Review: Steven Khalil Eau de Parfum

Australian designer Steven Khalil creates the kind of gowns that Disney princesses would hardly dare to dream of. Intricately detailed, often sparkling with jewels and flowing with the kind of magical movement usually relegated to the world of CGI, these are creations that seem impossibly fluid and incredibly feminine. What’s underneath those gowns (so I’ve heard), are all sorts of tricks of tailoring that nip waists, present just the right hint of the curve of a bust or hip, decorate clavicles and spines with accents that have to be perfect so as to add to the final effect rather than detract.

When you’re aiming for something really sumptuous, you better hit each note right.

Applying the same standard of luxury to his first fragrance as he does to his one-of-a-kind gowns, Khalil’s Eau de Parfum contains only the finest absolutes and extracts: we’re talking all the big hitters lily of the valley, tuberose, jasmine and neroli, macerated for months to ensure their balance would be perfect. And like the expert tailoring that underpins those magical sweeping gowns, this epic parfum is carefully constructed to handle the weight of those florals flawlessly. Quite a cool and slightly bitter bergamot opening sweetens into tangerine, a gorgeous choice of citrus for a classic opening, and feminine snow peach adds skin-clinging softness to those big white flowers as they make their appearance. A drizzle of honey lengthens the fragrance into a sensual, almost exotic base of patchouli, tonka and sandalwood.

Steven Khalil Eau de Parfum wears without huge sillage for at least eight hours on my skin, slowly gliding along like magic. It’s the touches of peach and honey, very carefully positioned to ease the (divinely long) progression of this scent that make it so magical.

Brides, white flower lovers, and anyone who wants something sensual next to their skin but unfortunately did not wake up this morning transformed into a Disney princess, seek this out. 

Steven Khalil Eau de Parfum, $190 for 100ml