Description
The new collection of fragrances Shanghai Tang encompasses 8 editions, 5 of which are for women and 3 for men. The collection was created as a fragrant journey from Europe to China and it was named after the Silk Road, lucrative Chinese silk trade, 4000 miles long. The Silk Road was initiated during the Han dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). The collection was inspired by rich fabrics, décor, lively colors and mystery of Silk Road, which were intertwined in each of the eight editions by perfumer Carlos Benaim. With this collection he managed to revive the fragrances of ancient caravans that used to carry Chinese treasures to the Western world. The collection pays respect to opulence of Chinese culture through several aspects and offers mystic contents of the unique compositions.
The compositions created by Carlos Benaim for Shanghai Tang convey his exciting experience from amazing journeys through China. He used characteristic raw materials for each of the fragrances, reflecting luxury and glamour of ancient Chinese tailoring skills. He created 8 compositions for 8 fragrances of the collection, since number 8 is considered the lucky number in Chinese culture. Eight is the symbol of balance, prosperity, good omen, promise of happiness colored in aura of infinity. In the West, number eight is also a powerful symbol which, if depicted horizontally, denotes infinity.
Flacons and outer carton feature Chinese symbol SHÒU denoting longevity. Longevity is considered one of five blessings, along with wealth, health, love and virtues. These five blessings traditionally represent five most important Chinese life goals.
Women’s fragrances of the collection are: Gold Lily, Spring Jasmine, Rose Silk, Orchid Bloom and Oriental Pearl, while men’s editions are Jade Dragon, L’Orient and Mandarin Tea. Fragrances for women are available as 60ml Eau de Parfum, while the editions for men are obtainable as 100ml Eau de Toilette. The fragrances are packed in wooden, lacquered boxes of high quality. The collection of Shanghai Tang Silk Road was launched end October 2014 in China.
LOX ZZZZ – :
At last the first scent of this house with some longevity. This is a very light oriental & linear scent for both genders. Its projection lives for the first 15-20 minutes, it has soft sillage and 4-4.5 hours of longevity as a skin scent. Overall it’s a pleasant and safe oriental scent.
The philosophy of the scent is japanese, very light and ethereal. I get very faint rose with fruits, citruses, strong nutmeg and an a woody accord that looks like oud, very very light dark woody note. There is also a faint fruity sourness which is present till the end.
I recommend it for summer and spring daytime. This is not a cold weather fragrance. The smell of it is not something completely new for me. The same vibe has the much cheaper arabic UAE scent from Ard Al Zaafaran house which is not at the database. The similarity is 90% with the Zaafaran scent being stronger and more fruity.
I would hapily pay 20-25 usd for a bottle. But this thing retails 249 usd per bottle which is insane! Save your money and buy Mancera, Dior, Montalle, Hermes.. anything at this price point is better than this chinese niche. Anything.