I never imagined that a shopping trip to Zara would change my perspective on fragrance. The store always felt overwhelming, busy, crowded, and far from the calm, curated experience I usually seek. But this year, while accompanying a friend, I stumbled upon something that caught my eye: a collection of minimalist, elegantly designed perfume bottles that stood out amid the usual fast-fashion frenzy. These were part of the Zara Emotions by Jo Malone collection, a collaboration that piqued my curiosity immediately.
A Surprising Discovery: From Doubt to Delight
The Zara Emotions collection, launched in November 2019, brings together the creative vision of Jo Malone CBE, the British perfumer renowned for her namesake luxury brand, with Zara’s accessible fashion ethos. Known for her expertise in crafting elegant, understated fragrances, Jo Malone’s collaboration with Zara seemed like an unusual but intriguing venture into more affordable territory. To explore further, I ordered the Discovery Set from the Emotions collection, curious to see how these fragrances might compare to her more expensive line.
I found two scents from the set that immediately stood out: Ebony Wood and Waterlily Tea Dress. These fragrances captured my attention and quickly became favorites, each offering a unique and sophisticated profile that felt worlds apart from typical high-street offerings. This led me back to Zara for more exploration, and that’s when I discovered another unexpected treasure: Fashionably London.
Ebony Wood: A Warm, Enveloping Embrace
The first scent that truly captivated me was Ebony Wood. From the moment I sprayed it, I was drawn in by its warmth and depth. With notes of pink peppercorn, clove, and ebony wood, this fragrance feels like a rich, comforting embrace. It opens with a warm, spicy burst of pink peppercorn that is quickly softened by the earthy, slightly smoky clove. As it settles, the base note of ebony wood emerges, providing a luxurious, woody foundation that lingers on the skin for hours, unfolding gently over time.
What surprised me most about Ebony Wood was its complexity. Unlike many fragrances at this price point, $29.90 for a 90ml bottle, it offers a richness and sophistication that rivals far more expensive perfumes. It quickly became a staple in my collection, perfect for everyday wear and special occasions alike. It’s the kind of scent that feels comforting and luxurious, suitable for both day and night.
Waterlily Tea Dress: Fresh, Elegant, and Effortlessly Chic
Then there is Waterlily Tea Dress, another standout from the Discovery Set. This fragrance is like stepping into a serene, dewy garden at dawn. With notes of bergamot, spearmint, and musk, it offers a crisp, light, and refreshing profile. The opening is bright with bergamot, lending a citrusy sharpness that feels invigorating, while the spearmint adds an herbal coolness that is both fresh and uplifting. As it dries down, the musk introduces a subtle warmth, leaving a delicate, clean trail that is both elegant and understated.
Waterlily Tea Dress quickly became my choice for days when I want a scent that is light yet memorable. It embodies simplicity and grace, making it perfect for an afternoon gathering or a day at the office. There is something so refreshing about its clean, modern feel, leaving just enough of a lingering scent to make an impression without overpowering.
Fashionably London: A Modern Classic Discovered by Chance
On my return trip to Zara, eager to explore more from this collection, I discovered Fashionably London. This scent, with its blend of bergamot, rose, and musk, captures the duality of London, a city where tradition meets contemporary style. It begins with a bright note of bergamot, giving it a fresh and lively start. This quickly softens into a refined rose that feels green and slightly dewy, not overly floral or sweet. As it dries down, the musk adds a subtle warmth, grounding the fragrance with a sensual depth that is both timeless and modern.
Fashionably London has become a versatile addition to my collection. It’s the kind of fragrance that transitions effortlessly from day to night, capturing the essence of London’s charm, both its historic elegance and its cutting-edge style. I wear it when I want a scent that feels both comforting and intriguing, like a hidden gem in the heart of a bustling city.
Exploring the Broader Collection: Emotions and Cities
While these three have become my personal favorites, the Zara Emotions by Jo Malone collaboration offers a wider range of fragrances, each designed to evoke different emotions, experiences, and locations.
The Emotions Collection includes scents like Vetiver Pamplemousse, a lively blend of grapefruit, mandarin, and vetiver, which feels bright and zesty, perfect for lovers of fresh, citrusy fragrances. Amalfi Sunray takes you straight to the Mediterranean coast with its sunny blend of bergamot, mandarin, and orange flower, evoking warm, sunlit days by the sea. Bohemian Bluebells offers a soothing floral experience with lavender, sandalwood, and musk, ideal for a calm, introspective mood. Tuberose Noir is for those who love bold, heady florals, blending tuberose, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood for a rich, seductive scent. Fleur de Patchouli brings an earthy, grounded depth with notes of peony, patchouli, and guaiac wood, while Fleur d’Oranger captures the brightness of a Mediterranean garden in bloom with its mix of orange blossom, neroli, and ylang-ylang.
The Vibrant Cities Collection, launched in 2021, is inspired by some of the world’s most iconic cities. Elegantly Tokyo captures the serene beauty of Japan with notes of cherry blossom, honeysuckle, ylang-ylang, and jasmine, creating a floral and woody blend that feels refined and balanced. Energetically New York reflects the dynamic pulse of the city with a lively combination of cardamom, jasmine, and sandalwood. Gracefully Madrid offers a warm, sunny fragrance with orange blossom, neroli, and amber, evoking the festive spirit of Spain. Boldly Seoul provides a fresh, contemporary feel with pear, lily of the valley, and white musk, while Magnificently Dubai is exotic and luxurious with saffron, nutmeg, and oud. Stunningly Venice combines blackcurrant, tarragon, mint, bergamot, raspberry, and rose to embody the romantic charm of Venice.
Affordable Luxury with a Surprising Twist
What makes the Zara Emotions by Jo Malone collection remarkable is its ability to deliver high-quality, sophisticated fragrances at an accessible price. At $29.90 for a 90ml bottle, these scents offer an olfactory experience that feels far more luxurious than their cost suggests. Jo Malone has skillfully created fragrances that are elegant, timeless, and surprisingly affordable, bridging the gap between high-end perfumery and everyday accessibility.
If you’ve been hesitant to explore high-street fragrances, I encourage you to give this collection a try. Start with the Discovery Set, and allow yourself to be surprised. You might just discover a new favorite scent that redefines how you think about perfume.
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