Lavande 44

If you think you smelled every possible variation on the lavender theme, then think again. Rania J.’s Lavande 44 is a wholly unique take on the genre, mixing one part aromatics (green, fresh lavender bud) with one part animalics (oud, musk) and two parts resinous (labdanum, tonka, patchouli).

The result is stunning. A cube of sour citrus and aromatic lavender up top melts down through the fragrance structure, pooling in and around buttery tonka and providing little sparks of electric freshness to the dark, animalic oud. Vetiver root in the base joins with the lavender and patchouli to form a damp, salty breeze that makes one think of the humid air in a pine forest. A thoroughly modern way to wear lavender, Lavande 44 dispels all thoughts of shaving soap and sachets for the linen drawer.