WHAT I SMELL:   Gatsby 22 opens with a sweetened bergamot that has been basking in the sun.  In quick manner, a juicy citrus rushes in bringing with it joy, happiness and so much positive energy.  And soon after, the citrus moves to the floral with a very tame osmanthus sitting below the prettiest of violet.  Together they move the perfume from the joyous to the sublime.  At this point the perfume is so pretty and full of life that it makes you want to dance the day away.  As the perfume begins to settle, Gatsby 22 begins to warm and become more radiant.  The osmanthus remains, but a lightly sharpened vetiver joins the mix which helps to keep the energy level of the perfume intact.  And after some more time the perfume the really expands and seems to take on a bath note, or as I call it a “bathtastic” note where the combination of notes reminds me of the remains of a bubble bath.  In the end, Gatsby 22 keeps on giving as the perfume doesn’t shy away from the party as this beauty seems to last well into the night with the lively use of jubilant musk.

From the Ormonde Jayne website:

What fun I had creating a perfume to personify a stylish and sophisticated era – nostalgic for a time of jazz, pearls, well-tailored dinner jackets, cigars and Rolls Royce cars.

Gatsby 22 is confident, edgy and sophisticated. A boisterous burst of Sicilian lemon and bergamot penetrates the senses. Osmanthus, orange blossom and violets follow instantly to smooth off the sharpness. Notes of vetiver linger on, giving Gatsby 22 true staying power. Wear it anytime, anywhere to make a stylish entrance.

HEAD: BERGAMOT, SICILIAN LEMON, PINK PEPPER

HEART:  OSMANTHUS, VIOLET, ORANGE BLOSSOM

SOUL: VETIVER, LEATHER ACCORD, TONKA BEAN, MUSK

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  I won’t mess with the Gatsby inspiration as it fits the perfume perfectly.  But in looking towards my inspirational picture, I chose the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby with Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan as the perfume has a bit of softness in it that the latest version of the movie didn’t possess.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE GATSBY 22:  joyful, exuberant, radiant

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GATSBY 22:  Taking One Thing Off

BOTTOM LINE:   Gatsby 22 is a perfume that keeps on giving.  All throughout the perfume’s progression the light and energy continue to be boundless.  And it’s an easy wear.  What’s not to love?

• Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Citrus Floral Woody
• Classification: Unisex
• Expense: $150 for 50 ml eau de parfum.

Sample courtesy of Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary.