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!