As Sondheim and the Brothers Grimm remind us, you enter an enchanted forest in search of what you desire. Under the glow of moonlight, you slip beneath the branches. Then it’s over the river and into the woods, the air redolent of pine needles and mossy green hummocks – and the slightly intoxicating scent of decay and desuetude amidst the sweetness of ruby red fruit.
The debut fragrance from The Vagabond Prince, Enchanted Forest was introduced by the founders of the fragrance website Fragrantica. According to the founders of the company, The Vagabond Prince is “an adventurer, a passionate explorer, a romantic dreamer [who] stepped out of fairytales. You can find him in the folklore of every nation.”
©The Vagabond Prince
French perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour was inspired by the deep, dark forests of Russian fairy tales. The creative force behind fragrances for L’Artisan Parfumeur, Comme des Garçons, and Penhaligon’s, Duchaufour built Enchanted Forest around the blackcurrant, beloved by Russians throughout history. According to Duchaufour, “My idea was to directly link the blackcurrant with the odor of a forest. I wanted to work the dark, mysterious, almost scary effects…all that seems almost supernatural in the forest.”
Imagine that, like a wolf, your nose leads you deeper into the woods whereupon you discover an orchard in full flower, bushes of blackcurrant shimmering in the moonlight. As heady as crème de cassis, the fragrance emanates the freshness of dew-dotted fruit. You want to sit right down and take a bite – and then sip from a goblet of violet wine.
©The Vagabond Prince
In creating Enchanted Forest, Duchaufour utilized the extract of blackcurrant buds. “The challenge was great,” he said. “I used an absolute of blackcurrant and two different blackcurrant bases, including one of my own creation.” To evoke the vital force of nature, he created a spicy, woody chypre of patchouli, moss, and vetiver. “I love the smell of the forest…the earthy notes and the dried pine.” As well, the perfumer summoned the spirit of Kupala, the Slavic goddess associated with harvest and love – and its etymological connection to the Roman god Cupid.
Heart notes of rose and carnation flicker in the air. More wine makes more memories. Recumbent, you gaze into the magical moonlit sky. The scent of cedar and vanilla commingle on your mossy green carpet bed. You’re at home in the Enchanted Forest.
