Boadicea the Victorious Sterling

The Bottle

Sterling warms the recurring circular bottle with pale golden liquid glowing around its broad body. The oversized interlaced medallion and bright framing bring plenty of ornament to the front, while the bulbous tiered cap gives the top a slightly ceremonial shape. It’s recognisable and far from minimalist, though the crowded centre won’t suit quiet shelves. The gold-and-silver contrast helps, giving the bottle more variation than a straightforward repeat of the house formula. Sterling is decorative, confident and warmer in mood than its name might suggest.

Original or Clone

Sterling’s strongest case is its standing as a reference: three houses have attempted to reproduce a fragrance whose voted profile is Green, Leather and Aromatic, with Animalic also present. That attention gives the original a reason to be considered before an interpretation, even though we have no resemblance scores to declare a winner. The bottle is distinctive enough to add some pleasure to that choice, with its broad circular form and oversized plaque. An interpretation remains a reasonable call, but the evidence gives Sterling the stronger claim.