HOUSE OF SILLAGE
Whispers of Innocence

2017

CYCLAMEN
LINDEN BLOSSOM
PANDANUS LEAF
Violet ABSOLUTE

BEESWAX ABSOLUTE
JASMINE ABSOLUTE
JASMINE SAMBAC ABSOLUTE
PIMENTO

AMBER
MILK
CISTUS
BOURBON VANILLA

Whispers Of Innocence is my first encounter with the House Of Sillage brand. And while I went in with moderately low expectations (I’m not the biggest fan of the brands focus on presentation and popular IP collaborations), I must say: I’m pleasantly surprised.

Maybe it’s because of the ‘cupcake’ presentation, but I went in expecting this to be a very sweet, gourmand, mass-appealing scent and perhaps also in a more ‘girly’ direction. I was surprised to learn that this really hones in on the more green and floral side of what I figured would be a honey scent.

So much, to the point that I can see a lot of people being negatively surprised as well (and a quick look at Fragrantica indeed shows Whispers of Innocence getting a mixed reception). But as mentioned, for me, it worked out to my preference.

This is mostly a floral scent, with jasmine and linden being prominent. This white and yellow floral mix is definitely honeyed, sweet, but it’s by no means gourmand. There’s a green edge, a sort of acidic, vinegar-ish sour tinge that reminds me of some more vintage fragrances and while not listed, it also reminds me of of a sweet tuberose at times. Everything is rather subtle and maybe a tad old-fashioned.

It’s only when I smell the skin up close, that I smell the gourmand touches. A nice vanilla especially, is noticeable, but only when I put my nose near my skin. However, where I would expect it to grow sweeter, the opposite happens and most of the drydown of Whispers Of Innocence seems almost completely a white floral.

It actually goes a bit too far in the white floral direction to be a love for my taste. My favorite part is when the florals and sweetness are both present.  Overall, this was a clear thumbs up for me though.