Dorothy Parker may have felt unlucky to receive one perfect rose, but I’m always searching for one perfect violet (perfume that is.) I don’t love the candy-sweet violet fragrances, and I’m not wild about some of the dark, earthy perfumes either. The violet is a delicate yet hardy wildflower in nature, and I want a variation on that.

Geo. F. Trumper, the London based barber and perfumer founded in 1875 has provided me with my perfect violet. It comes out of the bottle sharp and crisp, as befits a splash on cologne, then quickly drys down to a warm, slightly sweet fragrance that can be worn by men and women. Personally, I think it’s more of a women’s scent, but I can see one of those dashing British men with a pin striped suit lined in scarlet walking through Mayfair wearing this scent. Worn by either sex, this little cologne should be worn with an attitude; it’s up to you to decide which one!

The bottle is a frosted green rectangle with a crown stopper. Very British Empire and all that. $75 for 100 ml. Widely available, but Bigelow Chemists ships free for ordersover $75 in the US.