by Xerjoff
Pikovaya Dama is a luxurious, opulent scent with a radiant opening of aldehydes, citrus, and powdery iris, creating a crisp, icy, and soapy impression reminiscent of high-end detergents and vintage perfumed linens. The scent evolves into a layered, aromatic heart combining herbal coriander, incense, and dry woody facets over a soft, creamy musk foundation, with sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla adding warmth and depth. It maintains a distinct unisex character, with early notes leaning feminine due to the aldehydic, floral, and powdery accords, but the complexity shifts toward a refined masculine leaning in the middle and base, featuring dry woods, incense, and subtle sweetness. The fragrance is exceptionally long-lasting and projects strongly, making it impossible to ignore, and it leaves a memorable, polished trail. It is not an everyday scent and requires a specific sensibility to appreciate its brilliance — many find it overwhelmingly soapy or assertive, while others recognize its masterful blending, elegance, and vintage charm. Despite the high price point, it earns admiration as a sensual, modern classic with a timeless quality.