by Maison Martin Margiela
By the Fireplace is a warm, gourmand aroma that evokes the cozy intimacy of a crackling fireplace in winter. It begins with a sharp, smoky opening of roasted chestnuts, pink pepper, and guaiac wood, creating an instant atmosphere of a crackling hearth. The duality of smoke and sweetness persists throughout its evolution – a handcrafted edifice of heat, candied wood, and gentle vanillic caress. The sweet notes aren't sugary but rather complex: they are the charred edges of a fire-kissed marshmallow, the scent of sugar melting on hot iron, or the deep flavor of caramelized maple syrup captured in resin. Over time, the sharp smoke melts into soft vanillic warmth, and the note of cashmeran grounds it in subtle, velvety depth. While it develops slowly and doesn't transform wildly, its comfort is profound and its emotional resonance is strong. It's not an overtly masculine or overtly feminine scent, but rather an intimate, unisex envelopment. The aroma vanishes slowly and lingers on fabric beyond wear, making it ideal for those who seek a deeply personal, atmospheric fragrance that says 'welcome home.' Some note it's more about the scent of food-drying on a hearth than true fire, favoring warmth over smoke, which is its moody note.