Ormonde Jayne Arabesque by Linda Pilkington and Geza Schoen

“Arabesque takes you on an olfactory journey through the enchanting and mystical Middle East, based on flowers, fruits and woods entwined together and found in Islamic art.” Linda Pilkington, owner and founder, Ormonde Jayne

Oud fans, gather round. This one’s for you. Arabesque is a multi layered oud-centric masterpiece from luxury perfume house Ormonde Jayne and it’s a traffic stopping head turner. Once again, owner and founder Linda Pilkington worked closely with renowned perfumer Geza Schoen to create this statement fragrance in a stunning blue tinged bottle.

Although oud is in the base, it accompanies every single accord right to the lingering golden afterglow. With saffron, black pepper, oakmoss and musk, this was never going to be a shy retiring wallflower. Roses and jasmine peek in after the dry down but the deep layers of oud keep unfurling their veils like a distracting striptease.

Luxury and opulence radiate throughout: you’ll find no cutting corners or shortcuts with this house. Arabesque is an investment piece, like owning an expensive tailored coat that never goes out of date. It’s old money, not nouveau riche and like all Ormonde Jayne fragrances (actually all fragrances, if you ask me) they are gender free. A dab of musk adds a sensuality that borders on animalic, but the last word goes to the majestic agarwood that conducts the orchestra, directs the film and stars in the show. Roll out the red carpet for this one. And a chorus of trumpets.

Where to buy it

You can buy Ormonde Jayne Arabesque from the Ormonde Jayne website, the gorgeous little boutique in Royal Arcade London, or any Ormonde Jayne stockist.

Disclosure

I was kindly gifted a 9ml travel size of Arabesque by the brand. My opinion and my choice to review it are both my own. This article was previously published in 2023.