, I will often stick my entire head into it and inhale, so trust me when I tell you that I know what a lilac smells like in its original purple (or pink or white) luscious glory. Fellow lilac fans, meet Jacques Fath Lilas Exquis.

Jacques Fath Lilas Equis is not only for lilac fans, but it would also work for violet and hyacinth fans too. In fact, it’s not a million miles from my the much mourned Gucci Envy. Having said that, it’s more of a third cousin than a sibling to Envy, but will tick the hyacinth box and the green note box if you were missing them.

Normally I would say that all perfumes are gender free, but in this case, I find it ultra feminine. If I met a man who was wearing this, I would sniff him with gusto but he would be a rare creature indeed.

This is all about the lilac, and is richly complemented by a big bouquet of hyacinth, violet and magnolia. Just like Jovoy Touche Finale, it doesn’t really belong in this century and I’m starting to wonder if I do too. With none of the modern touches that define perfumes of the last five to ten years, this stands alone as a beautifully done classic floral eau de parfum that could stand alongside Houbigant Quelques Fleurs and the quiet iris chic of Chanel No 19. What I love about this, apart from the beautiful purple florals, is that it pretty much stays put. It doesn’t tempt you in with a nice window display and then go all dried up pot pourri on you, it stays as fresh as cut stems in cold water. I was also impressed with the reasonable price point.

Jacques Fath Lilas Exquis is a timeless beauty and fans of classic florals, (all too few and far between on the modern perfume counters), should definitely seek this out.

Where to buy it

You can buy Jacques Fath Lilas Exquis from the Jacques Fath website. Prices start at £66 for 30ml. Check this out though- the Discovery Set is less than twenty pounds.

Disclosure

I was sent my sample among a generous box full from a very kind friend. I was then gifted a whole bottle by another lovely friend. None of us are affiliated with the brand.