I first heard of Sixteen92 Bruise Violet while researching fragrances inspired by cosmetics a couple of years ago. I was immediately drawn to its name and description, which both seemed to point to a very original creation.
Bruise Violet is inspired by the Riot Grrrl, an American early-nineties feminist punk movement that addresses many aspects of women’s empowerment. The fragrance is named after Bruise Violet, a song by one of these punk rock bands, Babes in Toyland.
It took time for me to fully appreciate it. I tried it during the day and in the evening and let it develop under different mind states and weather conditions. It grew on me each time I took it all in, and my cherished 7.5 ml travel-size vial was recently followed by a 30 ml full-size bottle.
With its lusciously waxy and pleasantly piercing character, Bruise Violet features a voluptuous iris dappled with violets, which add a feminine accent. The composition is lightened by grapefruit zest, which conveys luminosity. Powdery notes and roses remain in the background vaguely bringing to mind vintage perfumes, but the creation is still modern and whimsical. My nose detects a darker accent, like an animalic note that adds depth, complexity, and sensuality to the fragrance.
This is the perfect retro-style lipstick with an eighties and nineties punk edge.
Sixteen92’s beautiful and imaginative creations are inspired by literature, history, magic, and witchcraft. The line was founded in 2014 by perfumer and CEO Claire Baxter, who produces small batches of many fragrance offerings and hand fills each order in Fort Worth, Texas.
The creation won an Art and Olfaction award under the Artisan Category in 2017 and was received with much praise by the fragrance community.
Bruise Violet’s notes and accords are listed as they appear on the house’s website:
Red Lipstick Accord, Dusting Powder, White Iris, Violet Leaf, Damascus & Bulgarian Rose, Red Grapefruit Zest
The fragrance is available as Extrait de Parfum in 30 ml and 7.5 ml spray bottles, or as premium perfume oil in 2 ml, 6 ml, or 10 ml roll-on bottles.
I reviewed the fragrance from my personal bottles.
Super creative photo by Sarah McGuire
