FRASSAI
BLONDINE

2017

PERFUMER
Yann Vasnier

green mandarin
pear blossom
Lily
Butter
Suede
Caramel
Cacao
Tonka Bean
Salt
Ashoka Flower
White Musk
Castoreum

‘Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a fair and gentle princess grows up beloved by her father, surrounded by precious jewels, exotic fruits and mouthwatering dainties. When left behind in an enchanted forest by a deceitful coachman, BLONDINE is captivated by the most beautiful flowers she has ever seen. Rejoicing in their profusion and delighting in their perfume, she commences to fill her hat and pockets with them, until she finds herself farther and farther away from home. A fragrant tale of alluring florals, decadent sweets, and enigmatic musks, where courage and hope are the key to living happily ever after; here Blondine’s story begins.’ – Frassai

Blondine is the release that put Frassai on my radar and apparently that was for good reason as it’s quite spectacular. Still my favorite from this brand anno 2024, with A Fuego Lento trailing as second.

It opens with a Shalimar-esque sweetness (although less of the bergamot), mixed with a lactonic overdose. It’s a very soft sweet scent with a beautiful buttery and milky quality, as the notes indicated. I was obsessed with the opening as I first smelled it. It’s hard to do a buttery note that well (later Roja Parfums Lost In Paris did it exceptionally, but at a very high price point).

Unfortunately that buttery sweetness doesn’t last throughout the wear, because Blondine starts to transition into a more floral leaning direction with a lot of brightness. The drydown is still excellent, but lacks to excitement that I had for the opening. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing Blondine adorning my collection one day.