Fleurs et Flammes
Antonio Alessandria (2015)

Lillies, pollen-heavy, languor-inducing, bearing the heavy burdens of church and mortality in terms of memory associations. They're difficult to get right, as they have such strong personalities – a vase of the blooms can overpower a living room.
Alessandria's Fleurs et Flammes dares to take on this bold flower on its own terms, editing out none of its headiness. In the opening it is paired with a saturated – almost psychedelic – citrus accord, somewhat puzzling but also a pretty unique scent sensation, which then fades out and into an equally bold almond backing that seems more in tune with the lily's weighty presence. The green notes in the declared list are subdued to my nose; the spiciness at the lily's heart is enhanced by a carnation note.
This is a stare-you-in-the-eyes lily perfume, well-executed, but how much you will enjoy it could have depended on how easily you can take this kind of white floral intensity. However, after the opening half hour or so, it drops to very polite levels – whether this was intentional or not, it certainly prevents the wearer being overwhelmed. That it then drops to skin scent after a further three hours or so, is less fortunate.