Damask

Damask by Ormonde Jayne is a refined, modern rose fragrance with a juicy, tart opening driven by black currant, pear, and Italian lemon. The heart is a luminous, soft pink rose with subtle jasmine and a hint of pink pepper, giving it a slightly exotic and sparkling quality. The base brings depth with vetiver, amber, and musk, creating a warm, elegant drydown that feels both grounded and elegant. It has a notable mineral quality noted as reminiscent of wine or citrus zest, and some wearers detect a velvety cocoa or gourmand sweetness that amplifies without becoming cloying. The performance is strong—lasting well into the day with moderate to strong sillage—and many find it more balanced and wearable than the heavier, jammy Delina. The fragrance is often described as a 'grown-up' rose: fresh, sophisticated, and intricately layered, evoking a couture silk dress, a cold-weather surprise, or a springtime garden full of bees. It’s particularly admired for its smooth integration of fruity notes into the floral core, making it feel natural rather than artificial. Visually, it leans into a modern, abstract elegance. While some find it comparable to Yves Saint Laurent Blouse or La Fille de Berlin, it stands apart with its crisp tartness, mineral clarity, and presence. It’s not overly sweet, nor frantic—just quietly magnetic. Its greatest strength lies in its beautiful, refined core: rose with a precise, harmonious structure and accessible tenacity. The fragrance feels thoughtful and well-crafted, moving beyond a simple rose to something more complex and personal. Note: A few users find it less unique, calling it a 'basic rose' or similar to known fragrances, or find the synthetic character of the Route de Soie line slightly overwhelming. Some also note its sharpness or the strength of the black currant and lemon, which can be intense for sensitive noses, especially in cold weather, where it may burst forward. However, these aspects also contribute to its energy and vitality.