Loosely translated from French, soliflore means a single flower. They are single note fragrances. Soliflores were a rave in the 19th century. And in places like Britain, the demand for soliflores still remains.
However, with advances in perfumery, modern perfumes took over with more complicated perfumes. Most modern perfumes still have one dominant note. But such notes are usually built around more complex complimentary notes that make the dominant note seem more sophisticated. Even single note fragrances that give the overwhelming impression of just a single bloom/flower could contain hundreds of ingredients.
The single floral aroma of soliflores allows perfumers to express their specific interpretation of a single flower. The perfumer is at liberty to showcase different facets of the flower. The fact that a soliflore is made from a single flower does not make it a boring or inelegant perfume. In fact, one plant can be infinitely complex in its olfactory manifestations/repertoire. It takes skill and talent to layer the many facets of the single note throughout the composition of the fragrance without allowing any supporting ingredients to alter the desired smell.
Hence, soliflores from one flower could also smell quite differently owing to a variety of reasons. For example, a rose picked in the morning smells quite differently from a rose picked under direct sunlight. Rose petals processed immediately after collection also smell different from the ones left to caramelize before processing. The climate and soil where a rose is planted also affects its scent. For instance, a rose planted in a hot, humid place smells quite differently from one planted under damp and cloudy conditions. Even the other plants surrounding the flower used in creating a soliflore affects its smell.
Soliflores are usually soft, non-intrusive and tolerable fragrances. You could easily wear them to public places without others feeling suffocated by your perfume. In fact, a soliflore fragrance could be easily mistaken for a sweet smelling shampoo or soap or bouquet of flowers.
With the fast rate at which fashion trends keep evolving, it is not surprising that soliflores are back in demand. Especially now that sophistication is usually reflected in very simple, yet elegant things. The perfume industry is not exempted from this trend.
Why you should try a soliflore fragrance
1.. Soliflores are authentic and appeal to the craving for authenticity. If you want to find a way to feel connected to nature even in the way you smell, what better original fragrance to help you feel that connection if not a soliflore that gives the impression of an identifiable and definite plant?
2. Soliflores are perfect for people just stepping into the world of perfumes. With soliflores, you won’t be confused by complicated notes. Starting with soliflores will help you easily know the fragrances or notes that you like and those that you do not fancy.
3. The mild scent of single note fragrances makes them perfect for people considering the fragrance allergies of themselves or others.
In need of recommendations for single note perfumes? Check out our top three picks.
- Not A Perfume Superdose by Juliette Has A Gun: this single note fragrance featuring Cetalox was created to complement other accords. Its main role is to enhance natural scents.
2. Prada Infusion De Fleur D’oranger: This citrus fragrance for women is light and fresh. It was inspired by vintage prints from the prada Archives.
3. Creme Anglaise : Composed of the single note of custard, this fragrance produces sweet and lactonic or milky accords that are comforting and creamy. It is suitable for fall.
