Francesca Bianchi’s latest creation, The Code of Emotion, veers from her usual stylings. Gone are the powdery orris and sepia-toned animalic leathers. Instead, the focus shifts to an appealing fruity scent built around a fougère framework. Indeed, I had a surprising emotional reaction after spraying The Code of Emotion. I found it positively smile-inducing.
The Code of Emotion drifts so far from her usual approach that I would never have guessed it to be her creation if I had not read the Bianchi name on the decant. That’s not the only peculiarity. Although it’s a fougère and naturally should smell tethered to the past, it doesn’t. The Code of Emotion smells modern, largely thanks to the fruity opening. Indeed, had I not read the notes beforehand, I might not have picked the opening fruity note as mango. It smells like a medley of fruits, comprised of passionfruit, guava, kiwi, etc. But yes, mango remains plausible. Nonetheless, it’s a well-executed accord that’s juicy and pulpy rather than overly sweet.
As the fragrance progresses, the aromatic nuances become more apparent. Hints of lavender and geranium combine to give that patented barbershop aroma. However, it never becomes the defining characteristic. To be sure, The Code of Emotion is fruity first, fougère second.
That’s my main gripe with The Code of Emotion. It’s simply too fruity for my taste. I can’t help but wonder what audience this perfume might attract. Dyed-in-the-wool Bianchi lovers will most likely not enjoy The Code of Emotion. People don’t like change, and overriding emotions of anger and disappointment may follow for those expecting another Under My Skin or Sticky Fingers. Fougère freaks won’t find enough aromatic nuance in The Code of Emotion to scratch the itch. The happiest group may be the lovers of fruity fragrances, but I can’t imagine that collective gravitating towards Bianchi.
I hope I’m wrong and it does well for the brand, finding a new audience for her fragrances. She deliberately set out to do something different with this perfume and succeeded. It’s not easy to take a risk, so kudos to her for attempting something different here. But I’m still left in a bit of a bind. I’ve never found a Bianchi scent I could call my own, and this one doesn’t quite hit the spot, either. That said, I was never anything other than happy while wearing the perfume, which can’t be a bad thing.
Have you tried this new perfume from Francesca Bianchi? What are your thoughts on the brand?
Note: I bought The Code of Emotion sample. All photos are my own, other than the bottle image. (Google)
Great review! I am very curious to try this one!
Thanks very much, Tetê. I’m curious to see what you make of it.
This sounds appealing. I sort of enjoyed Byredo Pulp, is this in a similar vein?
I liked Pulp too, but I can’t say I thought of that one while smelling this, Alityke. That one gave me more of a fermented fruity vibe. There’s a more evident woody contrast in The Code of Emotion.
I quite like mango scents, so might enjoy this one. It might attract people with no preconceptions who discover it by notes or other theme.
Good point, Nose Prose! And yes, you may enjoy this fragrance.
The hallmark of a true artist is the ability to recognize when it’s time to make a change. Perhaps Francesca Bianchi has decided to break away from the conventional style previously associated with her, and explore something fresh. While I’m not a fan of fruity-sweet perfumes, reviewing the notes of The Code of Emotion makes me think this perfume is a creative exercise. Sucessful for her or not, there we have it.
Well said, Flaconneur! Yes, it’s an interesting venture to do something completely different. Not all brands are brave enough to try. Hopefully you get to sample the scent sometime.
A fruity fougère? That’s definitely something I’d love to try asap! Your thoughts and pics are making me smile too, dear Daniel. 😊
Thanks, Rich. Yes, it’s certainly worth a sample.