sotd Happyland Diabolique
I don't think this one has been talked about much yet, so I'll share my first impressions. I was off work today, so I wanted to give Diabolique a good first wear. I gave it 4 solid (decant size) sprays on each arm, just below the elbow, and tracked it as I hung around the house. I'm not sure where the name originates, because there's nothing diabolical or devilish about this fragrance š! It opens fruity, floral and woody. In 30 min the dominant fruit note has already receded into the blend, and is joined by black pepper, sandalwood, some background florals, warm spice and a little bit of rum. The smell is beautiful, and relatively mild, with a 1.5 foot scent bubble. Some caramel sweetness gradually appears, and it seems to be morphing towards the darker end of the spectrum, but the scent profile keeps moving. At 90 min it is a little more airy and a touch brighter from the fruit. At 2.5 hrs, sillage has become steadily mild and the scent has settled into a medium tone, fruity, woody, with some light spice and a hint of almond. After 4 hours it is very close to the skin, which will modulate with temperature, activity level, etc. Diabolique is a very nice, casual, relaxation, date night, semi-gourmand type of fragrance. Not dark or heavy, it may do well in spring type of weather, or anytime inside. The website blurb indicates it was designed with Autumn in mind. I'll enjoy future wears, and it doesn't mimic anything else I've seen.