WHAT I SMELL: Miriam’s opening is comprised of sweet bergamot and light aldehydes which are quickly met with warmed geranium. Immediately, Miriam feels old school with a distinctive make-up, lipstick and violet laced presence. I was expecting the opening to be lighter and more powdery. Instead, it’s a smooth almost honeyed mix of florals accentuated at first by violet, but then with rose and jasmine. Suprisingly restrained, the perfume provides an aura of self-assuredness and strength, while maintaining its femininity. Even though it feels nostalgic, there’s nothing sweet or innocent in the perfume. After around 10 minutes, a deeper projection of sandalwood and what feels like a tinge of civet, continues to bring a more woody confidence to this beautiful perfume. After 20 minutes, Miriam begins to project. The warmth of the opening, moves toward a dry and powdery mix of lavender and orris root. In fact, when sniffed, the dryness pulls the wet out of my throat and nose. In the end, you’re left with a powdered puff of violet laced haze of a perfume. And even though there’s a quiet confidence in Miriam that is all woman, there’s no messing with this in control no-nonsense beauty.
From the Tableau de Parfums website:
Miriam references the heady, diffusive fragrances of the thirties and forties. It is vintage in spirit but with a contemporary character. A fragrance constructed in the tradition of classic perfumery, Miriam is the kind of fragrance they don’t make much anymore.
Notes: bergamot, sweet orange, geranium, violet blossom, rose, jasmine, ylang, violet leaf, lavender, vanilla, orris root, sandalwood.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A 1940’s Joan Crawford; in-between all woman and all out dame.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE MIRIAM: nostalgic, confident, captivating
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MIRIAM: Bonkers About Perfume, EauMG, Persolaise
BOTTOM LINE: The sample has been sitting on my office desk for a few days now and when I walk in the room, the fragrance lingers within the confines of the room. It reminds me of my mother when I was a child when I would walk in my parents bedroom and I could still smell the powder and the lipstick from the evening before. Miriam is like a lovely dream from the past. Recently I reviewed Chanel’s Misia which has a similar makeup vibe; Miriam is much more my cup of tea.
- Bone Rating: 4.5 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Floral Aldehyde
- Nose: Andy Tauer
- Classification: Feminine
- Expense: $165 for 50 ml Eau de Parfum and $40 for 7 ml purse spray (I love that option!)
The Scented Hound 