Sublime by Jean Patou c1992

Sublime by Jean Patou: launched in 1992 and created by Jean Kerleo.

Jean Kerleo, creator of Sublime, thinks of it as evoking the spirit of a woman at that moment she is most radiant, generous, sensual, loving...in one word, sublime. 

Sublime by Jean Patou is indeed a fragrance that aims to capture the essence of femininity in its most radiant and sensual form. With its blend of floral, oriental, and woody notes, it creates an aura of sophistication and elegance, perfectly embodying the image of a woman at her most sublime moment. Jean Kerleo's vision for the fragrance reflects a celebration of the multifaceted nature of women, encompassing qualities of generosity, sensuality, and love. Sublime remains a timeless classic, cherished by many for its ability to evoke feelings of beauty and grace.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a chypre floral fragrance for women with dominant notes of carnation, ylang ylang and sandalwood. This complex floral symphony counterpoints the delicate notes of rose, jasmine, lily of the valley and orange blossom with the warm, amber musks and muted vanilla notes, blended to create a magical essence.

• Top notes: bergamot, Sicilian mandarin orange, coriander and green accords 
• Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, Grasse jasmine, lily, Comorian ylang-ylang, orris, lily of the valley, carnation and orange blossom
• Base notes: Comorian vanilla, Madagascar vanilla, Mysore sandalwood, styrax, musk, ambergris, Bourbon vetiver, tonka bean, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Virginia cedar and civet

Sublime by Jean Patou is a rich and multifaceted fragrance that tantalizes the senses with its complex blend of notes. Let's break down its olfactory journey:

Top notes: As you first apply Sublime, you're greeted with a burst of freshness and zestiness from bergamot and Sicilian mandarin orange. These citrusy top notes are complemented by hints of coriander and green accords, adding a touch of herbal sophistication.

Middle notes: As the fragrance settles, the heart of Sublime reveals its lush floral bouquet. Bulgarian rose and Grasse jasmine infuse the scent with a romantic and intoxicating aroma, while lily of the valley and orange blossom contribute a delicate sweetness. Comorian ylang-ylang adds a tropical twist, enhancing the fragrance's allure. The presence of Bourbon vetiver and Yugoslavian oakmoss lends a subtle earthiness and depth to the floral composition.

Base notes: In the dry down, Sublime unfolds into a warm and sensual embrace. The powdery woods of Mysore sandalwood and Virginia cedar provide a creamy and velvety backdrop, while the rich vanilla notes from the Comoros Islands and Madagascar envelop you in a comforting sweetness. Musk, ambergris, styrax, and tonka bean add a touch of sensuality and depth to the base, creating a lingering and unforgettable trail.

Overall, Sublime by Jean Patou is a harmonious symphony of floral, citrus, and woody accords, culminating in a fragrance that exudes elegance, warmth, and femininity.

 Bottles:

The bottle and stopper are like the bud of a flower you hold in your palm. 

The design of the bottle and stopper of Sublime by Jean Patou truly complements the essence of the fragrance itself. Mimicking the delicate bud of a flower, the bottle embodies a sense of natural beauty and grace. When held in the palm of your hand, it becomes a tactile and sensory experience, evoking the sensation of cradling a precious bloom.

This attention to detail in the packaging not only enhances the visual appeal of the fragrance but also serves as a tactile reminder of the sublime qualities it seeks to capture. Just as a flower unfolds its petals to reveal its inner beauty, Sublime reveals its layers of scent, enveloping the wearer in its exquisite aroma. The bottle design thus becomes a fitting metaphor for the transformative power of fragrance to elevate the spirit and awaken the senses.

Sublime by Jean Patou was available in a variety of formulations and sizes to suit different preferences and occasions:

• Parfum (Extrait) - The most concentrated form of the fragrance, offering a rich and long-lasting scent experience.

• Eau de Parfum - Available in 1 oz, 2.5 oz (new bottle version), and 3.4 oz sizes, providing a balanced concentration of fragrance for a lasting yet lighter wear.

• Eau de Toilette - Offered in 0.14 oz mini, 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 2.5 oz (new bottle version), and 3.4 oz sizes, presenting a lighter interpretation of the scent suitable for everyday use.

• Eau Parfumee Body Mist - A refreshing and lightly scented body mist for a subtle fragrance experience.

• Solid Perfume - A compact and portable option for on-the-go application, offering a concentrated and long-lasting scent.

• Body Lotion, Body Soap, and Shower Gel - These complementary products allow you to layer the fragrance for a more immersive and indulgent experience.

• Candles - Perfect for creating a fragrant ambiance in your living space, infusing it with the luxurious scent of Sublime.

With such a wide range of options, you can choose the format that best suits your preferences and lifestyle, whether you prefer a more intense and long-lasting scent or a lighter and more subtle fragrance experience.

The distinction in caps between the Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette bottles adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation of Sublime by Jean Patou. The gilded floriform cap adorning the Eau de Parfum bottle conveys a sense of luxury and opulence, perfectly complementing the richness of the fragrance within. On the other hand, the opaque white floriform cap of the Eau de Toilette bottle exudes a more understated and classic charm, reflecting the lighter and more refreshing nature of the scent it contains.

The release of the limited edition 30ml Eau de Parfum in a bottle with a rich gilded finish, known as 'Edition Limitee Or', elevates the exclusivity and allure of Sublime. This special version offers collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to own a unique and coveted iteration of the fragrance, distinguished by its exquisite design and luxurious presentation.

Regarding the reformulated version of Sublime by Jean Patou, introduced circa 2006 in the new square bottle design, it's important to note that this version does not contain oakmoss due to regulatory restrictions or considerations. The absence of oakmoss alters the fragrance profile compared to the original formulation, resulting in a slightly different olfactory experience.

Despite the reformulation, the essence of Sublime remains intact, retaining its core elements of floral and woody notes. While oakmoss traditionally contributes to the depth and richness of chypre fragrances, its omission in the reformulated version may lead to a lighter and fresher interpretation of Sublime.

Therefore, when considering the 2.5 oz (75ml) bottles of both the Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette in the new square bottle design, it's essential to be aware of this reformulation and its potential impact on the fragrance's character and longevity.

Fate of the Fragrance:

It's unfortunate to hear that Sublime perfume has been discontinued. Fragrance discontinuations can be disappointing for fans who have grown attached to a particular scent. However, it's not uncommon for brands to make changes to their product lines based on various factors such as market trends, production costs, and consumer demand.

For those who cherish Sublime, it might be a good idea to stock up on any remaining bottles if possible, or perhaps explore other fragrances with similar notes or characteristics to find a new favorite. Additionally, discontinued fragrances sometimes make comebacks as limited editions or in vintage collections, so it's worth keeping an eye out for any announcements from the brand or specialty retailers.

While it's sad to see Sublime go, the memories and experiences associated with wearing it will always remain cherished.