Hello Perfume Posse. I’ve been going through my sample boxes lately to try and diminish their contents. It’s a really fun exercise, finding so many long forgotten jewels. Even found the original pack of carded spray samples I bought of the Parfum d’Empire collection back in 2012. Sadly they don’t do them anymore. So many happy memories of discovering this fabulous brand. It seems to fly under the radar but if you haven’t tried them I urge you to. Marc-Antoine Corticchiato is a clever perfumer who makes both extremely bold, statement fragrances and some more nuanced enigmas. Not remembering how it smelled at all I decided to give Aziyade another try, March didn’t find it sweaty enough but I think the point is something else.

Aziyade by Parfum d’Empire

Parfumo gives these featured accords:
Top: Pomegranate, Date, Almond, Orange, Prune, Cardamom, Ceylonese cinnamon, Ginger, Egyptian cumin
Heart: Indian patchouli, Vanilla, Carob tree, Arabic frankincense
Base: Tonkin musk, Moroccan labdanum

The spicy fruit opening is almost like eating fruit and nut chocolate and Turkish delight in the same mouthful (YES, I have) but zinger and more interesting. A far cry from the Serge Lutens stewed fruit, of which hints appear later through the heart. The patchouli is dark, clear, chocolatey. Add vanilla, ginger and carob that work harmoniously together. Then twist the whole fragrance slightly with a matcha tea vibe. Sweaty? Not really unless you are particularly sweat averse, then I’d recommend caution.

That is a VERY poor description of what I’m smelling here. So much less than Aziyade is. Also, I think you have to be ready for it to work for you. I clearly wasn’t last time I tried it. NOW I’m hankering after a bottle.

Who can wear it? Anyone who likes to be fully fragrant. The first two hours are quite big. You will definitely be making a statement  in it. My head keeps telling me that it’s a 21st century Opium, not alike in smell but in personality.

Surrender To Chance has samples from $3.50/ml

Have you spent any time with Parfum d’Empire fragrances? Do you have a favourite?
Portia xx

Portia also writes for Australian Perfume Junkies