Luxe Calme Volupte is inspired by a painting by Henri Matisse of the same name, conveying the idea of longing for a place of sensuous calmness and offering a suspension from human angst. It’s a beautifully balanced rendition of a green, aromatic floral, with the warmth of resins at its core. Galbanum is the primary note to my nose, which creates this intensely green and vegetal feel, whilst also remaining dry and slightly earthy. The bitterness of this gorgeous note is elevated by a bitter orange, alongside vetiver and soft woods. The balance comes from an array of gentle, powdered florals as is always Francesca’s style, backed up by an array of vaguely tropical fruits which gives the scent a much needed boost of sweetness. It’s hard to say how this scent makes me feel, as it does not remind me of a specific place or emotion. Instead it feels like purgatory, as though you are suspended between both your dreams and your fears; ethereal calm surrounds you and offers an escape from the mundane. Utterly beautiful.