Prada's Infusion series is quite popular and will probably remain so as long as people are scared of real perfume. Whoever is responsible for the vision and creative briefs given to the perfumers knows this very well and has made Prada lots of money out of soapy laundered notes. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Other than teaching the perfume-buying public to expect and accept these watery non-perfumes as a luxury item.
That said, Infusion de Vetiver is not bad, and for those who do well with a clean musky base it might even work great. I'm one of those people who wear most musks extremely well, hence my surprising affection for this. A little herbal, a little (very little) peppery and zingy and with a faint and cleaned up vetiver core that's free of any earthy associations and gives a faded green impression, the fragrance is a very soapy and smooth. Prada Infusion de Vetiver might not be a great perfume or original in any way shape or form. It may be a watered down copy of classic vetivers such as the newest version of the Guerlain iconic one, but it smells quite good, lasts all day (though it has practically no sillage after the first 20 minutes) and works well for days when I don't want to be distracted by my fragrance or even think of it at all.
That not thinking bit is probably the reason I can't fully endorse Prada Infusion de Vetiver. It's not like I think we need to be challenged at every step by our personal care products. But since I regard perfumery as an art I'd rather have a little more emotion and care put into my perfume, otherwise it might as well be soap. I guess that was the intention behind Infusion de Vetiver. I wear it and enjoy it on the right day, but can't say I'm overly proud of this.
Notes: vetiver, tarragon, pepper and ginger
Kevin's review on NST is here.
Prada Infusion de Vetiver was a 2010 limited edition. I'm not sure if it's still in any of the department stores, but online discounters offer it for prices that will make Miuccia Prada clutch her pearls. I received a free bottle at a press event.
Both images from prada.com.
I wear the Infusion d'Iris to work. I am not afraid of perfume at all. My two fave currents are Miss Dior and Prada Original, which I am sure you know, are fairly "big" scents. BUT at work we are "fragrance free" also known as the tyranny of the squeaky wheel.
ReplyDeleteI can wear an Infusion and still feel like I have a scent on and not "offend" any of the special angels at work who complain about perfume. Meh, what's a girl to do? Go without. Quelle horror!
I've used up two bottles of Infusion d'Iris since its release =/ Not my proudest achievement, but it smells lovely on me.
ReplyDeleteWhy, oh, why are you all apologizing for wearing and enjoying a particular fragrance? If you enjoy a fragrance, even a light and fleeting one, you should never feel intimidated or fear ridicule by the opinions of self-proclaimed critics or so-called connosieurs. Their opinions are just that: their opinions. Wear fragrance for yourself and enjoy it's special magic. If it smells good on you and gives you pleasure, that's reason enough to wear it.
ReplyDeleteScent, when worn, becomes a highly personal combination of body chemistry, olfactory functioning, and emotional and psychological responses to it. Be confident in your own taste and don't apologize for liking something!
As for people who don't like perfume, there is nothing wrong with that, either. Many times there is a solid physiological explanation for their dislike: migraines, allergies, medications they're taking, etc. It is what it is.
This rant is not intended to insult anyone so, if I have, I sincerely apologize.