Discover 18th century French splendor inspired by Louis XIV’s royal court at the house of Parfums de Marly, a niche brand that boasts a repertoire of more than 30 fragrances. Among the newest perfumes to the brand’s impressive collection are Perseus, a brightly citrus creation, and Althaïr, an unabashed ode to vanilla. These fragrances are marketed both as men’s and unisex scents; indeed, anyone can wear them.
Perseus, launched in early 2024, is named for the famous beheader of the Gorgon Medusa in Greek mythology. Its top notes are bergamot, grapefruit, and blackcurrant bud, with middle notes of vetiver, green mandarin, and geranium; at its base are dry woods, cashmere wood, and ambergris accord.
Radiantly fresh in the opening, spritzing Perseus feels like taking a sip of a cool greyhound cocktail, garnished with an extra slice of grapefruit. Addictively citrusy, it’s lovely for a morning wake-up. As it warms on the skin, the woodiness begins to shyly make an appearance; there’s an almost papery note that peeks through. When Perseus is settled, the cashmere and vetiver get their time in the spotlight, and what lingers is a fresh, almost musky sillage that will follow you throughout your day.
Althaïr, released in late 2023, is, in some ways, Perseus’ contradiction; while Perseus is cool, light, and refreshing, Althaïr is warm, deep, and deliciously luxe. Top notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and cinnamon make way to heart notes of bourbon vanilla and elemi; base notes are guaiacwood, ambrox, praline, and musk. Masculine and spicy in the opening, Althaïr is reminiscent of warming oneself in a sauna, the smell of wood becoming honeyed by the heat. As it dries down, it becomes far more unisex, smelling of delicious caramel and pure vanilla. It’s sweet, but not sugary – in the same way that cocoa powder is but not chocolate. Its comforting warmth feels perfect for the more blustery months, but it can be worn year-round.
Both fragrances are available at us.parfums-de-marly.com.
