Materia

Description

Materia is a fragrance that embodies strength, warmth, and evolution. It tells a story of bold transformation — from a rich, boozy introduction to a commanding woody heart, and finally to a smooth, dry sandalwood finish. This scent captures the raw power of natural elements, exuding a sense of grounding warmth and strength.

The opening is a heady swirl of balsamic woods fused with a bold boozy accord. This introduction is rich, warm, and slightly sweet, like walking into a cozy den with aged whiskey swirling in a crystal tumbler. The balsamic elements add a resinous quality, infusing the air with warmth and comfort. It’s smooth, but not overly sweet, creating a balanced opening that feels opulent yet grounded.

As Materia transitions into its heart, the fragrance begins to evolve into something more intense and raw. The boozy warmth remains present, but now it’s met with a rich, spicy musk that adds depth and intrigue. This spicy musk feels almost animalic, but it’s kept in check by a sharp, clean metallic accord. This contrast of warmth and cold creates a dynamic duality within the heart of the fragrance. As this phase unfolds, a moderately synthetic-smelling sandalwood emerges from the base. Unlike the creamy, smooth sandalwood seen in other compositions, this one has a drier, more robust quality. It introduces a slightly edgy, sharp woodiness, giving the heart of the fragrance a rugged, untamed energy. As the cistus absolute (labdanum) slowly retreats, the sandalwood takes center stage, asserting itself as the leading character.

As Materia moves into its late dry-down, the richness and warmth settle into something more subtle but no less captivating. The earlier notes of Malaysian patchouli gracefully fade away, allowing the previously concealed dry sandalwood to fully reveal itself. This is sandalwood at its most raw and natural — dry, clean, and slightly earthy. It’s no longer competing with the boldness of the earlier notes, allowing its smooth, woodsy depth to shine. Remnants of the balsamic woody accord linger in the background, while the faint traces of the spicy musk add a soft warmth to the finish. This dry-down feels grounded, earthy, and timeless — a final reminder of the wild, powerful energy that defined the fragrance’s beginning.