Launched in 2013 by niche Italian house Merchant of Venice, Suave Petals, is one of six eau de parfum in the "Murano Collection".

It was inspired by peach blossom: “In Asia, peach blossom represents feminine beauty. During the Chinese New Year, those who wish to find love must buy a peach tree. The soft velvety touch of Suave Petals creates sensorial layers that lightly grace a woman’s skin.”

Suave Petals opens with bitter, citrusy bergamot leading to notes of sweet, juicy apple and pineapple. They usher in a lush note of nectarine blossom – not peach. Nectarine and peach are the same species, but nectarine blossom is a little sweeter, with more of an apricot nuance. Used here, it gives a fuller peach effect. It also has a floral aspect that merges with the violet aspect of orris root, so the opening is fruity/sweet, floral and summery but gentle, smooth and suave.

As it blooms, the petals appear: creamy, fleshy tuberose and citrusy, honeyed orange flower, their headiness amplified with opulent, romantic rose. The fruits at the top are beautifully tempered by the flowers at the heart and make me smile every time I get a whiff of it, them rising from my skin. At the base, sandalwood and patchouli give it woodiness and are a nod to the east. A touch of vanilla sweetens it just enough while musk smooths it out, like a second, sensuous skin.

The drydown is smooth, sophisticated and very feminine. Suave Petals is so beautifully blended that I get gorgeous fruity, floral and woody whiffs, but nothing dominates or is loud. As much as I love peaches, I want to wear them in a fragrance just the way they are presented here: a soft, gentle reminder of summer days past that I carry for hours on my skin on summer days present.

Notes: bergamot, nectarine, apple, pineapple, iris, tuberose, orange flower, white rose, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and musk.