Saffron James has launched Ipo, the line's fifth fragrance:
Widespread from eastern India to southeast Asia, Pakalana (also known as Chinese Violet) was introduced to Hawaii by immigrants from southern China around 1823. An ancient Chinese tale contends that a troop of savage warriors once seized an enemy castle but that night the aromatic powers of this dusk-blooming flower over took them and by morning the enchanting fragrance had inspired such tranquility, they inexplicably abandoned their conquest.
Since then, like the full moon, the captivating scent of this local favorite has earned a reputation for rousing the most unexpected behaviors.
The notes include violet, Moroccan rose, orange blossom, Tahitian gardenia and lemongrass. Ipo means "sweetheart"; you can read more about the pakalana flower here.
Saffron James Ipo is available in 30 ml Eau de Parfum spray ($85) or 9 ml Eau de Parfum roll on ($38), and can be found now at Beautyhabit. (via beautyhabit)
Warring savages will retreat from their intended conquests? This is PERFECT for work!!
HA! I need a BIG dose of that.
I’ll take a vat or two.
…or children’s bedtime. If it could knock out my little warrior, I’d buy it by the case!
Oh, is it Prix Eau Faux time again? (**snicker**)
It’s a pretty huge claim!
The notes actually do sound nice, though. I have a weakness for violet.
It does sound pretty. Have not loved any of their scents so far, but I know they have fans.
Well, I do like the smell of pakalana. It will be interesting to see how close she gets. I am fond of the Le’a, because it really does smell like the two varieties of plumeria that I’m most familiar with. I also think she did a pretty good job of nailing jasmine sambac with Nani.
Completely agree 🙂
I do like the sound of their notes and the few “violet” scents I’ve tried, I’ve liked. This will go on the sample list. I have two other scents from this line that I like well enough too.
This sounds lovely – and, as you all pointed out, perfect for work! Maybe I could get it in a room spray….by the gallon…
Or rig it to the ventilation system like nerve gas….
According to the link the flower has a
“Very heavy lemon-like fragrance similar to Ylang-Ylang. Clusters of golden yellow blooms form along the vining stems during summer months. Individual blooms emerge successively over a period of weeks emitting a rich, heavy fragrance that’s reliable day or night. Used for lais in Hawaii, it grows vigorously during the long warm days of summer with growth slowing and eventually coming to a standstill throughout the winter. Hardy Zone 10 and higher. Full or partial sun, grows to 2-3’ in container, vining in habit, minimum temperature 60°F, blooms in spring summer and fall.
This ornamental and fragrant climber is fried or boiled in several South East Asian recipes. The cut flowers are sold in markets wrapped in banana leaves. These flowers are tasty, rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins A et C. Flowering in the rainy season and the cold season. ”
Maybe the invaders just had too many fried flowers and felt too bloated to launch attack.
Oddly Saffron James’s notes do not include Ylang Ylang or lemon.
It’s interesting that the flowers are edible! Didn’t know that.
Please send some in an oversized atomizer and fill ‘er up please.
Now this is one I must try because I have a weakness for Saffron James: Ume and L’ea are so tropically wonderful to my nose 🙂
I have a Hawaiian friend whose dog is named Ipo. Is it weird to give someone a perfume because it reminds you of their pet?
No, it’s a cute idea albeit an expensive one if you’re not sure if she likes it.
Maybe this is shallow, but I love the packaging.
A friend bought me Le’a which I wasn’t sure about at first but now I find myself reaching for again and again. It is exceptionally soft.
Does anyone know if ‘Nani’ is more tropical or any of the others. I am on a search for the ultimate ‘airfare saving’ hawaiian perfume. By that I guess I mean, a fragrance most like a lei in the tradewinds. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers!
Can’t comment on Nani — I don’t remember this trio very well — but there’s always Kai for gardenia, or Chantecaille Frangipane or Ormonde Jayne Frangipani for (duh) frangipani.