It was a autumn afternoon when I first encountered Spontaneous Generosity by State
of Mind. The moment I held the box, I was struck by its artistry. The packaging,
adorned with intricate hand-drawn illustrations, hinted at a story waiting to be told. As
I opened it, the unique bottle revealed itself—sleek, geometric, and embellished with
gold accents. It was a masterpiece of Art Deco design, exuding elegance and
sophistication. Even before I smelled the fragrance, I felt connected to its philosophy:
“Generous people do not have the best of everything; they make the best of
everything.”

Discovering the Brand’s Concept

State of Mind isn’t just a perfumery; it’s an experience. The brand’s ethos blends
luxury fragrance with the refinement of tea, creating a sensory connection between
scent and taste.
The brand is built on the idea that scent and taste go hand in hand, working together
to evoke emotions and memories. Each perfume in the collection is paired with a
specific tea, with harmoniously aligned fragrance notes and flavors. This approach
highlights the sensory connection between smell and taste.
I was intrigued to learn that their flagship boutique resides in Versailles, France—a
city imbued with history and elegance. Memories of my visit to the gardens of
Versailles flooded back. It was over 15 years ago, and yet the vivid imagery of
strolling through the immaculate hedges and fountains stayed with me. The idea of
returning in 2025, this time to explore the Olfactory Tea Room, now fills me with
excitement.

The Connection Between Tea and Perfumes
A prime example is the fragrance Spontaneous Generosity, which is paired with a tea
featuring warm and gourmand elements, such as Assam black tea. This tea
enhances the aromatic experience of the fragrance, which features notes of fig,
sandalwood, and caramel. The tea not only mirrors the perfume’s notes but also
provides a soothing experience that aligns with the brand’s philosophy: balance,
refinement, and a celebration of the senses.
This unique combination makes State of Mind not just a perfume house but a lifestyle
brand that inspires people to take time for themselves and embrace their senses.

Experiencing the Fragrance

The scent itself was enchanting, though it surprised me. While the top note of black
tea was listed, I hardly noticed it. Instead, the warm, gourmand embrace of fig,
caramel, and tonka bean captured my senses. The fragrance felt more feminine than
unisex, with a soft, powdery drydown thanks to the fig, subtly enhanced by the faint
sweetness of cherry and caramel. It was the epitome of comfort—perfect for winter
evenings, like wrapping yourself in a luxurious cashmere blanket.

The longevity and sillage were phenomenal. Even after a full night’s sleep, I could still
detect its lingering warmth. However, the projection was subtle, almost intimate.
While I appreciated its softness, I tend to prefer fragrances with a bold, enveloping
aura. For me, this muted quality was its only drawback, as it didn’t create the
commanding presence I often seek in a perfume.

As I reflect on this discovery, I find myself daydreaming about returning to Versailles.
The thought of wandering through the historic gardens again, followed by a visit to
the State of Mind tea house, feels like a perfect way to reconnect with the past while
embracing something new. Sipping their curated teas while surrounded by the
essence of their fragrances would be a moment of pure sensory delight. For now,
Spontaneous Generosity sits on my vanity, a fragrant reminder of the elegance of
Versailles and the artistry of State of Mind.