Lavender Thorne
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Racquets
by Penhaligon's
A sharply defined, bright citrus-woody scent centered around a bold lemon opening that quickly evolves into a warm, dry leather and ambroxan base. The fragrance strikes a delicate balance between freshness and maturity—initially zingy and almost detergent-like due to its crisp lemon top note, it settles into a refined, unisex woody-amber aroma that feels formal yet approachable. The scent has a distinct, photorealistic elegance, evoking memories of Victorian lawn games, clean leather, and sunlit grass in a summery setting. Longevity is moderate with reasonable performance, and it wears well on both men and women despite a perception of being slightly masculine. It stands out for its unique leather-note character, which some find unappealing, while others appreciate its clean, sophisticated dry down and complexity. The fragrance is an aromatic endorsement of simple elegance, best suited to spring and summer wear, with moderate sillage and a presence that lingers on skin with subtle development over time.
Pros
- +Unusually compelling blend of sharp lemon and woody leather base
- +Balanced and refined sillage with moderate projection
- +Suits unisex wear, especially for those preferring clean, sophisticated scents
- +Features a notable transformation journey from initial zing to dry down
- +Performs well on skin with reasonable longevity and subtle development
Cons
- −Initial lemon note can feel overly sharp or chemical
- −Leather and ambroxan base may overwhelm more delicate noses
- −Not strong enough in projection or longevity for its price point
- −Some find the lingering leather note unlikeable or animalic
- −Lacks broad appeal due to niche, distinctive character