The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Olivia Jan created Les Garçonnes Josephine Jonquille in 2009 as part of Crazylibellule & The Poppies' Les Garçonnes collection. The name Josephine Jonquille combines a woman's name with the French word for daffodil, suggesting someone golden, unapologetic, and in full bloom. The idea was to combine jonquil with Mexican chocolate, working with a bright yellow flower and anchoring it to something darker and more complex. Jan built from that contrast, creating a fragrance that balances lightness with depth.
The yellow Narcissus sits at the heart of Josephine Jonquille. This bulb flower has a distinctive sweetness that is both rich and green, with a warmth that lingers on the skin. It is not commonly used as a starring note in perfumery, which gives the fragrance a unique character. The Mexican chocolate adds a roasted, slightly bitter quality that complements the floral brightness without competing with it. Tiare brings a creamy, tropical quality that smooths the transition between the delicate yellow flowers and the darker base notes.
The evolution
The opening announces itself in citrus and spice: Amalfi lemon, cardamom, and fresh ginger. The citrus and spice blend together with a clean, bright quality that sets the stage for what follows. After some time, the florals take over, with jasmine emerging first, followed by the jonquil bringing its golden sweetness while tiare adds cream. The chocolate begins to show underneath, present but not dominant. Over time, jasmine and chocolate become more equal in prominence, the florals keeping the composition bright while the chocolate keeps it grounded. The drydown belongs to patchouli and dark chocolate, earthy and slightly bitter, lingering on the skin for hours.
Cultural impact
Josephine Jonquille has become a sought-after fragrance among collectors who discovered it during the period when Crazylibellule & The Poppies was active. The combination of yellow florals with dark chocolate was an unusual choice, pairing bright garden notes with richer, more unexpected elements. This unusual pairing has contributed to its enduring appeal among those who appreciate fragrances that break from convention.
