The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Tres Violet arrived in 2024 as part of Anfar London's Serie de Velvet. Perfumer Abdullah Anfar created it. Six citrus top notes arrive in a rush, a bright burst of lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit that opens the fragrance with immediate energy. The citrus wave is crisp and slightly tart, like the first moments of morning light cutting through a room. As these top notes begin to soften, they give way to a heart of May rose and apricot, where the rose brings a powdery, romantic softness while the apricot adds a lush, sun-ripened sweetness that feels both modern and timeless. The overall effect is a fragrance that knows how to make an entrance without overwhelming the space.
The heart of Tres Violet is what makes it worth wearing. Apricot adds stone-fruit weight without tipping into jam, giving the fragrance a sensuous roundness that feels ripe and natural. Carrot seed and basil introduce an earthy-green counterpoint that keeps the florals from floating away, grounding the composition with herbal depth. The combination of these notes creates an interesting tension: the florals remain present but never dominate, while the earthier elements add structure without pulling the fragrance into masculine territory.
The evolution
The opening hits fast. Citron, lemon, orange, mint, blackcurrant, coriander, six notes arriving together in a bright, almost startling rush. Mint cools the citrus edges. Blackcurrant adds a tart, wine-like depth. Coriander brings a faint spice. Within fifteen minutes, the citrus begins to settle and the heart takes over. May rose emerges first, gentle and powdery, then apricot sweeps in with its warm stone-fruit sweetness. Carrot seed and basil ground the florals without overwhelming them. The transition is seamless, there's no moment where one phase ends and another begins. By the third hour, the base arrives: dates and fig add a honeyed, slightly earthy sweetness while ambrette keeps everything intimate. The drydown is close to the skin, lasting another hour or two as a quiet warmth. On fabric, it lingers until the next wash.
Cultural impact
The fruity-floral category remains popular in mainstream perfumery, and Tres Violet enters this space with its own take on the style. The fragrance features bright citrus and berries alongside floral heart notes, creating a scent profile that feels familiar yet distinct. Rather than following trends toward heavy oriental compositions, Tres Violet leans into freshness and accessibility, appealing to those who appreciate fruity florals without the density of traditional oriental fragrances.
