Moonlight Patchouli Le Parfum by Vancleef & Arpels: A New Take on a Beloved Fragrance

Van Cleef & Arpels is one of those houses that flies under people’s radars. It’s easy to forget about them until they release something new, and that is what they have done… Well, sort of. The original Moonlight Patchouli has somewhat of a cult following among aficionados. The new Le Parfum version is a restructuring of sorts to bring you into a new realm of dark mystery.

Moonlight Patchouli Le Parfum promises to be a richer and smoother version of the EDP. Boasting more rosy notes than its predecessor paired with a fresher top of bergamot and fresh spicy notes, compared with the EDP going straight to business with the cacao and patchouli in the top. The EDP still has a honeyed rose heart, but it is paired with iris in the EDP, and the Le Parfum is composed with two different rose accords. That is certainly something I won’t complain about!

The base is where it truly differs to me. They have foregone the sweet fruity notes and replaced it with amber, which should work to smoothen the suede out with the patchouli being richer and bolder being a base note. The signature suede accord will certainly play a big role in the Le Parfum, as it did in the original version.

As for the bottle, I am thoroughly impressed with the presentation. The jet-black bottle has adorned patchouli leaves on it in gold and black. The black cap features a gold neck that has a tassel hanging from it with a golden Van Cleef & Arpels monogram.  The box is what seals the deal for me being bathed in shades of white, but when you lift the top, you have a forest of white patchouli surrounding the bottle, which really brings home the idea of moonlight when it’s contrasted with the dark bottle. This is just an example of really understanding the perfume to make a presentation like this. As for the price, it’s £175 at Harrods for a 75ml.