Frangipani

Frangipani is testament to Linda Pilkington’s exquisite taste, because instead of the cream-sodden tropicalia you might be expecting based on the name, Frangipani filters the brightly gaudy flower through a very European sensibility. In other words, no sun umbrellas or leis here. The scent itself opens with a bright squeeze of lime, before quickly sliding into a very true-to-life linden blossom, whose aroma of honey, creamed rice, and green powder forms a logical bridge to the central character of the show - the frangipani.

The frangipani note here is so wonderful that it’s been allowed to shine unfettered by too many other notes. The flower itself has a gently milky, nutty tiaré-like scent that later tips over into the full-fat, salted butter of tuberose. But in its first blush, the frangipani displays a rosy peach facet that moistens the heart and gives it a gentle fruitiness. When the frangipani melts into the magnolia, plum, and orchid notes, it forms a blurred, chocolatey floralcy that feels as soft and inviting as the fuzz on a baby’s cheek. A resinous, woody base keep the creaminess of the florals in check, ensuring that while Frangipani retains its balmy and exotic character, it never crosses the line into loudness. A beautiful scent for those who want to dip a tentative toe into tropical waters.