If there’s one word to describe the unconventional Mugler universe, then ‘classic’ would not be the first thing that comes to mind (this is the same house that has given us both Angel & Alien, after all) and yet one look at Woodissime from the Les Exceptions fragrance range, and all I see are the pure classic lines of its Art Deco-inspired bottle. I’d actually stop here, but the beauty has only just begun …
Woodissime Eau de Parfum (CAN $185.00/80 ml) | It all starts with the details: housed in a heavy-gauge rigid black cardboard box that is held securely shut with a metal clip on one end (embossed with the Mugler star), it flips open to reveal the treasure inside: the stunning bottle nestled snugly upon a sueded white bed. Made in France, it draws inspiration from Art Deco design and has metal banding the cap and sides of the luxe glass bottle, but it’s the actual fragrance that’s the real star of the show. According to the brand, ‘Woodissime is characterized by its overdose of sensual Oud wood, stirred with the softness of Osmanthus flower. Woodissime’s mesmerizing unisex fragrance trail captures an unexpected harmony between woody intensity and floral sparkle’. Some of the notes include:
- Oud Wood
- Cedar
- Gaiac Wood
- Sandalwood
- Osmanthus
- Patchouli
- Vetiver
“I’ve used superb natural raw materials to bring out the facets I like most and create a composition of great character. To soften its animalic dimension, I balanced it with Osmanthus blossom, which adds a sophisticated touch of soft suede and succulent fruit reminiscent of apricots or juicy plums” JEAN-CHRISTOPHE HÉRAULT (creator of Woodissime)
Labelling Woodissime as a unisex fragrance might seem a bit of a stretch, although given that everyone’s body chemistry composition is unique, it could still be made to work. Meant to invoke the lushness of a forest, the fruity-floral tones balance out the earthiness of the patchouli, rounding things off beautifully and adding subtle pops of softness. I got a sense of a boozy tone upon initial spritzing but that quickly gave way to something more fey & mysterious; like flowers in fog, if that makes any sense. After a while, the fragrance settles down to something more powdery but as in the soft-skin variety (and nowhere near ‘old lady’ territory).
As someone who is rather ‘fragrance-sensitive’ certain scents can give me an instant migraine, regardless of how temptingly gorgeous the packaging may be. So I’m almost delirious happy that Woodissime works out so well for me, as I probably would have gone into mourning if I couldn’t wear something so special but could only stare longingly at the stunning bottle. With seven glorious Les Exceptions fragrances to choose from, each is a standout composition that gives a new & unexpected twist to the classic genre as only Mugler can — and thus basically continuing to defy our expectations of what a classic really is or can be.
On another ‘note’, this beauty would also make for one totally amazing gift for the luxe fragrance aficionado on your list (then you can borrow it too. Win-win).
Available at select Hudson’s Bay stores and online
PRsample/As always, all opinions are my own
