Hey Hey Posse! Mandy Aftel is amazing. Through her talents of writing, creating, teaching and producing she has basically single handedly inspired a swathe of Indie perfumers to give it a go. Some of the most boundary pushing work is happening in this realm and a lot of fearless magical creation is blossoming, quite a lot of it really good. Parfum de Maroc is a perfect case in point.
Parfum de Maroc by Mandy Aftel for Aftelier Perfumes
Aftelier Perfumes gives these featured accords:
Top: Saffron, galangal
Heart: Turkish rose, nutmeg
Base: Cardamom, myrrh
Parfum de Maroc was one of the first Mandy Aftel fragrances I fell for, I have a bottle that gets worn regularly. As it has aged it has become even more interesting and beautiful.
Spicy floral inspired by an ancient Moroccan spice recipe Ras el Hanout or “top of the shop” – a mixture of the best spices a seller has to offer….
At once spicy, sweet and resinous like the best curries the opening of Parfum de Maroc is so enticing and full of nuance. It is warm here in Sydney and I feel like I’m back in an African or middle Eastern spice market. Maybe even in India, standing near a street vendor as the spices hit the ghee on the hot pan under the baking sun. This is the kind of spicy gourmand that makes me salivate in expectation of a flavour explosion.
One of my most reminiscent fragrance memories of how the heart of Parfum de Maroc smells is from my birthday at the Wildflower Hall in Shimla in 2012 with my BFF Kath watching the chefs cook fabulous meals through the glass. Some of the spiciest and most elegant dishes would come out for us or waft past to other diners. Trailing smoke and scent in equal quantities. Happy memories right there.
Quite a big sillage for the first 40 minutes and then softens to a quiet spicy skin overlay. Longevity is good, still softly fragrant at 4 hours.
DON’T MISS THE ATELIER OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND
DEC 1-3
Location:
Cottage at end of brick driveway,
1518-1/2 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: 510-841-2111 Email: info@aftelier.com
Further reading: ThisBlogReallyStinks, TheAlembicatedGenie
Also, you might like to read about Curious and Wild Roses by Aftelier on Perfume Posse
Did you try or buy Parfum de Maroc last time it was available? Will you this time?
Portia xx
Portia also writes for Australian Perfume Junkies
Ras el Hanout is one of my favorite spice mixtures (mine is from The Spice House in Geneva IL, where they blend it by hand) – I love it for its interesting ‘Everyday Exotic’ quality (if that makes sense) – I’m going to have to try Mandy’s Maroc! Thanks for sharing this gem! xoxoxoxoA
Hey Musette,
Great to see you.
Everyday Exotic makes perfect sense. What foods do you use it on or in?
Portia x
Thank you so much dearest Portia. AND Shiva-Woman I am so happy you will be coming to my holiday open house and get a chance see my little museum. See you soon! ??????
Welcome Mandy,
Great to see you here.
I’m loving Parfum de Maroc as it heats up here in Oz. SO GOOD!
Portia xx
I’m so excited! We have tickets for the museum Saturday December 2nd, and we are going to the open house on Sunday. We’re about about two hours from Berkley–I can’t wait to see and sniff!!! And this one you’ve reviewed is gonna get a test drive.
J E A L O U S
Have an amazing time and please give Mandy extra big squishy hugs from me.
Portia xx