by Nicolai Parfumeur Createur
Odalisque is a bold, retro floral chypre with a complex and divisive character. The opening features a bright, citrus-lit burst that quickly gives way to a radiant, dewy bouquet of white flowers—jasmine, lily of the valley, and iris—anchored by a deep, mossy undertone and musky dry down. On some skin types, this transforms into a pristine, elegant scent that feels like a vintage wedding cake wrapped in fresh linen—bright, powdery, and subtly green. Others describe it as harsh, musty, or even reminiscent of animalic or chemical notes, like wet moss, barn straw, or a faint aftershave, especially in its dry down. The scent evolves over time, often shifting from a sharp, green chypre to a softer, airier floral with a subtle soapy or talc-like finish. It lingers modestly for several hours, with a moderate sillage that doesn’t intrude but leaves a lingering impression. Its greatest strength lies in its unexpected depth and emotional resonance—many describe it as haunting, dreamlike, or synonymous with a vintage, melancholic elegance. However, its performance is inconsistent, with some finding it fleeting or fading too quickly into a faint, barely perceptible presence.