Antonia's Flowers by Bernard Chant + Norbert Bijaoui

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

.

Post by Azar

.

Hello APJ,

The sun is finally shining here in the Pacific North West (PNW) – at least for a few more days. March 2014 has been the wettest on record in Western Washington, USA. The rain totaled 9.44 inches, at least three times the normal rainfall for the month of March. With all that precipitation and a little sunshine the flowers are now popping open everywhere. At long last spring is really here and what better way to enhance this natural seasonal bouquet than with a scent from Antonia’s Flowers!

Antonia’s Flowers by Bernard Chant + Norbert Bijaoui

Antonia Bellanca began her circuitous route to perfumery as a visual artist, studying in Boston and later in France. Exposure to Flemish floral art turned her innate love of flowers into a new career. Upon returning to the US she began working as a florist in New York City. In the early 1980s Ms. Bellanca opened her own shop, Antonia’s Flowers in East Hampton, NY. Spending so much of everyday with beautiful natural scents inspired Antonia Bellanca to create her own perfume. She worked with perfumer Bernard Chant (the creator of Aramis, Aramis Devin and Estee Lauder Aromatics Elixir among others) to recreate the scent of freesia, one of her favorite flowers. Her first fragrance debuted in 1985 and was named after her florist shop. Antonia’s Flowers EDT was a great success and for many years a best seller at Barney’s in NYC where you can find her latest fragrance Rokka.

Antonia`s Flowers FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

The popularity of the original Antonia’s Flowers fragrance led to the creation of an EDP and also an Absolute version. In 1990 Ms. Bellanca closed the florist shop to devote her time to the perfumery. In 1995 Antonia’s Flowers introduced Floret EDT, a fragrance with top notes of the illusive sweet pea. Floret eventually appeared as an EDP. (I prefer the lighter quality of the original version.)

Tiempe Passate Antonia`s Flowers FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

In the late 90s Antonia Bellanca moved Antonia’s Flowers to the small seaside town of Osterville, MA. The next perfume to appear in the line, Tiempe Passate, was created in 1999 in collaboration with Norbert Bijaoui, the perfumer who developed Esteban Classic Chypre, Givenchy Organza Indecent and TL Pour Lui. Tiempe Passate was named after a love song written by Antonia’s grandfather, the title translating simply as “time passes” in Sicilian. On my skin Tiempe Passate is a light, clean and soapy classic with elements of mandarin and cedar wood.

Sogni del Mare Antonia`s Flowers FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

My favorite Antonia’s Flowers fragrance is Sogni del Mare (Dreams – or thoughts – of the Sea) launched in 2007. The AF website describes the fragrance as “a watery, fruity floral with notes of Italian bergamot, cassis buds, wild rhubarb, orange and lotus”. My first breath of Sogni del Mare is of salt, rhubarb and lotus, watery but not really oceanic. On my skin this fragrance is kin to OdlR’s Oriental Lace but without the overt gourmand notes of almond and honey. For me Sogni del Mare is an understated, salty floral with a hint of slightly tart rhubarb pie. This fragrance is intimate and ephemeral, lasting only an hour or two on my skin, the perfect scent for crowded places, spring mornings or hot summer days at the beach.

Rokka Antonia`s Flowers FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

The latest addition to the line is Rokka, a men’s cologne launched in 2013. This new fragrance was included in a sample pack I ordered in March from Antonia’s Flowers. Rokka opens with top notes of violet and citrus, develops a heart of cedar, moss, nutmeg and tonka bean and finishes with amber and patchouli. I find Rokka considerably lighter and greener than the listed notes imply. It reminds me a little of the Italian shaving products by Proraso but definitely unisex and very fresh. The name Rokka puzzles me. Perhaps it is a reference to the Rokka noYuusha series of novels about the Heroes (or Warriors) of the Six Flowers by Ishio Yamagata.

Antonia’s Flowers site has the complete range and very reasonable sample sets.

giveaway hemodernhomePhoto Stolen hemodernhome

Antonia’s Flowers GIVEAWAY

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week we will have ONE Winner who will get:
One complete sample set of Antonia’s Flowers fragrances including 1 ml of each of the following:
Antonia’s Flowers EDT
Antonia’s Flowers EDP
Floret EDT
Floret EDP
Tiempe Passate EDP
Sogni del Mare EDT
Rokka cologne
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

You must tell me how you follow APJ

and

To be eligible for the draw please comment on any Antonia’s Flowers fragrance OR let us know what scent you will be wearing to the beach this summer!

Extra Chance?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie Antonia’s Flowers Sample Set GIVEAWAY http://wp.me/p3PURw-2F0 #Perfume #Giveaway

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Thursday 10th April 2014 10pm Australian EST and winners will be announced in a separate post.
Winners will be chosen by random.org or any other madcap but fair way Azar can choose
The winners will have till Monday 14th April 2014 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Azar xx

73 thoughts on “Antonia's Flowers by Bernard Chant + Norbert Bijaoui”

  1. Oh, I would love to be entered – thank you!

    I follow APJ via email and WordPress.

    I wear PdN Eau Soleil to the beach. But it’s still very early spring here. Hoping for the last of the snow to melt this week!

    Like

    • Hi annina!
      Thank you for joining the draw! I’m sorry to hear that you still have snow on the ground but at least its melting, fast I hope. Eau Soliel is a great choice for the beach, green, not too sweet citrus with artemisia.
      Azar xx

      Like

    • Hello Willa,
      Nuxe is a great idea for the beach. I never thought of that. Great for skin too. I also like Lierac oil but that lovely scent doesn’t last long on my skin. Thanks for the tip! You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  3. I follow you via email.
    What a nice coincidence. I have just discovered Tiempe Passate at SpaceNk and loved it immediately. Thank you for the draw.

    Like

    • Sabine! Yes, definitely a coincidence (or maybe the universal perfume mind at work)…? The little story behind Tiempe Passate is so charming too. Thank you for joining the draw.
      Azar xx

      Like

  4. Every summer I try to find a sunscreen whose smell does not make me try to run away from myself…not easy!
    I have no beach perfumes though.
    I follow by email.

    Like

    • Hi Jackie b,
      Let me know if you find a sunscreen that smells good! Most of them smell horrid and make my skin break out too! Sometimes I use Penaten. It works but…
      Azar xx

      Like

    • Hello peppy,
      I am dreaming of a sunny (but not too hot) summer! The beaches here in the PNW are usually cold and windy all year long so we will have to go somewhere else to find a warm beach with a soft breeze. Thank you for joining the draw. You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

    • Thank you for this suggestion, Bianca! Nina Ricci L’Elixir…such a beautiful bottle filled with berries. You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  8. I dearly need to try this line I`ve read about all my life! Will probably need full bottles of each scent too- need to save funds starting w/ this post~ lol!! We follow on FB, e-mail, and blog 🙂

    Like

    • Hi there Hotlanta! You are so IN! Best wishes for a happy and warm spring. After this winter you guys really need it!
      Azar xx

      Like

      • We just managed to get rain w/out ice or ugly winds – PTL!!! I`m too pale to go in the sun, so I wear garden/green scents as well as citrus when it`s hot…Camille and Hadrien/Hadrien Nights for example!

        Like

  9. Woo Hoo! Hey Azar. What an excellent giveaway and post. DNEM but I did want to say hello. I have a sample set of these somewhere too.
    Portia xx

    Like

    • Howdy Portia!
      My problem with samples is that I can never maintain my big plans to organize them. I start out with good intentions and then I suppose I just get lazy The result is that I often know that I have something (somewhere) but never really know where it is. If I find a sample I’m looking for it is purely by accident. The other day I found a little bit of Onda in with the sewing machine attachments. The good news it that I DO remember how it got there and why!
      Azar xx

      Like

  10. Hay, APJs!
    Great giveway again! Thanks!
    Well, last year I wanted to order a sample set of Antonia’s flowers (a friend was travelling back from the US and wanted to bring me something special), but it all went dull. Their system didn’t work well for me – maybe some transcontinental internet issues, but I was left without the sample set. And I regret it, though it included Floret, Antonia’s flowers and Tiempe Passate, no Rokka and Sogni del Mare. Pitty…
    I mostly wanted to try Rokka for the violets and Tiempe Passate for the salty montauk rose, but I didn’t get the chance. Hope I’ll get it now thanks to you!
    My choice for the beach is always something breezy and short-lasting, preferably alcohol-free. So far, I used all the Bvlgari teas, Thierry Mugler Cologne and a few Aqua Allegorias.
    I follow by email and on FB.

    Like

    • Hello Lyubov,
      Sometimes it seems so difficult just to enjoy and share our innocent love of fragrance! BTW I like your idea of alcohol free for the beach! Plenty of great scented oils and CPOs out there. You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  11. Hi Azar! I follow via email. I would love to be entered in the draw. I haven’t tried any of this line, but I think I would like her original Antonio’s Flowers as I love the smell of freesia. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Like

    • Hello Kandice,
      The freesias are quite pronounced in both the EDT and EDP versions of the original Antonia’s Flowers, but not as a top note for me. On my skin this fragrance “dries into” freesias. Thank you for joining the draw! You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  12. I follow APJ happily via e-mail, and also on Facebook. I need to explore this line – it sounds lovely! If I am lucky enough to make it to the beach this summer, I’ll likely wear what I always wear in the summer – some form of eau de cologne, perhaps Guerlain’s AA Laurier Reglisse, which I’m wearing today, or Chanel’s Cologne. Something light and refreshing, anyway.

    Like

    • Hi maggiecat,
      Thank you for following and entering the draw! Yes, light and refreshing is best for the beach for me too, at least for a warm beach. In WA state I would probably enjoy my winter fragrances at the ocean beaches, even in mid summer. The water is cold, the wind is cold. Its just plain cold most of the time . There a a few long sandy beaches but most are rocky and pebbly with lots of tide pools and starfish, huge drift logs, strong currents and rip tides.
      Azar xx

      Like

  13. I just took out my bottle of Calypso Bellini, sniffed it, and put some on. It’s still chilly where I am, but I think I would like this as a beach scent this summer.

    Like

    • Hi Mary K,
      I hope Bellini took some of the chill out of your day! I don’t know Bellini but I generally like Calypso St. Barth and from the descriptions I’ve read this one looks great for summer. You are IN! Thanks for joining the draw.
      Azar xx

      Like

  15. DNEM

    I like Antonia’s Flowers line. I own Tiempe Passate bottle and purse sprays for Antonia’s Flowers and Floret. Sogni del Mar was on my “to buy” list for a while but it smells completely different sprayed in the store vs. from AF’s samples (I tried 2 different, years apart) so I’m confused.

    Like

    • Hi Undina,
      I agree that Sogni del Mare smells different sprayed than when it is dabbed on from a sample vial. Also I noticed that on my skin it is very short lived but on clothing lasts at least twice as long with more of the salty rhubarb note. I think my skin just eats it. I like it anyway, sprayed or dabbed.
      I have noticed, though, that some of the Indie lines I order from have occasional QC issues. Last year I placed an order from another house and received something that was labeled as what I ordered but really was quite different. The problem was quickly resolved to my satisfaction. BTW Is your Floret the EDT or the EDP?
      Azar xx

      Like

      • The purse spray is in EdT but I also have the sample of EdP.
        I came across problems with some samples being mislabeled but with Sogne del Mar I tried 2 different samples and 2 different bottles at the store! Oh well… 🙂

        Like

  17. I’m glad I “had” to follow this blog in order to be in the giveaway as I often forget to visit! I lurk & never comment,too. I’ve never tried any Antonia’s Flowers but I’d like to! What will I wear to the beach? Hmm. There’s no real beach where I live, just stoney coastline. I will probably be wearing a Hermessence or Oriza L. Legrand, or Chanel Les Exclusifs Eau de Cologne. I won’t decide now! Thanks for the chance & draw, oh, and I’m now following you via email. Cheers!

    Like

    • Cheers, julesinrose! Thanks for following and for entering the draw. You choices sound lovely for a real beach or for the familiar stony coastlines!
      Azar xx

      Like

  18. If you happened to catch me at a beach (your chances are pretty slim) I would most likely have a few spritzes of something really light or fruity on to combat the scent of the SPF 3 billion and the layers of UV filtering sprays and goo on my easily faded red hair. I would probably go with the alcohol free baby perfume from Mustela (Musti? too lazy to go look) or maybe a spray of the melon scent from Ineke, I think it is Angel’s Trumpet. O de Lancôme is another good one for hot weather that would work at the beach and goes well with sunscreen.
    I follow via Bloglovin. Thank you!

    Like

    • HI Liz K. You found some lovely scents to go with the SPF 3 billion!! HA! Most sunscreen make me break out so, as I mentioned to Jackie b, its Penaten for me – and a sunhat. Thank you for joining the draw!
      Azar xx

      Like

  19. Hi Azar! I’ve been mad to try Antonia’s Flowers samples but they don’t post to Australia. Wah! Summer’s over here now but we’re still having the odd hot day and the Juliette Has a Gun Anyway decant I won on APJ fits the bill – airy, summery with a laundry-fresh drydown. I follow by email. 🙂

    Like

    • Hey Jaybee,
      Anyway is a great summer suggestion! I just spritzed a little of this light, airy stuff too. It works for me. BTW, you are so IN this draw!
      Azar xx

      Like

    • Hi Trish,
      Thanks for joining the draw! Most AF fragrances don’t last long on my skin. How many hours do you get from Tiempe Passate?
      Azar xx

      Like

  21. I follow by email. The sound of a salty floral sounds amazing and perfect for the summer 🙂 I have not yet decided what I’ll be wearing on my imaginary trip to the beach, but perhaps Eau des Merveille? or Sel de Vetiver? Thank you for the giveaway!

    Like

    • Hi Nemo,
      My daydream summer is relaxing in a tropical garden, near but not on the beach. I know just the spot. I don’t know either of your picks, though, so will have to give them a try. BTW you are so IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  22. Pingback: Milan: Esxence 2014 The Scent of Excellence + Campomarzio70: Photo Essay « AustralianPerfumeJunkies

  23. Hi there, never tried Antonia’s Flowers, they sound interesting.
    I don’t wear fragrance to the beach!! The natural scents are enough for me.
    I follow by email and tweeted.
    ty

    Like

    • Hi Elia,
      Sometimes it nice just to stop and smell what’s going on around us. Thanks for the reminder! You are in TWICE!
      Azar xx

      Like

  24. What a generous giveaway! I follow via BlogLovin and love wearing @LArtisan Premier Figuier Extreme in summer / for beach! Thanks!

    Like

    • Hello Nitasha,
      Coconut isn’t usually my thing but it works for me in Premier Figuier Extreme. Lovely choice for summer. Thank you for joining the draw and for you comment too, Nitasha!
      Azar xx

      Like

  25. Hi Mom –

    All of those fragrances sound really nice. I think I’ll order the sample pack. Funny I looked up Sogni del Mare and on Fragrantica and under the “people who like this also like” section it had Lauren by Ralph Lauren as the first one. Do you think they are similar or is that just a coincidence? Maybe the newer version is similar?

    -Lauren

    Like

    • Hi Lauren,
      I saw that too but I don’t think Sogni del Mare is similar to Lauren (at least from what I remember about Lauren), but you have to be the judge of that! I hope the snow has all melted away at your house so that you can get busy in your garden! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Mommy Azar xx and X

      Like

  26. I haven’t tried anything from this line but they sound amazing! This summer I wore Fresh pink jasmine to the beach!

    I follow by email.

    Like

    • Hello Bec,
      I haven’t tried any of the Fresh fragrances but they all sound great for summer! Thanks for the tip! You are IN the draw!
      Azar xx

      Like

  27. I think my choice for beach fragrance this year will be Annick Goutal’s Gardenia Passion. I just can’t get enough white flowers and this one is light enough for the summer heat.

    I haven’t tried any fragrances from Antonia’s Flowers. I’m looking forward to trying them.

    Thanks for the draw. I follow by email.

    Like

    • Thanks for joining the draw, puhume! Gardenia Passion is a favorite of mine too. For an even lighter AG have you tired their Neroli fragrance?
      Azar xx

      Like

      • Unfortunately no. It has been on my try list for a while. But the tester for Neroli always seems to be hard to find.
        What would you say it compares to? I’ve tried Atelier Cologne’s Grand Neroli and I thought it was nice but it did not warrant a FB purchase for me.

        Like

  28. Floret sounds so nice. I love lily of the valley fragrances, and the note of sweet pea sounds nice. I’m very excited for Spring, and so over the cold weather here. I’m not sure what I will be wearing to the beach, but I have been craving vanilla, and coconut. Any suggestions?

    Thank you and I follow via email.

    Like

    • Hi Lean S,
      Coconut fragrances aren’t usually my thing but Nitasha suggested L’Artisan Premier Figuier Extreme. That’s a nice use of coconut! I also like the Monoi Tiare Tahiti oils. They are coconut oil based scents. From what I understand they are created by a sort of enfleurage process and come in various flower types including Vanilla. I’ve used all of the varieties for over 30 years and especially like the original Tiare, the Pitate (Pikake – Jasmine) and the Tipanie (Plumeria). BTW – you are IN TWICE!
      Azar xx

      Like

  30. Pingback: Pussy Water + Kittens Photo Essay « AustralianPerfumeJunkies

  31. I’m not familiar with any of Antonia’s Flowers’ offerings, but I will more likely wear Heeley’s Figuier to the beach this summer. Fig plays well with sunblock. 🙂

    I follow by email.

    Like

    • Thanks for that great info, JMR! Liz K and Jackie b both brought up the sunblock issue.
      Its good to know that fig can work with sunblock. You are so IN the draw!

      Like

  32. Hi Azar, I follow by email and RSS. I don’t specifically choose fragrance for the beach, it’s just what I happen to have put on that morning. Sogni di Mare does sound great.

    Like

    • Hello greennote2! Thank you for joining the draw!
      When I lived by the sea I followed your plan but these days I have to travel to a beach and so must pack a fragrance. (A moment ago I sprayed a little Sogni del Mare and could have sworn I smelled celery seed!)
      Azar xx

      Like

  33. Hi, Azar, I am intrigued by the Montauk rose (I’m guessing Montauk Long Island) in Tiempe Passate. Never have smelled that variety beofre and would love to smell a salty rose.

    I usually wear Demeter Kahala Hawaiian Surf to the beach because it has a very low tide smell.

    Thanks for the draw.

    Like

    • Hi Lauren W,
      Yes I believe that rose refers to Montauk, Long Island. Your choice of beach fragrance makes me realize where I SHOULD be TODAY!!! You are IN!
      Azar xx

      Like

  35. What a fabulous giveaway! I’ve never tried any of Antonias Flowers, but they sound great! The scent that I will be wafting on the beach this summer is Bronze Goddess by Estée Lauder. Have you tried it? It is a beautiful summertime scent! I follow APJ via email . I’ve tweeted the giveaway as well. Thanks so much Azar!

    Like

    • Hello Ferris,
      Bronze Goddess is a great choice for the beach. I’ve only tried a very small sample but liked it a lot and will see if I can get my hands on more for summer. Thank you for joining the draw! You are in TWICE!
      Azar xx

      Like

  36. Hi Azar!
    What a fine post! Gives me a good idea of the whole line. Beach fragrance: I’m thinking Fraaagola Saalaaata by Hilde Soliani. Haven’t tried it yet; sounds fun. (Not entering the contest. Just wanted to say Hi.)
    Jackie

    Like

    • Hi Jackie!
      Thanks for dropping by to say HI! The Fraaagolo Saalaaata does sound like fun. The name and the scent!
      Azar xx

      Like

Comments are closed.