Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Papilio is the latest release from the house of Puredistance, captivating the hearts of many fragrance aficionados, and rightfully so. The soft and innocent flower accords are masterfully blended with leathery notes, creating a remarkable duality that sets it apart.

Perfumer / Nathalie Feisthauer

Year / 2023

Price / €295/60 ml, €490/100 ml (03/2024)

Top notes / Bergamot Oil

Heart notes / Magnolia Oil • Neroli oil • Carrot oil • Orris • Lily of the valley • Hedione HC • Heliotrope

Base notes / Cedarwood • Vetyver oil • Amyris oil • Intense woods Ambroxan • Opoponax resinoid • Benzoin resinoid • Vanilla • Touch of Peach • Leather • Ambrette • Cashmere • Muscenone

Known for collaborating with master perfumers such as Antoine Lie and Cecile Zarokian, this time Puredistance entrusted the newest creation to the skilled hands of Nathalie Feisthauer. According to the house, they provide each perfumer with a blank canvas to craft something exceptional. On this occasion, Nathalie Feisthauer "drew" a butterfly (Papilio means Butterfly in Latin) on her blank canvas, and the result is as beautiful and multifaceted as can be.

The fragrance encourages you to embrace your true nature, delivering a message that is inherently relaxing. It invites you to accept yourself as a butterfly, with all kinds of perfections and imperfections. Which is sometimes difficult to do in the era of the glamour on social media.

This perfume is a harmonious composition of flowers such as magnolia, lily of the valley, and hedione. Additionally, notes of orris, neroli, and heliotrope contribute to the olfactory experience. Hedione adds a jasmine facet, enhancing the vibrancy and smoothness of the fragrance, while heliotrope introduces a slightly almondy, hazy quality, reminiscent of a perfect bouquet.

However, this is far from being a mundane floral scent. The leathery accord emerges early in the scent's development, lending intrigue to Papilio. The bright, vivid, colorful, and joyful scent reveals a darker side, creating a beautiful and luxurious duality.

As the fragrance unfolds on the skin, resinous benzoin and vanilla emerge, providing a warm and inviting experience. Ambroxan, with its dreamy and alluring mist, further enhances the overall composition.

This scented journey transports me to a beautiful and somewhat mystical garden. Clad in a fluttering summer dress, I feel distanced from everyday life—relaxed and entirely myself, free from any troubling thoughts. The perfume has a charming effect.

In my opinion, Papilio is truly exquisite. While it stands as a unique creation, it still encapsulates the Puredistance DNA—luxurious sensations, masterful blending, and a touch of vintage allure. Astonishing.