Plutonic Rainbows

Dior has long been a beacon of luxury and refinement, and the latest addition to its fragrance line, Bois Talisman, is no exception. This captivating scent pays tribute to Dior’s storied heritage, blending the timeless elegance we expect from the house with a modern twist that appeals to contemporary tastes. Here are my reflections on this aromatic creation.

From the very first spritz, Bois Talisman enchants with a smooth, woody aura that envelops the senses in warmth and comfort. There’s a delicate yet distinctive quality to it — rich enough to command attention but never overbearing. The opening bursts with the faintest hint of spice, balanced beautifully by a subtle sweetness that gently beckons you in.

As the fragrance settles, you begin to appreciate the complexity of its composition. The heart introduces floral accents that lend a whisper of softness, weaving gracefully into the woody undercurrent. It’s a nuanced combination, simultaneously sophisticated and approachable. This duality captures the spirit of Dior’s current perfume offerings — rooted in classic French perfumery yet brimming with modern flair.

In the base, gentle notes of resinous woods and smooth musk linger close to the skin, creating a comforting trail. Bois Talisman truly comes alive in cooler weather, when its cosy depth reveals itself most fully. It’s perfect for those who love an understated sense of luxury, the sort of allure that invites others to lean in a little closer.

Presented in a sleek bottle that embodies Dior’s signature style, Bois Talisman feels like a modern heirloom. It glimmers with understated sophistication, the kind of fragrance you’d reach for when you want to leave a lasting impression without straying too far from the classics. Whether you’re an avid Dior collector or simply someone seeking a new everyday indulgence, this enthralling scent is worth exploring. It’s a testament to Dior’s continued pursuit of olfactory artistry, delivering a refined fragrance with an edge of enchantment.

For the past few months, I simply haven’t been able to get this fragrance out of my mind, so I was delighted when a small sample finally arrived from the States. I’d been eagerly awaiting its arrival, especially as this brand has only released a handful of products over the last ten years.

On my first try, I detect a hint of liquorice, which is really quite lovely. I’ll need to explore it further, though I’m not yet certain about its longevity or strength.

Update (26 January 2025): I have tried this fragrance again today and must note that it smells remarkably similar to Dior’s New Look. This new impression comes from a more detailed testing session, where its distinctive floral nuances and elegant sillage echoed the Dior creation’s signature blend.

My new book arrived today: Prompt Engineering for Generative AI, a new publication focusing on the application of large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models. I do think O’Reilly books are overpriced, but they do offer publications on very specialised topics.

I added some React animations to an app I am working on. It looks completely different to how I was originally using it. Last year, I was basically sending all my json requests via the terminal.

I also added a simple React animation to this site. The title should now sweep into view.

I couldn’t get out to exercise today because it was raining on and off, so I spent many hours working on prompting templates for Flux. I finally managed to send my fleece off for repairs. It’s still a brilliant piece of winter clothing, so letting a few rusty zips stop me from using it seemed rather wasteful.