by Stéphane Humbert Lucas 777
Isra & Miraj conjures a softly intoxicating, powdery Oriental with a rich yet weightless presence, drawing inspiration from the spiritual night journey of Prophet Muhammad. It opens with a bright, spicy citrus note of mandarin orange, bergamot, nutmeg, and cinnamon, followed by a delicate floral heart of heliotrope and osmanthus. The scent settles into a warm, creamy base of vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, ambergris, and agarwood (oud), creating a subtly animalic, dessert-like aura that feels both sensual and serene. The overall impression is elegant, refined, and deeply layered, with a sillage that lingers just beyond intimate, offering a soft, magnetic trail. While many note strong similarities to Musc Ravageur—especially in the cinnamon-forward opening and the deep, vanillic oud base—the scent is gentler, more balanced, and less aggressively musky. It feels particularly at home in autumn and winter, though its airy texture allows for use in spring as well. Longevity is exceptional, lasting beyond 12 hours on skin, and while it projects only moderately, its presence is persistent and quietly seductive.