Best Luxe Calme Volupte by Francesca Bianchi Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Inspired by the concepts of “green” and “freedom”, Terra Hedera evokes horseback riding on the Mongolian steppe. A green hyacinth intertwined with tenacious ivy and crisp galbanum.

Perfumer: Corinne Cachen

Matilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon I, was known for her breasts (“le plus beau décolleté”) and her talent as a painter. She also hosted a celebrated 19th-century Parisian salon attended by the greatest artists and writers of her time. This namesake perfume is an olfactory salon of provocative white florals (ylang-ylang, narcissus, jasmine) given tropical succulence with passion fruit and papaya. Mathilde’s heady brightness is softened by iris and sandalwood.

According to ancient religious scriptures, Mary mother of Jesus was informed of her destiny by the Archangel Gabriel when she was about 13 years old. Artists over the centuries have been captivated by the idea of this scene, a startled schoolgirl recoiling in shock from the supernatural being. The lily, symbolizing purity and innocence, is not only a common element of these artworks, but is also the inspiration for this extrait. In principio, Latin for “in the beginning”, is a meditation on the creamy radiance of lily, supported by the down-low sensuality of ylang ylang. Mace, sweeter than nutmeg and softer than incense, lends clarity, while sweet/tart kumquat sharpens the focus.

Limited to 58 bottles, 48% extrait.

Blended with:

White lily absolute, 
Kumquat essential oil, 
Mace absolute, 
Nutmeg tincture, 
Bitter orange essential oil , 
Ylang Ylang essential oil, 
Elemi essential oil, 
Tuscan cypress essential oil, 
Pompia essential oil, 
Turkish rose absolute, 
Rosewood essential oil, 
Frankincense rivae, 
Juhi jasmine absolute, 
Cistus tincture, 
Ambergris.

Important notice:

Zanini blends are living botanical compositions, crafted entirely from natural materials and free from synthetic fixatives or stabilizers. As with all things living, subtle variations are part of their nature: over time, you may notice a gentle evolution in colour, texture, or the appearance of natural sediment. These are not imperfections, but part of the character of the raw materials themselves.

These blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes) and sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).

Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in Zanini’s 100% natural blends may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Zanini’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). 

Zanini advise that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.

Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Zanini’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.

A modern interpretation of a classic chypre, this is an unapologetic  abundance of statement florals: hyacinth, rose and narcissus. The entrance to this hidden garden is garlanded with the herbal bitterness of galbanum, cushioned by a dark green carpet of vetiver and moss. Like a geisha’s serene beauty that hides her inner power, this extrait de parfum is a statement of mystery and strength.

Perfumer: Ralf Schwieger 

March 1930, London

A group of architects gather for cocktails at Mayfair's smartest Art Deco smoking room. As they settle in the warm interior of dark woods, leather and velvet, London's bright young things burst in, frosted martinis in hand, surrounded by a cloud of laughter - white smoke and fine vanilla.

Inspired by the mythical nectar of the gods, Ambrosia opens with the sweet, delicate notes of plumeria and mango, layered with the lush richness of peach, lychee, and coconut. The heart reveals the creamy depth of heliotrope, musk, and guava, while wafts of French orris, Mysore and Sri Lankan sandalwood, Indian tuberose and vintage Ethiopian civet evoke a divine atmosphere—capturing the essence of heavenly indulgence.

Travel to glorious Florence via the waftings of Firenze, an amplified interpretation of a classic Italian cologne. Bursting with fresh citrus, including bergamot, bitter orange, and lemon, it’s a match for you at your radiant, vibrant best. The Tuscan sunshine softens into Tuscan woods with dusky sandalwood and vetiver upholstering the gleam with velvet.

A timeless, traditional cologne: fresh, versatile and eternally elegant like all true classics. The fragrance expresses all its radiant freshness with the most intoxicating citrus aromas: Bergamot, Lemon and Orange are a perfect contrast to the Lavender and invigorating Mediterranean herbs.

Astra Infinita is Latin for “endless stars”, and this extrait is a celestial blend of brightness and depth. It opens with a citrus supernova: Sicilian lemon, bitter orange and Calabrian bergamot, softened by the golden ripeness of mango and the narcotic bloom of Reunion ylang-ylang.
Then Siberian birch and Indonesian clove meet black pepper and cedarwood, a core that feels both grounded and otherworldly. The base is slow-burning and eternal: Spanish labdanum, Cambodian oud, Mysore sandalwood and Bourbon vanilla. These stars are not distant. They’re drawn to you.

Lacura, the name of this perfume extrait sounds a bit like Latin or some magic language for "protection or cure".

It’s an uplifting nectarous woody citrus formula that has the complete set of wonderful perfume materials from the bitter orange tree: bigarade oil from the fruit, neroli and orange blossom absolute from the bloom and the fresh woody petigrain from leaves and twigs. That citrus and fresh woody plenty is layered with voluminous modern musks (velvety Velutone), gleaming vanilla, caramel and benzoin.

In the times when most people still believed in the magic of scent, orange blossom was considered to be a symbol/good charm for marital harmony and bliss (and often it’s still part of brides’ bouquets) and also an aphrodisiac.

Mendittorosa still believe in perfume magic crafting their blends in the old town of Napoli and Lacura is their recipe for lifting moods and happy dreams.