James Heeley is a British designer living in Paris. He is best known for his vases, but also creates furniture and other home accessories; you can see some of his work on his website. His range includes 5 fragrances in Eau de Parfum. Eau de Figuier is easily my favorite of the 5, and includes notes of fig, fig leaves, white cedar and lime.
Eau de Figuier is a relatively simple rendition of fig. It doesn't push the boundaries of modern perfumery, and it isn't going to challenge your assumptions about what can be done with a fig fragrance or anything like that — it's just a really nice fig, ripe and juicy and surrounded by crushed green leaves, with a touch of lime zest in the opening. There is wood, but nothing like the heavy wood and earth notes of Philosykos, and it is less milky than L'Artisan Premier Figuier. It reminds me somewhat of Body Time's Green Fig Oil, but I am fresh out so can't compare the two on skin. Going on memory, I would say the Heeley isn't quite so green or sharp as the Body Time.
To my mind, nothing has ever matched Philosykos: it is perfection itself. But, obviously I am not one to tie myself down to one fragrance, and there is always room for another fig.
The lasting power is good, and the price isn't so bad either: $70 for 125 ml. For buying information, see the listing for Heeley under Perfume Houses.
Of all the 5 Heeleys, I liked Fig the best, and I am not even a huge fan of fig fragrances. I thought Cedar was the worst, and I *am* a cedar fan 🙂
He has a few other fragrances, I think one had menthe in it if I am not mistaken. Nothing earthshattering, but pleasant nonetheless.
Philosykos IS the fig standard, isn't it, dear R? I sometimes layer it with L'Artisan's Premier Figuier, the other fig standard. :):)
Hugs!
Well, we agree! Couldn't stand the cedar.
The Mint Tea one is nice too, I need to give it another try. And yes, hard to imagine anyone ever besting Philosykos!
This one does sound nice, but I completely agree about Philosykos. It's perfection.
Wonder if I'd like this? Hey, I'd better get that package off to you tomorrow! Two weeks is long enough for you to wait! Sorry, NST.
It is hard to beat, but for anyone who wants a more straightforward fig, the Heeley is worth a try.
LOL…almost out of both tea & perfume, as you can imagine 😉