FRAGRANCE | What's angelic about Choeurs des Anges EDP by Atelier des Ors?

Choeur des Anges was my gateway fragrance to Atelier des Ors. When I first saw it shared in a local frag group a couple of years ago, I was instantly mesmerized by those gold leaf particles swirling in its bright, golden juice. While I'm aware they serve no practical purpose, I'm a sucker for presentation, so eventually I got a bottle. 

Apart from the house's trademark use of gold leaf, presentation's pretty good. The lift-top box is solid, complemented by a thinner paper sleeve. The white and gold motif looks pristine and really elegant (Choeur des Anges is part of the White Collection; hence, all that white). The bottle, on the other hand, is sturdy and heavy, as is the cap. Just be careful not to pick it up by the cap because it doesn't lock in place. 

The scent is centered on orange, which is especially piercing upon first spray. It has this intense acidity that really wakes you up. It's not a particularly realistic orange, though, but more like an artificial orange flavor you get in some juice drinks or vitamins maybe. It had me worried there for a second until some fruity sweetness joins in shortly, slowly tempering the orange's acerbic properties. 

Before long, a dry muskiness (a la Marlou Poudrextase) rises, starting off as a tiny speck at the base before gradually gaining ground and eventually permeating the scent. Musks are normally warm and a bit heavy but this one has this sort of dusty vibe around the edges that keeps it still light and airy. The fruity aspects from the opening are now gone but there's a different kind of sweetness joining the chorus in their stead. As for the artificial orange flavor, it may have started singing solo but it's now thankfully neutralized by other voices in this so-called choir. It wasn't a good soloist to begin with, what with its shrill singing, and is much better off as part of an ensemble. 

I don't get why the name Choeur des Anges because I would never associate an artificial orange flavor with an angelic choir. For me it's not the best start for a fragrance but I'm fine with how it develops. Projection isn't a thunderous chorale by any means but longevity is at least good. The scent profile is easily unisex and to me is best suited for warmer days and for casual use. Not a love for me, just a like.