Belle de Tanger
Byredo (2016)

This closely resembles Ellena's Mandarine Ambree in Hermes's Les Jardins series. I prefer Ellena's over Tangers and I dont even prefer Ellena's Mandarine Ambree in that collection.

Nothing surprising and revolutionally new in this fragrance. But I dont hate it. I just prefer something else in the category that Tangers is in.

Belle de Tanger is an atmosphere of bitter orange floating on light dry violet refreshed with clear iris air. This creation plays with natural and synthetic elements in typical Byredo style to achieve an ephemeral image of Tangier orange spliced with an unusually dry and fresh violet airy scent. This is not just any violet but a very transparent dry violet with an iris wood dry ozone finish. The result: orange zest wafting through freshly fallen leaves in a dry autumn woods. Belle de Tanger is a beauty for its nearly invisible but very evocative quality which leaves an atmosphere. I would rate this scent with a "thumbs up" for originality and I respect its elusiveness, its lightness in tone but there is little strength or longevity. If you are seeking a bold spice or moving orange notes you will be disappointed here, but as a transparent ephemeral statement that is kind of unique, Belle de Tanger succeeds. Rating: 7 / 10 stars.