Is it sensible marketing or a happy coincidence that Le Labo released a new floral-forward scent during the month of the Spring Festival? We don't know the goings-on of how the universe (or the promotional machine) operates but, at least we have something to pair with our Chinese New Year outfits.

The Le Labo Classic Collection expands its number by another scent. This time, it is a fragrance that you can't put your finger on. While some notes are instantly classifiable, violet isn't one of them. For VIOLETTE 30, this is a scent that refuses to settle on a single mood, identity, or meaning.

Inspiration is taken from the language of flowers, where violet sits comfortably in multiple states: symbolising innocence and desire, humility and resolve, restraint and passion. Rather than resolve these tensions, VIOLETTE 30 leans into them. White violet is the main ingredient, and it differs from the usual powdery version often used with cosmetics or nostalgia. It opens with verdant green floral notes before unfurling into a calming white tea. Anchoring the composition is cedarwood, a dry warmth, while guaiacwood adds a smoky, resinous depth.

There's an appeal of a scent that is in flux; an insinuation that when a body contains multitudes, that many facets are best embraced rather than distilled; that's one way of looking at VIOLETTE 30. (And perhaps, you've already fit VIOLETTE 30 into a convenient bracket and THAT IS FINE, AS WELL.)

As usual, every bottle is blended fresh and labelled with a personalised message of your choice. Available in 50ml, 100ml, and 500ml formats, you can use the same Le Labo bottle or any kind of container, where VIOLETTE 30 can be refilled into at select labs worldwide at 20 per cent off the retail price.

The VIOLETTE 30 is now available at all Le Labo outlets and online.