Opal: The Latest Launch by the British Luxury House Boadicea The Victorious

Written by Angel Hoque

Opal is a captivating blend where vintage florals meet a modern haze of herbal fire, infused with cinnamon, saffron, and black pepper, then softly dusted with orris.

Photo: Angel Hoque

This fragrance is everything a vintage floral lover craves, offering layers of depth that lead into the unknown, enveloped in mystery, allure, and beauty. Its iridescent and irresistible opening is grounded by moody rose and violet, reminiscent of lipstick dreams, further enriched by bay and dark, rich coffee. The lipstick note adds a feminine touch, while the rose feels both powdery and jammy. These elements are beautifully contrasted by the luminous, green herbal notes, which perfectly balance the honeyed sweetness and aromatic spiciness.

Cinnamon, black pepper, and saffron blend seamlessly, maintaining a balanced trifecta of peppery, creamy, and spicy notes that highlight the orris, enhancing its operatic, powdery elegance. Eventually, everything softens into a rich base of cedar and cashmeran, layered with oakmoss, tonka, and leather.

Photo: Angel Hoque

The feeling it gives and the canvas it renders makes you feel radiant, magnum opus, seamless and divine. A launch I am totally in love with for the scent profile and the way it makes me feel but it has some caveats:

*It projects well for an hour but becomes weaker as the hours go by;

*Longevity could have been way better but sadly It did not perform on my skin the way I wanted it to perform;

*This is a classic-style fragrance that may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who aren’t fond of vintage floral scents like Chanel No. 5, Coco Noir, Amarige, Opium, White Linen, or Jovan White Musk. While the scent itself isn’t directly comparable, it shares a similar timeless vibe. That said, it radiates exclusivity and justifies its premium price, likely attracting only a select group of connoisseurs.

Photo: Angel Hoque

The primary reason this fragrance might be off-putting to most is its steep price tag. While I absolutely adore the scent and am incredibly grateful for the thoughtful gift from the team, as a consumer, I wouldn't pay the asking price. This isn’t a personal criticism of the brand, but rather a standard approach I take with every fragrance. If the price exceeds a certain threshold, my evaluation remains consistent, and that threshold is well below what the brand is asking for.

However, if you're a dedicated Boadicea the Victorious fan and price is no concern for you, plus the scent profile aligns perfectly with your personal taste, there's a strong chance you won't be able to overlook Opal. While I may not be an expert on this brand, from the ones I’ve tried, Opal is by far the standout, followed closely by Milady and Valiant.