FRAGRANCE | Velvet Love EDP by Dolce & Gabbana: A charmingly simple, spicy floral

halfwhiteboy - Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Love EDP 01

I'm a fan of how the fragrances from Dolce & Gabbana's Velvet Collection are presented. With its velvet theme literally reflected in both bottle and box, I can't help but admire its clever design and sheer elegance. Velvet Love, of course, isn't any different. The solid box feels like something reserved for jewelry. At least D&G puts the premium in its premium fragrance line, which is something I always appreciate.

halfwhiteboy - Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Love EDP 02
halfwhiteboy - Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Love EDP 03

This is essentially a sweet, spicy floral. The sweetness starts thin, like nectar. But as it interacts with the other notes, it develops a sort of dark, smoky, licorice-like aroma. In that regard, Cuir Cuba Intense by Parfums de Nicolaï comes to mind. After a few minutes, however, the sweetness reverts to its lighter self. The florals, on the other hand, are showing themselves more, with carnation being the most dominant. I honestly don't know how carnation should smell like in perfumery but when I looked it up, its scent profile is consistent with what I get, which is a heady, clove-like spiciness similar to that in Xerjoff's Casamorati 1888.

There's also a hazy ylang-ylang, not as pronounced as in Amouage Opus I but dutifully playing a supporting role in the whole scent. The spices, on other hand, give the florals a bit of a bite so they never get sickening. It's practically a linear scent but nonetheless pleasant. 

Velvet Love maintains a light and clean feel all throughout, so it suits warm weather just fine. It predictably leans feminine because of the florals but guys can easily wear it just the same. Projection is decent and the scent can net you a good couple of hours. Much like Armani Privé's Pierre de Lune, it's simple and straightforward. I know it can be a letdown for some but still, it has its charm.

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