In my last posts, I already introduced you to Ylop from the modern White Collection in Sora Dora – Where stories become fragrances and to the fragrance of the same name from the classic, black line in my review Visiting the Enchanted Forest – Brocéliande by Sora Dora. Most recently, Vanuatu by Sora Dora – Fragrance Journey to the South Pacific took us to rather unusual but absolutely exciting tropical climes. Today we continue with a fragrance that has a very special meaning for the label: Red. This eau de parfum is the result of a special night – but not in the way you might first think. Inspired by the brand’s first anniversary, the vibrant nightlife, the clinking of glasses at the bar and the music of the club, Red represents the artistic vision that drives Sora Dora. In collaboration with François Hénin from Jovoy, the result is a creation that understands perfume as an art form and captures emotions, contrasts and stories.
Margaux Le Paih-Guérin – the nose behind Red
Perfumer Margaux Le Paih-Guérin is one of the most exciting noses on the recent French fragrance scene. A graduate of the renowned ISIPCA in Versailles, she combines technical skill with a clear artistic line. Her compositions are often characterized by a fine balance of structure and emotion. They have a modern, gimmick-free effect and tell their olfactory story in an extraordinary way. Her creations include Oud Candy, Filthy Musk, Nuts and Dirty Heaven by BORNTOSTANDOUT as well as the Sora Dora fragrances Jany and 7.
In addition to solo projects, Margaux Le Paih-Guérin also works in the team of the independent perfume studio Flair Paris, which was founded in 2012 by perfumers Amélie Bourgeois and Anne-Sophie Behaghel. Flair is known for creative, unconventional fragrance concepts and for giving brands an unmistakable identity. The Flair team consists exclusively of perfumers who develop tailor-made compositions for niche labels and exciting indie projects and represent a modern French esprit that combines traditional techniques with innovative ideas. This collective way of working often produces surprising, multi-faceted fragrances that are characterized by dialogue, experimentation and a very personal signature.
Together with Sora Dora, Margaux Le Paih-Guérin has developed her very own fragrance story for Red: the mood of a night, the play of light and shadow and animated conversations about art and inspiration. The composition is as diverse as its source of inspiration: rich in contrast, sensual and at the same time harmonious and full of character.
François Hénin – the visionary behind Jovoy
François Hénin has long been a well-known figure in the perfume world and has contributed significantly to the renaissance of Jovoy and Parisian niche perfumery. His path first took him to Asia. There he worked for many years in Vietnam and China before finally returning to Paris and reviving Jovoy: a traditional Parisian perfumery that was originally founded in 1923 and stood for luxurious, artfully composed fragrances. For decades, however, the brand was largely forgotten – a fate it shares with several other traditional perfume houses. In the early 2000s, François Hénin brought Jovoy back onto the perfume stage with a carefully curated boutique in Rue de Castiglione, which quickly became a meeting place for niche fragrance lovers. In addition to selected brands, the company also created its own fragrance lines, such as Jovoy.
François Hénin is a curious, passionate perfume enthusiast who promotes young brands and facilitates exciting collaborations. For him, perfume is always art and not a mass product. It is precisely this philosophy that he shares with the Sora Dora label, which led to the idea of developing Eau de Parfum Red together.
Red – The scent of an unforgettable night
Perfumer Margaux Le Paih-Guérin combined the ingredients bergamot, pink pepper, coconut, mandarin, cardamom, citrus notes, jasmine, nutmeg, fig, walnut, floral notes, iris, carnation, mugwort, sandalwood, white musk, caramel and woods to create a fragrance for Red, about which the Sora Dora brand says the following: “This perfume combines contrasting fragrance notes in a harmonious composition. Red by Sora Dora stands for intensity and subtlety at the same time. A modern, timeless fragrance with a clear signature. The carefully selected ingredients tell a story that conveys both classic elegance and contemporary freshness.”
Red is simply stunning right from the start. From the very first spray, I’m thrilled by this little Hesperides freshness kick of bergamot, mandarin and citric notes. While I’m still enjoying it, a gourmand, nutty delicacy comes to the fore that really excites me. Aromatic, fresh, greenish cardamom combines with roasted nut nuances and a creamy caramel sweetness, accompanied by creamy, powdery and vanilla accents as well as a fine, unobtrusive coconut milkiness. The citrusy notes from the opening remain perceptible in the background and ensure that the gourmand depth does not appear too heavy. They bring lightness and lightness to the composition. Finally, sandalwood and musk lend the fragrance warm, comforting facets and allow it to fade away gently and elegantly.
I think you can already tell: Red is exactly my taste. An eau de parfum that plays with contrasts. Light and dark, profound and light at the same time. Beautifully gourmand and inviting, it makes you feel completely at ease. The creation is present, but never overpowering, and impresses with very good longevity. For me, it is more of a recommendation for the cooler months of the year, but it can actually be worn for any occasion. A well-balanced fragrance for anyone who loves fine gourmand notes with roasted nuts and creamy caramel.
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