Dear friends, it’s that time again. A new fragrance from the Portraits Collection was recently launched, bearing the promising name *The Manoeuvres of the Baroness*. After about a year of waiting, the long-established British fragrance house Penhaligon’s is finally sweetening our early fall once again with a new animal-head bottle. And, of course, with another story from that wonderfully eccentric family saga, which is unparalleled in the world of fragrance.
This time, a new protagonist takes the stage. And if the title *The Manoeuvres of the Baroness* already offers a small glimpse of what lies ahead, it’s likely to be yet another tale of intrigue, social entanglements, and more than a few well-kept secrets. But who exactly is this Baroness? What role does she play in the sprawling family network of the Portraits Collection? And, of course, the most important question: What does she smell like?
Missed it?
• The Legend of Lady Blanche and Lord George
• The Fragrant Marriage of Duchess Rose and Duke Nelson
• The Portraits of Clandestine Clara and Roaring Radcliff – Penhaligon’s Forbidden Love
• The Third Chapter – Penhaligon’s Portrait Collection
• Penhaligon’s – Countess Merciless and the French Rooster
• The family saga continues – Penhaligon’s Portraits Collection
• To be continued – Penhaligon’s Portraits
• Heartless Helen & Terrible Teddy – The next generation of Penhaligon’s
• The Inimitable William Penhaligon by Penhaligon’s – The saga continues
• The World According to Arthur – Penhaligon’s Portraits enter the next round
• The Omniscient Mr. Thompson by Penhaligon’s – Welcome back to the Portraits
• Fortuitous Finley by Penhaligon’s – Pistachio, suede & the charm of a seducer
The Manoeuvres of the Baroness – The Woman Pulling the Strings Behind the Scenes
Anyone who thinks they’ve figured out the family dynamics of the Portraits Collection by now is likely mistaken. Because apparently, we’ve been missing a rather crucial figure all along. According to Penhaligon’s, the Baroness was there the whole time. In the background, of course. While Lord George, Lady Blanche, Duchess Rose, Mister Sam, and all the other protagonists were living out their affairs, intrigues, and scandals, an invisible hand is said to have steered many of these events: that of the Baroness.
Somewhere between Parliament and Pall Mall, she observes the comings and goings of London society. She collects secrets, observes closely, and is thus always one step ahead of those around her. Lord George’s power, Duchess Rose’s romance, Mr. Sam’s dangerous game—all of this is said to have unfolded exactly as the well-informed Baroness envisioned. However, the traditional British firm refuses to reveal exactly how closely she is connected to the illustrious Portraits family. Not yet, one might almost add.
The bottle, of course, is every bit as mysterious as this enigmatic lady. A golden animal head with imposing, twisted horns towers over the gold-colored fragrance, making it arguably one of the most striking bottles in the Portraits Collection. The extravagant design is a perfect match for a woman whose true nature is not easily revealed.
Perfumer Daphné Bugey describes the Baroness as elegant, seductive, and influential. She is intelligent, self-determined, and a seasoned veteran. A woman who doesn’t need a big stage to wield power. While others are in the spotlight, she prefers to stay in the background and, from there, ensures that everything goes according to her plan.
Top notes: cream
Middle notes: orange blossom
Base notes: sandalwood, geranium, vanilla, cedarwood
Sweet and creamy orange blossoms open *The Manoeuvres of the Baroness* in a deliciously seductive way. Delicately spicy, elegant, and imbued with a subtle freshness, the fragrance is surprisingly not sweet. Instead of opulent floral sweetness, the opening reveals a gentle sharpness that gives the composition definition and makes the orange blossom shine beautifully. I don’t really notice the eponymous Crème Chantilly until later in the fragrance. Gradually, the orange blossoms become creamier, softer, and smoother, while the initial freshness increasingly blends with warm, gentle nuances. Sandalwood and cedar contribute bright, almost clean, yet balsamic-soft woody accents that blend with the fruity, creamy blossoms to create a beautiful blend.
“The Manoeuvres of the Baroness” is a rather subtle floral fragrance that possesses a distinct presence and expressiveness, yet always remains distinguished and stylish. Enveloping and warming, it settles on the skin like a gentle veil without ever feeling heavy or oppressive. On the contrary: the composition remains surprisingly light and airy, beautifully demonstrating that creamy floral fragrances can also be transparent and delicately nuanced without sacrificing longevity or radiance. An elegant, wonderfully balanced fragrance that, for me, is less of an everyday companion and more of a composition for special moments.
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