Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Portait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle is an iconic Oriental Floral fragrance for women, launched in 2010. Created by renowned perfumer Dominique Ropion, this fragrance has quickly become a best-seller and a modern classic, embodying a perfect balance of intensity and elegance.

The perfume is named after the novel by Henry James (1881), and it captures the essence of the book's heroine, Isabel Archer—a woman caught in a quest for freedom and self-expression. Just like the novel, Portrait of a Lady is deeply layered, emotional, and intense. It’s a modern, bold reinterpretation of the rose note, paired with spices and rich florals that explore both the Oriental and Chypre fragrance families.

At the top, the fragrance opens with an exquisite blend of Rose, Clove, Raspberry, Black Currant, Cinnamon, and Red Berries, creating a rich, sensual introduction that captures the heart of the fragrance. As it evolves, the heart reveals a deep and intoxicating mix of Turkish Rose, Patchouli, Incense, Sandalwood, and Ylang-Ylang, giving the perfume its powerful and mysterious character. The base notes of Incense, Sandalwood, Musk, Benzoin, Amber, Cedar, Ambergris, and Vanilla provide a warm, resinous, and comforting finish, leaving a trail of sophisticated complexity.

Portrait of a Lady is a bold, sensual fragrance that is rich in dark florals and spices, and it speaks to the woman who is both powerful and graceful, mysterious yet unforgettably elegant. It’s a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression, just as its namesake heroine left her mark in literature.

Fragrance Notes:

Top Notes: Rose, Clove, Raspberry, Black Currant, Cinnamon, Red Berries

Middle Notes: Turkish Rose, Patchouli, Incense, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang

Base Notes: Incense, Sandalwood, Musk, Benzoin, Amber, Cedar, Ambergris, Vanilla