Search for perfumes by name, brand, or notes

Overture Woman by Amouage is a Oriental Woody fragrance for women. Overture Woman was launched in 2020. The nose behind this fragrance is Annick Menardo. Top notes are Brandy, Apple, Saffron and Bergamot; middle notes are Benzoin, Myrhh, Cinnamon, May Rose and Geranium; base notes are Leather, Olibanum and Labdanum. Overture Women is exclusively presented in Harrods store. "A captivating creation from one of the world’s finest fragrance houses, Amouage has announced the release of Overture Womanexclusively at Harrods in London. An homage to the modern woman– bold, cultured, and full of mystique, Overture Woman tells the story of that once in a lifetimemoment when nothing else matters. Created by master perfumer Annick Menardo, the headyfragrance is a symphony of some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after ingredients, e vokingthe intense emotion of a captivating opera performance. To be in the presence ofOverture Womanis to bear witness to the extraordinary."As the new phase for Amouage continues to unfold, we are delighted to be pushing theboundaries of fragrance creation, while maintaining the brand’s precedence for exceptional qualityand craftmanship," said Renaud Salmon, Amouage’s Chief Experience Officer. "Standing on stageacross from Overture Man, Overture Woman is a timeless performance of elegance and grandeur immortalised in scent. At its heart is a sophisticated, confident and well-travelled discerning woman who seeks something compellingly precious, and personal." Completing the Overture narrative, Overture Woman tells the story of a confident young operaunderstudy who is given an opportunity of a lifetime, jumping in on a few hours' notice for an ailing principal. Standing in wait for the orchestra to finish playing the overture, setting the mood for her debut, she checks her gown. Wearing hundreds of layers of silk organza, with a structuredpearls and beads-embellished harness, she has chosen to match it with long, dramatic, greigeleather gloves, completing her dreamy ensemble. She takes a breath; she won’t shy away from theweight of the very high-profile role she's inherited. Overture Woman opens to vibrant Calvados, Bergamot and Saffron notes which are contrasted by the softne ss of Rose Centifolia, Geranium and Myrrh at its heart. As the fragrance matures,Frankincense, together with Labdanum and leather at its base, bring a timeless sophistication to Overture Woman. Menardo explained, "When creating a perfume, I believe the inspiration behind it is every bit as important as the ingredients. A fragrance is good when the accord surprises me. The pillars arethere, they answer one another, I see the pattern, I feel the melody. And it’s this melody, this ideaof an operatic infusion, that inspired Overture Woman. The saffron brings warmth and lift to a composition, while bergamot has a refreshing and sparkling effect. Apple adds volume, while rosecentifolia brings the characteristic rosy facet. Like instruments, the individual notes are dissonant,but when they are composed, they offer a lyrical harmony." - a note from the brand.
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and partner of other retailers, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Fire Starter — Overture Woman by Amouage
Amouage Overture Woman was former Creative Director Christopher Chong's last fragrance for the house, and it feels like a deliberate final statement. Created by Annick Menardo, it is the most overtly boozy composition in the Amouage range -- a rich, heady blend of apple brandy, saffron, rose jam, and leather that harks back to the monumental, uncompromising Amouage style. The community treats it with the respect a farewell deserves, even if not everyone falls in love at first spray.
The opening is a bold blast of bergamot and saffron -- bitter, dusty, and earthy -- that quickly reveals a brandy (calvados) accord many describe as the most compelling element. The heart builds around May rose, benzoin, myrrh, and cinnamon, creating a thick, jammy sweetness with resinous depth. Think rose jam with warm, melted apple brandy. The leather, frankincense, and labdanum base provides the gravitas Amouage is known for, ending the journey in a dry, smoky whisper.
What works: Performance is exceptional -- sillage and longevity are consistently rated 10/10 for a women's fragrance, with 8+ hours of strong wear reported across multiple platforms. The composition is complex and rewarding, with the saffron-brandy opening transitioning beautifully into the rose-leather drydown. Despite being marketed for women, the community considers this 100% unisex -- many male reviewers prefer it to Overture Man.
What doesn't: The first impression can be challenging. One reviewer's experience went from "oh no" to a complete 180 after committing to a full wear. The overall character is intense and not remotely casual -- this is not a fragrance for running errands. Some detect a "burnt rubbery" synthetic quality that prevents full love. And Amouage pricing means this is a serious investment.
Excellent. 8+ hours with above-average projection. This fragrance leaves a trail and makes an impression -- Amouage at full power.
Amouage enthusiasts and lovers of rich, boozy-spicy oriental compositions. Anyone who appreciates perfumery as art rather than commodity. Works on both genders. Give it a full wearing before judging -- first impressions can be misleading.
Overture Woman is a worthy final creation from one of niche perfumery's most important creative directors. Monumental in presence, rich in ingredients, and built to last -- it rewards patience and an appreciation for bold perfumery. A fitting closing act.
Consensus Rating
7.7/10
Community Sentiment
mixedSources Analyzed
8 community posts (5 Reddit) (3 forum)
Pros
Cons
Best For
Best Seasons
This review is based on analysis of 8 community discussions. Individual experiences may vary.