Esprit d’Oscar

Esprit d'Oscar, created in 2011 by Frank Voelkl and Ann Gottlieb for Oscar de la Renta, is a bright, powdery floral with a citrus start. Everyone describes it as floral, most also find it citrusy, and a good number notice a musky softness; a minority pick up sweetness, wood and amber.

The opening is clean and sunny: citron, Amalfi lemon and bergamot give a sharp, sparkling start. The heart is a white and violet bouquet, with jasmine, tuberose and orange flower bringing richness and a touch of warmth, while violet and iris add a cool, powdery, almost cosmetic softness. The base settles into heliotrope, which smells of almond and marzipan, over tonka bean, musk, a salty hint of ambergris and the dry, earthy edge of vetiver.

Most wearers report moderate longevity, with a fair number finding it long lasting, and the trail is split between moderate and strong. It is voted mainly for spring, then summer, and leans towards daytime. It suits someone who likes elegant, powdery florals.

Esprit d’Oscar — for women fragrance by Oscar de la Renta (released 2011). Top notes: Amalfi Lemon, Citron, Bergamot. Heart notes: Iris, Violet, African Orange Flower, Tuberose, Jasmine. Base notes: Heliotrope, Musk, Tonka Bean, Ambergris, Vetiver. — Parfica open fragrance database