Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Parfums Dusita just released a new Extrait de Parfum: Pelagos. It is inspired by the sea (Pelagos means “sea” in Greek); however, this is very different from usual marine fragrances.

“My new Extrait de Parfum is a dynamic composition that evokes the sense of limitless possibilities. The idea of Pelagos (Greek for 'sea') was born from my deeply cherished memories of the Aegean Sea islands,” says the perfumer and founder of Parfums Dusita, Pissara Umavijani.

All of her fragrances are connected with the poems of her father, Montri Umavijani. These are the lines that inspired the new Pelagos:

"Tell me where my limit lies,

so I may go up to it

and knock just so gently

to show I am human."

Together with the poems, Pissara's own drawings accompany the exceptional fragrances. All these artistic touches distinguish the brand in the niche world and make it so personal. Pelagos is illustrated with wavy seas and mills under the azure sky. It probably is windy by this sea, and breathing in the scent of Pelagos, you can feel the sea breeze – and this accord is actually mentioned in the note list.

When talking about aquatic fragrances, seaweed, salty notes, and ambergris, sometimes giving even an unpleasant “fishy” feeling, come to mind. But there is nothing like that in Pelagos. Pissara takes a unique approach in creating that walk-by-the-sea atmosphere.

In the opening, a fresh bergamot and sea breeze accord are used, and it instantly gives the feeling of being by the sea. Not the one with turquoise waters and a smooth-as-glass surface, but rather chilly and breezy. The wind curls the hair and empties the mind. There’s nothing more, just you and the sea.

As the scent develops, orris butter appears, and it is a very unexpected twist, as you will not often find this note in marine fragrances. However, this floral accord, together with tonka bean, adds color to the scent and makes it vibrant. White thyme is also present, and this soft herbaceous note makes me think of Issara, another great fragrance (and very underrated, in my opinion) by the same brand.

The base of Pelagos is dark and earthy, even a little bitter. Leather and patchouli are softened just a little by sandalwood. Having said that, Pelagos is not a very fresh scent, at least not in the way we usually think of aquatic fragrances. It is potent and also lasts for hours. However, I find it a perfect summer holiday fragrance, and it ended up on my list of recommendations for this season.

[PR bottle, opinion, as always, my own]