Bottega Veneta Knot has changed my view of orange blossom fragrances. For me, orange blossom often takes one of two directions: it’s either a sweet bridal concoction or a laundry-fresh soap monster.¹ Knot is something else. Although it definitely focuses on orange blossom, it’s dry and herbal, yet holds a sweet, musky core deep in its dry down that gently harkens back to the original Bottega Veneta. If you ask me, Knot is one of the few rewards of department store perfumes.

Perfumer Daniela Andrier (Prada Infusion d’Iris, Prada Candy, Marni Marni) developed Knot. Its notes include clementine accord (mandarin, limette, neroli, and orange blossom), lavender, rose, peony, musk and tonka bean. Of all these notes, orange blossom rises to the top with its soapy-musky feel. But instead of coming off as a guest bathroom soap extravaganza, Knot feels classic in its subtle, clean-woody presence…

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