Midnight Scented Dream by Atkinsons 1799 combines the art of perfumery with high literature. The Parfum Intense is a modern homage to a special, mysterious fragrance from 1933: Black Tulip Deluxe Edition. As part of the Reserve Collection of Atkinsons 1799, the historic perfume is now given a contemporary interpretation: more floral, more transparent, clearer in its structure, but with the same touch of poetry and mysticism that characterized the original.
Atkinsons 1799 – tradition meets modernity
The story of Atkinsons begins in 1799, when James Atkinson went to London with his own fragrance recipes – accompanied by a tame bear, which quickly became a trademark and made the young perfumer just as famous as his bear fat balm refined with roses. Atkinsons’ unusual style quickly found favor with illustrious London society.
As early as 1800, he launched an eau de cologne that clearly stood out from the popular Italian fragrances of the time. It was warmer, more extravagant, more British, spicier and more self-confident. Its success led to Atkinsons being appointed official perfumer to the English royal family in 1826, a milestone that cemented the brand’s position in the long term. Over the course of the 19th century, Atkinsons became a sought-after address for aristocrats, artists and politicians, as the fragrance house was known for powerful, unmistakable compositions that did not follow continental trends.
Like many historic perfume houses, Atkinsons lost importance in the 20th century. The market changed, large corporations increasingly dominated the scene and the brand gradually faded into the background. It was not until the 2010s that new life was breathed into Atkinsons. A dedicated team took up the historical archives, modernized the brand image and continued the classic fragrance themes in a contemporary form. A new beginning, with which Atkinsons is once again building on its extraordinary heritage.
Fabrice Pellegin – The nose behind Midnight Scented Dream
Fabrice Pellegrin comes from a family that has been at home in the world of fragrances in Grasse for generations. His father worked in the extraction of natural raw materials, his mother picked jasmine flowers and his grandfather worked in perfumery. This close connection to the landscape, plants and the culture of craftsmanship shaped his view of high-quality materials and their processing from an early age. Today, Pellegrin is one of the most important perfumers of his generation. In 2017, he was named Perfumer of the Year by the Fragrance Foundation France – a recognition of his work for houses such as Diptyque, Hermès, Penhaligon’s, Parfums de Marly and many more.
Midnight Scented Dream – A fragrant midsummer night’s dream
With Midnight Scented Dream, Pellegrin has reinterpreted an original recipe from 1933. Black Tulip Deluxe was one of the brand’s most distinctive compositions at the time and was known for its mysterious, fairytale character. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the fragrance combined a dark floral note with an unusually light, almost shimmering aura. Although few details of the historical formula have survived to this day, Black Tulip Deluxe is considered one of the creations that shaped Atkinson’s poetic, slightly eccentric style.
The modern version Midnight Scented Dream picks up on the intense floral scent of night jasmine, also known as Lady of the Night. Pellegrin combines this with bergamot, jasmine, almond and sandalwood to create a blend that “captures the magic of the night – mysterious, sensual and dreamy.”
What does Midnight Scented Dream by Atkinsons 1799 smell like?
Creamy, light and powdery, Midnight Scented Dream opens and exudes a gentle, calm and extremely cozy atmosphere. Bergamot brings a subtle freshness to the composition, which has a crystalline lightness to it. The fine almond notes set milky, smooth accents and underline the clean, pure character of the fragrance.
The floral nuances appear restrained overall – neither opulent nor exuberant – but combine to create a harmonious, atmospheric blend. Everything appears creamy, soft and almost cotton-like, with a pleasantly clean, powdery-soft radiance. Midnight Scented Dream is not a lush white bloomer, but a modern, very calm interpretation that lies on the skin like a gentle veil.
When is the best time to wear Midnight Scented Dream?
Midnight Scented Dream is a light, pleasantly creamy blend of floral, powdery and delicately soapy notes, refined with a hint of almond milk. The Parfum Intense has a light, pleasant and rather close-to-the-skin effect overall, but has good longevity. I find the presence to be moderate – just right for anyone who appreciates unagitated, musky and modern white bloomers that appear fresh and clear without ever becoming loud. The fragrance is perfect for everyday wear and the office and can also be worn unisex without any problems. An uncomplicated, cozy companion that covers many occasions and is likely to meet with broad approval.
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