Le Galion - Sortilège

Picture: Le Galion Sortilège
Photo: PR Le Galion (c)

Sortilège is like all the other re-released Le Galions a reinterpreation/ reconstruction of the Paul Vacher fragrances, created for his house, Le Galion during the 1930s to 1970s. The reworking of the fragrances is performed by perfumer Thomas Fontaine.

Sortilège starts with subdued, soft, very aldehydic flowers, a non perfumista would probably belive that the topnotes are off. The impression is very vintage, in a soft, non-screachy way, a wonderful opening to my nose. There is also a light, smooth spicy (cinnamon) impression, contrasting the soft flowers. As Sortilège reaches its heart flowers are still embedded in an aura of aldehydics but much softer and not as outstanding as in the initial blast. The flowers are warm, soft yellow, like the golden nectar, seamless mixed in a fleeting during a balsamic, warm, woody slight ambery base which becomes excellent creamy in texture after some hours.

Sortilège is a fragrance for elegant occasions year around. The sillage is medium and longevity for at least a day. Of course it could be worn also for work, this is a perfume that boosts ones confidence.

Picture: Le Galion Sortilège
Photo: PR Le Galion (c)

Sortilège, first created in 1965, havn't smelled the vintage, traditionally was one of the topsellers from Le Galion and I'll not be surprised if the modern interpretation will follow the original. It's a beautiful, retro styled fragrance, interpreted in a contemporary but in the same time timeless style. It's very elegant, sort of french in style, there are similarities in style, with the aldehydes in Hermès Calèche. Somehow I also associate to Parfums de Nicolaï  Le Temps d'une Fête even if the latter is a green floral fragrance, rougher and outdoorsy compared to the artistic bound floral bouquet in the salon, Sortilège. Also the beautiful Antonia from Puredistance comes to my mind when testing Sortilège. It could also be compared as the feminine counterpart to Le Galion Special for Gentlemen the same elegant timeless, retro style. To me Sortilège together with Special and Iris is the best fragrances from what I have tested from Le Galion.

Rating: 5

Notes: Lily-of-the-valley, lilac, ylang-ylang, aldehydes, jasmine, narcissus, rose, iris, mimosa, sandalwood, vetiver, labdanum, musk, amber 

Thanks to Fragrance & Art for the sample to test