This week I've been "traveling" cross-country with the niche line Gallivant, from Brooklyn (where I spend much of my time in real life) to Los Angeles (a place I've never actually visited). Los Angeles is the latest "urban exploration" fragrance from Gallivant and it's described as "a hot and sensual woody floral, cooled with a marine breeze." It was developed by perfumer Karine Chevallier and features notes of eucalyptus, clary sage, mandarin, pineapple, narcissus, tuberose, cade, guaiac, nagarmotha, musks and heliotrope.
I like Gallivant's note about Los Angeles being "a neon floral fragrance," since it feels fabulously artificial, like colored neon light or the perfect beach-vacation photo on Instagram. I can imagine this scent as the olfactory illustration of some ideal day in and around the City of Angels. Its top notes are sweet and aromatic with fruit and a leafy green note; its heart mixes fresh herbs with mellow woods; and its base is a smooth, creamy tuberose that leans "tropical" rather than indolic. Imagine eating a mint and cantaloupe salad, taking a leisurely walk on a sun-dappled forest trail, then sipping a coconut cocktail in the evening while relaxing in a silky slip dress, and you've got the idea.
To me, Los Angeles feels "cool," in both senses of the word, rather than hot. And I don't notice any pineapple — a note that worried some of you when this launch was announced! Its staying power is average for an Eau de Parfum, leaving some faint traces on my wrists at the end of a workday.
Ironically, I don't wear many white floral perfumes on my own time, but I've been reviewing a few lately. We must be going through yet another tuberose revival? I find Los Angeles edgier than Maison Margiela Mutiny and more contemporary than Amouage Portrayal. I'll be using up my sample vial as the summer begins to wind down in my own corner of the world.
Gallivant Los Angeles is available in 30 ml Eau de Parfum ($95).
This is the first Gallivant that has caught my attention. It does seem like there is a tuberose revival happening. I wish I could still wear a slip dress, lol. Thanks for the review.
re: slip dresses… Ah, same. But that’s why we have perfumes…to help us fantasize.
I’m a fan of the line (wearing London today!) but I haven’t tried this one yet. You’ve convinced me to grab up a sample before the weather turns, thank you!
I like quite a few things from this line! Hope you can find a L.A. sample. I usually can’t wear white florals without feeling like I’m in a costume, but this one worked well for me!
Just got a sample of this. “Fabulously artificial” is a great description. Not quite my style but it does make me laugh. I think I like the Brooklyn one in this line better.
It’s fun! and a little weird, in a good way. Like, what *is* that herbal-marine note…?! and why do I actually like it?!
I have Tel Aviv which smells wonderful but disappears very quickly. How long lasting is LA
I’m wearing a sample today, in the heart of my beloved hometown L.A., and I have to say I got nothing on this one. Weird and artificial for sure. Not floral. Not white or green. Lots of that fake-y marine thing. Maybe neon as in metal and glass, broken on the pavement.
Generally unpleasant, to the point of being a scrubber, but I always hang in there to the bitter (bitter would be an improvement) end.