# Fragonard — Violette

> Violette is Fragonard's 2012 Flower of the Year, a fruit-tinted violet fragrance that is softer and sweeter than a strict violet soliflore.

## Essence
Violette is Fragonard's 2012 Flower of the Year, a fruit-tinted violet fragrance that is softer and sweeter than a strict violet soliflore.
## Scent Profile
Blackberry, orange and mandarin make the opening bright and fruity. Violet is the center, supported by rose and jasmine, and the base brings raspberry, musk and amber sweetness. This fuller structure matters: the fragrance is not simply a single flower, but a soft purple bouquet with fruit around it.
On skin, it can feel powdery and violet-forward, especially as the citrus quiets. On others, the fruit becomes more prominent and the composition takes on a candied, youthful character. The later musk and amber keep it smooth and sweet rather than green or austere.
## Performance
Expect light-to-moderate EDT performance. It is not loud, and its longevity varies widely by wearer, from a brief soft wear to a veil that lasts for hours. Generous application works better than expecting a strong trail.
## Wearing Context
Violette fits spring and summer daytime use, easy office wear, casual romantic settings and warm climates. It is youthful, soft and pretty rather than formal or dramatic. It can also work well as a light linen scent.
## Comparisons & DNA
Balenciaga Paris is a useful reference for powdery violet elegance, though Violette is fruitier and lighter. Chanel Misia offers another soft violet-powder comparison. Crabtree and Evelyn Venetian Violet is closer in mood but creamier, while Tresor Midnight Rose helps explain the darker fruity sweetness. None should be treated as an exact match.
## Reception
The fragrance divides along the meaning of violet. Those who enjoy sweet, powdery, fruit-tinted violets often find it charming and easy to wear. Those seeking a strict, leafy or historical violet tend to find the fruit too dominant, the violet too faint or the effect too youthful. Its softness is both a virtue and a limitation.
## Versions & Reformulation
Violette launched in 2012 as the Flower of the Year, and a solid perfume variant was later discontinued. Evidence on the EDT itself is mixed: some listings show it in production while other accounts describe it as disappearing. That is an availability question, not a confirmed reformulation.
## Acquisition Notes
The original EDT was sold in a small affordable bottle with matching violet products, and larger formats also circulated. Current stock is inconsistent, so availability should be confirmed before searching for a particular format.
## Notable Facts & Lore
- Violette was Fragonard's 2012 Flower of the Year.
- The violet launch included complementary soap and candle products.
- Its fruit and musk structure makes it less literal than a classic violet soliflore.