Some astute critic once said that if brown velvet could talk, it would speak with Alan Rickman’s voice. An attractive thougth, yes? No one objects to hearing velvet. Victoria’s Secret goes even further in the velvet sensory experience by attempting to capture the smell of the fabric with their latest addition to their Parfums Intimes, Velvet Amber Blackberry.

I layered the Fragrance Lotion ($24 at victoriassecret.com) under the Eau de Parfum ($55.) The collection also includes a Fragrance Mist ($28) and Shimmer Fragrance Powder ($25.) Above all, the sweet, dark scent of blackberries took center stage, with amber and Turkish rose playing supporting roles.

The scent brought images of dusky rose or lavender velvet without being heavy or overpowering. It’s not quite the same as wearing Mr. Rickman, which is perhaps good and disappointing at the same time.

–Katharine McKenzie