WHAT I SMELL: Misia opens with a powdery light and airy violet that quickly is accentuated by a lovely rounded almost plastic candy coated rose. Candied doesn’t mean that the perfume is overly sweet. In fact, it’s like a dusting of light powder that has been sifted onto the semi-sweet flowers. The fragrance has a sense of fragility about it, but there’s an underlying iris rootiness wrapped in the most subtle of leather that helps Misia to keep itself grounded in confidence. After 10 minutes, the fragrance begins to grow and the leather comes forward but in a way that ensures that it never takes the spotlight away from the pretty powdered florals. After 25 minutes, a slightly sour tonka comes in giving the perfume a greater amount of dimension. There’s a definite vintage makeup and lipstick quality to Misia, but at the same time, Misia has a dynamic that propels it into the present day. In the end, Misia becomes a pretty powder puff of violet and iris…but not overly pretty, you can’t accuse Misia of being too girly-girl.
From the Chanel website:
Named for the art patron Misia Sert, Gabrielle Chanels confidante. Evoking the air of a theater backstage, this exquisite scent features a feminine blend of May Rose and Violet, intertwined with a hint of leather. A truly inspired and distinctive creation.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Backstage dressing rooms at the Ziegfeld Follies, full of powder, makeup and unbridled femininity.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE MISIA: daring, unique, confident
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MISIA: CaFleureBon, Bois de Jasmin
BOTTOM LINE: Misia is a temptress that keeps calling back to me with her siren song. I really like her, but am not sure if I love her, but there’s something so unique and special about her that I can’t stop thinking about her. Misia betwixts me!
- Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Oriental Floral
- Nose: Olivier Polge
- Classification: Feminine
- Expense: $160 for 2.5 oz. Eau de Toilette
The Scented Hound has two 2 ml samples of Misia to give away to two lucky readers (U.S only please). To enter the draw, let me know what your favorite Chanel perfume is or why you want to get to know Misia. The draw ends on Thursday March 5 at 6pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random.org. and will be announced on Friday, March 6. Good luck!
March 2, 2015 at 5:51 am
Going to Vienna tomorrow and hooking up with the Olfactoria Crew for breakfast. Hoping the Chanel Boutique will have Misia already but the Austrians are not known for being quick off the mark. We shall see. Enticing review. xxx
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:29 am
If the metropolitan Washington DC Chanel store has it, I have no doubt they’ll have it in Vienna. I look forward to hearing what your thoughts are. Have a lovely Monday!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:42 am
You don’t know Austria! I will keep you posted! xxx
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 9:01 am
I like the sound of this one as well. Japan is WAY late for such things as well though…
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 14, 2015 at 7:26 am
sweetie, they started selling it on February 13th. When I went to the store the bottle wasn’t out on the counter though. I had to ask for it and the SA took it out of the drawer. Hah? why hide it???
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 6:55 am
thank you so so much. I am a huge Olivier Polge fan and Chanel did a wise thing by snagging him. i have a feel i will love it.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:31 am
Fazal, this is a great debut from him for Chanel and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:33 am
YOU are the temptress Steve. DNEM because I’m across the waves but I SO want to get my sniff on Misia.
Portia xx
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:09 am
My dear Portia – I see this as a perfect fit for you….Misia is calling you my dear 🙂
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:28 am
Yes, I can hear her. She’s squawking like a fish wife and very hard to ignore.
Portia XXX
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 7:37 am
This is a definite must try fragrance for me. I can’t wait to venture out into “city” and visit Chanel store. Love your review. 🙂 (BTW, I’m not in the US so don’t enter me.)
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:11 am
I couldn’t wait for this release and was so glad the Chanel store had it in stock. I think you need to head into the city my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 8:08 am
Your description of Misia is very happening. A powdered iris of makeup vibe and a leather? Well, yes, please. Hope to give it a go when I’m in Milan later this month… or earlier if possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 8:10 am
Well the perfumista ‘press’ has certainly been impressive…. that’s my main inducement in wanting to try this debut. I’ve been wearing some vintage Cuir de Russie, this winter — and the bandaid / benzoin note is so crisp (and dare I say comforting? — must be a childhood memory)… and so little else has been poking above the fray…..lol. Is it like any of the vint cosmetic / powder standards i.e. L’aimant, Lipstick Rose, YSL Paris (when it first debuted) ??? Yesh, I’m curious Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 8:31 am
Ahhh, the lovely Cuir de Russie. I wish I had some more as my samples have all but vanished. There is a vintage makeup vibe about this, but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be vintage where I do think Lipstick Rose attempts to. I guess some might disagree. I do think that Misia will be a hit though 🙂
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:12 am
Lucas, ahhh, yes, you are a lover of iris, although this may be a bit too feminine for your tastes. Even though there is a whisper of leather here, the florals really dominate.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:31 am
This sounds lovely- I always get excited about powdery rose violets. For my favorite Chanel, i would have to choose between Bois des Iles, Coromandel, and No. 22.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:13 pm
Connie, I LOVE Coromandel, one of Chanel’s best in my book. Good luck with the draw!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:47 pm
I just got my bottle of Misia in the mail from Paris, courtesy of my personal shopper! It is very strong, so anyone who thinks Chanels no longer have projection and sillage needs to try this one. Very strong violets, rather a sharp rose at first and then it mellows out to a very pretty drydown. This seems to be a very unisex scent to me, would work perfectly on a man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 8:57 pm
I’m so glad you like it! It is a powerhouse and trust me, you’ll smell it for days after wearing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 8:46 am
Thank you for the lovely opportunity to win samples of this! On the whole I haven’t had a lot of luck with Chanel, though I did really like LE Gardenia, and there’s several I’d really like to try (Cuir de Russie, Sycamore, Coco Noir). Since I’m on a bit of a leather search, this sounds really interesting. Thanks for the review!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:51 am
Well good luck to you Sun Mi. This just might work for you since the leather is oh so light 🙂
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:47 am
I love Chanel, and a new scent is always exciting. Even when a Chanel isn’t “me,” it’s always a work if art I can appreciate. Having read several biographies of Coco Chanel, I can’t wait to try the scent named for her friend Misia!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:52 am
Good luck Maggie…I hope Misia calls your name 🙂
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 8:54 am
Lovely review. I can’t wait to try Misia. I love orris, iris and violet- yum! My favorite Chanel so far is Jersey pure parfum. I love lavender also. If it has purple flowers I like it! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Ricky, the fact that you lov orris, iris and violet means that I’m 99% sure that this will be a winner for you! Best of luck on the draw!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2015 at 9:15 am
Sounds lovely, Steve. I have the feeling I’m going to love this one. Your imagery is fantastic – the layers, the fragility, the ground beneath. My favorite Chanel thus far is vintage No.19. Thanks for the giveaway! I’m in the US.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:22 pm
As much as I like this, it will never top my love for No. 19 extrait. Hmmmm, I think I may have to put some on right now!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 10:11 am
My favorite Chanel scent is Coromandel. I’d love to try Misia. It sounds so lovely
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:15 pm
Another vote for good taste with Coromandel. Great name btw… it’s a name that makes you smile 🙂 Good luck.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 11:38 am
Oh…My favorite Chanel is No. 5…need I explain? This Misia sounds so beautiful…like absolute perfection. Thankyou so much for the draw.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:15 pm
Chanel No. 5 is a classic for a very good reason 🙂 Best of luck!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 1:39 pm
I keep trying the Chanel Exclusives hoping to find “the One”! No success yet, but perhaps Misia is it.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:23 pm
LOL Nancy.. I am always looking for “the one”…Chanel No. 19 comes about as close as they come for me. Good luck my dear!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 1:59 pm
My favorite right now is probably Beige, but perhaps it will be Misia once I smell it! Thanks for doing this giveaway.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:16 pm
It’s been a while since I have given Beige a test. I think I’m due to find another sample! Good luck!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 2:45 pm
I’ve got a sweet spot for No.22. I do like a good vintage makeup smell so this one has got my interest.
I feel like I live at the North Pole but according to my mailing address I am still in the US.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Poodle my dear. I have some vintage Chanel No. 22 EDC and love it. It’s very cheery and comforting. I’m not as in love with the current EDT…but would love sample the extrait which I have been jonesing to try. Yes, this winter is tired isn’t it!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Make-up powdery violet and rose scents appeal to me as well as anything with iris, so I would love to try Misia. I am in the US.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:25 pm
This sounds like it might be for you! Good luck!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Chanel No.5 has been my all time favorite, but Coromandel and No.22 are shouldering her out of position these days. Thanks for the great review.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:17 pm
All great choices Jamie. Maybe Misia will become part of the mix!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 3:44 pm
Years ago my favorite was Chanel No. 5 perfume., but saved the perfume for dates on the weekend and special occasions. During the week, I always used No. 5 body crème, as my fragrance. I especially loved the body crème because it stayed with me all day. I would love to try the Misia, because I love Iris flowers. Iris’ were my grandmother’s favorite flower, and it would remind me of her.
Thank you for the chance.
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm
What a lovely nod to your grandmother. Best of luck with the draw and for making me smile with your lovely memories!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 6:05 pm
I am excited to try this one, especially with the makeup vibe. That’s something my boyfriend loves!
I’ve been wearing a lot of Chanel no.5 this winter since he bought it for me for Valentine’s Day. I love it more with each wearing.
Thanks for the drawing!!
LikeLike
March 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm
Gotta love a boyfriend that knows how to treat you right. Chanel No. 5…he has great taste!
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 2:12 am
You mentioned “unique, confident and daring”. An extra dose of confidence is always welcome here. My favorite Chanel? Probably Gardenia followed by No 19.
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 8:31 am
Azar, surprising as this may be, I have never smelled Chanel’s Gardenia and I am such a sucker for gardenia fragrances. It needs to go on the top of my “must try” list…of course that list is crazy long at this point! Good luck!
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 3:50 am
I’m really looking forward to trying this one, not sure if it’s made it to Oz yet? I do hope so! Will check the Chanel boutique next time I’m in the big smoke!
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 8:32 am
I’d love to see your impressions my dear. BTW, loved your expose’ on the Shalimar line!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 3, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Thank you kindly! So glad you enjoyed it and a million thanks for sharing some of my posts recently on your fabulous blog! Pity I can’t enter your contest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 3, 2015 at 9:19 pm
My favorite Chanel is a toss-up between Cristalle and No. 19, but I am finding myself drawn to the violet in Misia. Thanks!
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Nemo…I typically shy away from violet fragrances because I find there just a bit too lady like for my tastes. But I didn’t get that feeling with this which was nice. Good luck with the draw!
LikeLike
March 3, 2015 at 10:20 pm
Nice review, Houndie! I just bought Chanel No. 19 EDP and got a mini of Misia and Sycomore. I also have a largish decant of Misia coming my way within the next few weeks. DNEM…just wanted to say hello!
LikeLike
March 4, 2015 at 5:32 am
Chanel No. 19 is my love… such a great buy! I am finding myself in love with Chanel as of late. It sounds like you are too. I hope all is well. Sick of winter yet?!
LikeLike
March 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm
I want to get to know the rose, Violet and leather notes of Misia. I haven’t yet found a Chanel fragrance that I truly love. The above comments point me in some new directions.
LikeLike
March 5, 2015 at 9:14 am
Well I hope you get a chance to check Misia out hofken. Good luck with the draw.
LikeLike
March 8, 2015 at 4:37 am
It’s OK to comment after the draw has closed, right?
I usually try not to read reviews for those perfumes that I plan to try eventually but I couldn’t help myself and read your review – the first one I read for this perfume. Now I’m contemplating why would I need to get to SF to try it at Saks or Chanel boutique…
LikeLike
March 9, 2015 at 6:26 am
Do we ever need an excuse to go smell perfumes? And of course you can comment, whenever and wherever you want my dear!
LikeLike
Pingback: Tableau de Parfums Miriam | The Scented Hound
Pingback: Chanel Misia: The Women, The History, The Fragrance - Kafkaesque