Francesca Bianchi Voluptuous Oud, photo by Nicoleta©
Every time Francesca Bianchi releases a new scent, it’s like an invitation to dive into an alternate universe – one where each fragrance comes with its own rich backstory and intricate lore. It’s no secret that I adored Encounters, her play on iris and oud that resulted in a hedonistic, complex fragrance I’ve worn religiously over the past year, alongside Byzantine Amber. I tried not to let myself be too influenced by the visuals Francesca shared for Voluptuous Oud before actually experiencing it (yes, I’m that kind of person who always avoids trailers and spoilers, wanting my expectations to form purely in the moment). But even so, I had a sense we were in for something completely different – a much brighter take on the beloved oud note.
Francesca Bianchi, photo via Instagram
Let’s read Francesca, in her words, about this scent: “A rich, seductive, and absolutely lustful interpretation of Oud: I wanted to offer a warm and comforting experience, but with the dirty and animalic intensity of Oud. It is a fragrance that once again expresses my obsession with human intimacy and the experience of it: the infinite sweetness of bodily closeness, the search for the animal aspect in human beings.”
And the second I tried it, I knew my hunch was right – this wasn’t the dark, introspective oud that broods menacingly in the shadows. Instead, it was oud with an unexpected twist: bright, sweet and somehow… delightfully nostalgic. And if the synthwave aesthetics of the late 80s – early 90s had a smell, Voluptuous Oud would be it – as it lights up all the senses with that electrifying retro charm, pulsing with color, an upbeat rhythm, and a deliciously unapologetic dose of hedonistic abundance. It stretches right to the edge of “too much” but never crosses it – keeping everything balanced in a way that feels profoundly and satisfyingly indulgent.
Mood photo by Nicoleta©
Picture a night out in the big city, somewhere in the early 90s. First, an early drink at a dimly lit pub, with neon lights casting their glow in the dark and reflecting in your fluorescent Cointreau cocktail, adorned with the obligatory candied orange peel. Then, the rush to the cinema – the line, the tickets, the hallways filled with the buttery-salty-sweet scent of caramel popcorn, flickering lights, and the thrill of easy-going horror movies with just the right hint of playful suspense. You feel the stretch of your tights, the sturdy weight of your lace-up long Doc Martens, the slightly scratchy texture of your floral dress, the velvet choker hugging your neck and, in the air, there’s a waft of plums – someone must have gone wild with the Poison bottle… Afterward, there’s a stop at your favourite restaurant for that exotic Middle Eastern dessert everyone at the office raved about last week.
Unsplash image, edit by Nicoleta with Stranger Things fonts
The aesthetic of the late 80s was all big hair and bold, colourful makeup, with dark layers mingling with vibrant frilly neon looks—and overall, a raw sensuality that felt refreshingly “natural.” The perfect backdrop for the dazzle and razzle of an era marked by unapologetic abundance and a certain innocence, even in its excess. Seen back, wearing the rose-coloured glasses of nostalgia, it was a time when emotions felt technicolour, with clear boundaries inviting you to color as bright, bold, and loud as you wanted—so long as you (kinda’) stayed within the lines. It was an unapologetic, vibrant, and somehow liberated time – and for me, Voluptuous Oud captures that spirit with a decadent twist.
AI Mood photo by Nicoleta ©
Wearing Francesca Bianchi Voluptuous Oud made me feel like I was playing some spinoff of D&D: Oud Dungeons & Caramel Dragons.The start is uncharacteristically bright and optimistic (for Bianchi) with mandarins and citrus tones. Soon, a juicy, ripe purple plum unfolds in all its glory, infusing the fragrance with a plush, suede-like texture from heliotrope, soft and comforting, mouth-wateringly delicious, and undeniably sensual. In comes the oud, stripped of all its barnyard facets but always keeping its animalic claws and his leather jacket on. A salty-sweet caramel rounds it out, creamy, buttery, and irresistibly gourmand – just imagine a slice of honeyed knafeh, served with a side of sweet plum liqueur. Salty-sweet but delicately smoky, roundly plummy yet velvety plush, nostalgic but bright-eyed, with a leathery snap that gives it just enough of a kinky wink – this is an Oud that is indeed voluptuous.
Bordering on a gourmand, but with enough depth to keep it firmly between the lines of her aesthetic, Francesca Bianchi Voluptuous Oud is an airy oud that is friendly enough to wear even for beginners yet fun enough for hardcore niche aficionados to enjoy.
Notes: Bergamot, Green Mandarin. Heliotropin, Plum, Oud (Cambodia), Leather, Vetiver, Tolu Balsam, Caramel
Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor
Disclosure: A bottle of Francesca Bianchi Voluptuous Oud was kindly offered by the brand, opinions are my own.
Francesca Bianchi Voluptuous Oud, photo by Nicoleta©
Thanks to the generosity of Francesca Bianchi we have a 30ml bottle of Voluptuous Oud for one registered reader in the EU OR US. There is one winner. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s review and where you live. Draw closes 11/15/2024
Also, check out the my reviews for: Byzantine Amber, Unspoken Musk, and Encounters and also The Lover’s Tale, Etruscan Water, Luxe, Calme, Volupte,
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