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TinaG
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Hi APJ!
In an effort to combat Sydney’s summer heat and humidity, I’ve been seeking out fragrances that I find refreshing. These have ranged through modern and retro aquatics, juicy citrus, and magnolia.
Un Jardin Après la Mousson by Hermès 2008
Un Jardin Après la Mousson by Jean-Claude Ellena
A new fragrance in my wardrobe is Un Jardin après la Mousson by Hermès. I can’t say what exactly made me race off to buy a full bottle of this, but one sniff in David Jones was enough to make me swoon – and so it’s now mine. The official blurb on this fragrance locates it somewhere unspecific in India, taking us to a garden which was in drought but has now been refreshed by monsoon rains. I’ve never been to India but I’ve experienced heavy tropical rains in Papua New Guinea, and the solid downpours can be quite punishing – here’s hoping that the imaginary garden of this fragrance survived the onslaught.
Un Jardin après la Mousson opens with a burst of warm spices and watery notes. Ginger, cardamom and black pepper waft up into the air. There’s a distinctive green melon note which develops at 5 minutes giving the watery effect but in a fruity and very mildly fetid way rather than anything specifically river/ocean/storm related. I really enjoy this combination, I have been finding that it cuts through the summer heat and provides a refreshing aura that even manages to get me through morning public transport in train carriages with no airconditioning. Urg. Speaking of punishing….
And, as far as fragrance development goes, it is fundamentally linear. At 3 hours, the pepper and melon have softened appreciably, and there is a light white floral accord that I find very subtle and pretty. Reapplying at 4 hours for me brings out the sweet aspects of cardamom and a touch of coriander seed in the background. I’m not sure I find much ‘vetiver’ in there. Longevity is good – there’s still tangible scent on my skin at +8 hours even without a respritz.
The joy in this fragrance for me is very much in the wearing. In the summer heat, it becomes more beautiful and “lived-in” with an added touch of salty skin and dry summer dust. I think this fragrance is wonderful on its own but it is enhanced though use, it’s meant to be worn and be part of a day rather than placed up on a pedestal and admired.
Further reading: Now Smell This and Olfactoria’s Travels
Hermès stores and department stores carry the Jardin range
What fragrances do wear to cut through, or compliment, the summer heat?
Till next time,
Tina G
Australian Perfume Junkies 
I love apres la mousson!! I also think un jardin sur le nil is wonderful in the heat. The new Hermes rhubarb and neroli are nice also. My favorite scent for hot weather is the discontinued Eau de Dior energizing. lemon verbena, soft floral. The Jo Malones are often nice for hot weather, grapefruit & assam especially.
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Hi Ceil, interesting that the Hermès garden series do get a few mentions as good warm weather scents. I feel like I’m late to the party, but I’m glad I’ve discovered this one! I’ll have to try the rubarb again, and neroli. I’m not sure I’ve heard of Eau de Dior – sounds lovely.
Tina G xx
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Hey Tina,
I love the whole Jardin series. As you know Monsieur Li is getting a LOT of wear around here lately.
Portia xx
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Hey Portia,
Yes I know Monsieur Li is getting a good run through at your place! Nice to have an easy & fresheshing go-to. 🙂 yay for summer.
Tina G xx
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Good to hear this is helping you get through a tortuous commute, Tina. Grim!
Hermes are great for summer colognes aren’t they? I love Eau de Mandarine Ambree. I’m hoping it’s going to be hot enough this summer for me to get wear out the two perfumes I got at the PLL swap meet – Eau de Rochas and O de Lancome. I think they’ll both be cooling but sophisticated.
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Hey Tara!
Nice scores at the swap meet! If this summer’s anything like your last you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Fingers crossed.
I’m not sure I’ve tried Eau de Mandarine Ambree, but I love Mandarine and I recall being intrigued by an article of yours some time back. I think a visit to the Hermès store is on the cards!
Tina G xx
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I adore this one too, it’s a bit vintage Diorella-ish. It always takes me back to the Whitsundays, another place where the fetid mixes with the whiff of tropical flowers. To me it also has that feeling of going into an aircon supermarket and being in the produce aisle, smelling the melons.
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Hi Marion, great imagery, the Whitsundays does really suit this one. The melon note isn’t ‘officially’ listed as one of the notes but it’s quite prominent. How I wish I could be in aircon right now..,, hehe
Tina G xx
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Ahh yes, the torturous heat. I’ve finished a bottle of D&G light blue, also wearing Atelier Cedrat envirant, Atelier Vetiver Fatal, Byredo bal d’afrique .. basically lemons and vetivers.
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Hi Latai,
Lemons and vetivers – perfect for this time of year! Unfortunately Cedrat Envirat didn’t work for me, I had a 30ml bottle I swapped with someone, so it went to a loving home. Gosh Bal d’Afrique is fab! One day…. it will be mine. 🙂
Tina G xx
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I live in the south of Andalucia, Spain, so use a lot of hot weather perfumes. My favourites are the usual ones: Un Jardin sur le Nil,…Après la Mousson, Atelier Cedrat énivrant and Grand Néroli,Tam Dao, Fleur de Liane by L’Artisan, Ninfeo Mio: and I have another Hermès, Rhubarbe Écarlate unopened, waiting for the spring.
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Hi Mary,
I found myself nodding at each fragrance on your list. All fab choices. I really must try that Hermès Rubarbe Ecarlate, rubarb is such a an interesting & refreshing note. What a nice treat waiting for you for spring!
Tina G xx
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