by Naomi Goodsir
Nuit de Bakélite is a perfumed manifesto of boldness, offering a starkly original olfactory journey that feels both futuristic and vintage. It opens with a shocking burst of green, herbal, and medicinal notes—like crushed fresh stems, wet soil, and a synthetic plastic quality that evokes Bakelite, the early plastic material. This intense, almost aggressive green accord, grounded in angelica, artemisia, and carrot seeds, dominates the initial impression. Over time, it transitions into a more complex, layered scent: bands of bitter, earthy tuberose emerge, intertwined with cool, leathery notes that recall suede, labdanum, or styrax, creating a dry, powdery, almost chypre-like drydown. The scent is bold, unforgettable, and possesses a near-magical longevity and sillage—some users report it persisting in a room for days. It’s impeccably crafted, artfully unapologetic, and polarizing: to some, it’s a groundbreaking masterpiece; to others, a relentless olfactory assault. It’s unisex, undoubtedly rare, and not for everyday wear, but ideal for those who seek transformation, artistic expression, or a fragrant declaration of avant-garde individualism.