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.
DMITRI 26 – :
This appears to be one of those perfumes that evokes strong reactions: you either love it or hate it. The patchouli seems to wallop all the other notes and has a dry down that reminds me of moth balls or some weird stuff in the bottom of my Dad’s WWII dopp kit.
It’s an interesting scent journey, but I am not a fan.
Andrey1985 – :
I received this today…blind buy.
Wow….I love it !! At first sniff, you may feel it has a little “medicinal” vibe to it. I smell it, yes. It has the same type of medicinal vibe as Yves Rocher Vanille Noir….(which is in my Top scents list). As Oriental Pearl developes, I am getting a whiff of vanilla, although,that note is not listed, must be a combo within the other notes…???….
I find this scent very different…and I really love it.
As for the other reviews, I do not find this STRONG, per se, but maybe thats the labdanum/patchouli acting out.
I WISH….this was available in a larger SPRAY bottle,all I see on line are the .31 oz minis. DARN !!
I will probably buy at least one more of this mini, just in case !!! My next buy …will be the Gold Lily one.
I rate this 8/10.
sillage: imo, medium
longevity: still deciding.
WeegeNatogava – :
Deliriously full, beautiful, incense rich, and patchouli dense. Do not expect to enjoy Oriental Pearl unless you are fond of strong, labdanum centered bombs with overtones of patchouli.
I sampled this beauty from a dab on bottle, and one miniature dab lasted for many hours with a powerful presence. I can only imagine what a spray might have done!
Really NOT for the faint of heart, but it is the most unique and bold fragrance of the collection. Well Done, Shanghai Tang.
For reference, I also adore Calligraphy Rose and Fancy Nights, orientals with something significant in common with Oriental Pearl. They contain more of a floral note, whereas this gem has it’s own special flair and is essentially somewhat DRY and spicier than either. It may be the nicest surprise an oriental lover will have all year!
Five Stars 😀
eon694intitytek – :
This is the only one of this collection that I’m not at all fond of. Smells like a bathroom. May eventually try wearing it to fullest but I really dont like initial whiff 🙁
JASTREBKILL – :
Would love to smell this one! The bottles are amazing. Hope this collection reaches Australia.