March 02, 2023
This may come as a surprise to many, but the French did not invent perfume. They did however, take it to the next level, innovating the world of scent and creating some of the best, and most recognised scents on the market today. The fragrance world has always been an elite one, surrounded by secrecy and opulence like a mens club with a secret handshake that was impossible to get into. Until, that is, Maison Matine came along.
The niche fragrance house represents the next chapter of French perfumery. Created by a group of young renegades perfumers, their mission was to break down the preconceived notions attached to fragrance and make it a space for creativity, collaboration and diversity. In their own words, “No more opulence and sexism, now it’s time for simplicity and diversity.”
The flacons jump from the shelves with their bold graphics and artwork by renowned artists that are unlike anything in the market, each variant emblazoned with a new work of art that represents an interpretation of the feeling behind the fragrance.
The scents themselves are elegantly formulated, with unexpected note combinations that delight the senses and offer a truly unique smell, but the price point is accessible to all. And these really are perfumes for all. Unisex, and cheeky, they bring the fun back to fragrance, tapping into a generation who value creativity and who are looking for both meaning and connection.
But their commitment to a new way wouldn’t be complete without values that align with a modern mindset. Created entirely in France, they use a wheat alcohol that is organically farmed and ingredients that respect nature, while their packaging is made from recycled and recyclable packaging.
Avant L’Orage, $110: Representing the calm before the storm, it’s a creamy, spiritual fragrance with jasmine at the heart, base notes of vanilla and musk and a surprising hit of pink pepper to start.
Bain de Midi, $110: A unisex oriental-floral it’s a playful fragrance that feels like sunshine, bottled. With bergamot and coconut, tied in with a gardenia heart and anchored in vanilla and musk, it’s a free-spirited fragrance to lift the mood.
Esprit de Contradiction, $110: This spicy, statement-making unisex scent is a woody citrus with hits of spice for “contradiction”. It opens with mandarin and lemon, mixed with a hint of black pepper and a quirky bit of coriander, drying down to ginger, orris and clove – which sounds quirky but really works – and ends with a green-woods mix of vetiver cedarwood and musk.
Hasard Bazar, $110: An exotic woody-oriental, this fragrance is one for the bold, creative types who love to express themselves through scent. The unisex scent has notes of spicy Sichuan pepper, rose, ambrox, rounding out with a creamy tonka bean, vanilla and musk.
Into The Wild, $110: The brand describes this as a tropical odyssey – and they’re not wrong. It’s a dive into nature, exotic, spicy, woody, wild. There’s cardamom, pepper and juniper berries, with florals like magnolia and frangipani plus the wild card base note: chocolate.
Lost In Translation, $110: Capturing the feeling of being lost in an unknown city, this is a complex, exciting scent that’s a little bit daring. A creative juxtaposition of woods, spices and aquatic notes, it mixes violet leaves with juniper, rosewood with black pepper and white tea, and a base of woods, tobacco and leather. Layered, interesting, intriguing.
Nature Isolente, $110: Fun! Fresh! Summery! This scent is all this and more. A unisex citrus floral it’s just so wearable for everyday use. The top notes are all about citrus with orange, lemon and bergamot, mint, honey and melon are in the middle complemented by Lily of the valley, and it’s all tied together nicely with vetiver, cedar and musk.
Poom Poom, $110: One of the best sellers from the range, Poom Poom is what they call an “ode to life” encouraging the wearer to live life to the fullest and go your own way – and who doesn’t want that?! A unisex, woody-floral scent it has rose, orchid, peony and freesia with sandalwood and vanilla. Basically hits only.
Warni Warni, $110: Ready to mingle? This is your scent. It’s one for the socialites; a spicy floral homage to the heartbeat of Cosmopolitan cities. The spicy floral by renowned perfumer Elise Benat has notes of tea, cardamon, freesia, orange blossom, cedar, coumarin and musk in a unisex scent that is exciting to wear.