by Frederic Malle
Synthetic Jungle by Frederic Malle is a bold, unapologetically green chypre that opens with a sharp, vibrant burst of galbanum, black currant, and basil, evoking a fresh, dewy greenhouse or wet meadow at dawn. It quickly evolves into a crisp, floral-green heart dominated by hyacinth, lily of the valley, and jasmine, creating a modern, abstract white floral chypre that remains remarkably linear yet never becomes cloying. The green notes persist throughout, offering a clean, almost metallic freshness reminiscent of crushed herbs and wet foliage, with subtle earthy depth from oakmoss and patchouli in the dry down. The fragrance is highly projecting and long-lasting, with a sillage that lingers well beyond the hour mark, making it suitable for daytime wear in spring and summer. Its performance is consistently strong, though some find the initial green aggression overwhelming, while others appreciate its evolution into a refined, elegant green floral composition.