Italian niche line Xerjoff has launched Oud Stars, a new collection of six fragrances:
Entirely dedicated to the traditions of Arab perfume making, The Oud Stars collection is created with prestigious distillations of pure Oud from the plantations of Laos, India and Borneo.
Al Khatt ~ "Al Khatt is a mystical and seductive fragrance crafted to transport the wearer to a far off land. Refreshing and floral top notes of Bergamont and Jasmine tantalize the senses as a warm heart note of Cashmeran lends a soft musky and woody core to the heart. At the base, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Laos benzoin and Oud Laos provide a warm and long lasting finish to scent sending the wearer to a glamourous reverie reminiscent of 1001 nights."
Fars ~ "Fars is a rare study of east meets west as crisp Italian bergamot plays host to a meditative herbal French Lavender. Heart notes of Egyptian geranium, Jasmine absolute and dry cedar bring forth a floral aspect which plays right into Fars's seductive charm. Soon, the depth and warmth of Amber, Sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, Indian Nagarmotha and Oud wood lay the final foundation to an unusually smooth and polished blend of two worlds."
Gao ~ "Gao is a deeply anamalic scent based on a masterful blend of saffron and Oud. Dueling notes of Spanish and Iranian saffron provide a floral and earthy introduction to this scent. Soon gurjam balsam weaves its way with nagarmotha to provide a sweet, woody and tenacious profile to the scents heart while a rare Bois de Cade lends a dark, aromatic and smoky aura. Finally, Indonesian Patchouli and amber lay a smooth yet dry foundation to a seamless blend of Thai Pratchin oud and Laos Oud."
Mamluk ~ "Mamluk is journey of profound depth as deep and resinous notes from the earth create a meditative and spiritual scent. Honey and caramel notes resinate from the start creating a warm and rich invitation to the senses. Jasmine and Osmanthus soon blend with Laos benzoin creating a floral heart that is both seductive and alluring. Finally a bed of Vanilla Madagascar, Indian Oud, Crystal musk and amber create the final embrace to this warm and sensual scent."
Najaf ~ "Najaf is an enigma like a mirage in a desert. Sweet and herbal notes play anchor to rich wood notes providing an initial tease to the mind. Soon, an intriguing blend of Osmanthus , cedar and patchouli lay ground for the mid notes creating a blend that is both daring and unusual. The final blend of Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka, Tobacco and Oud round out a scent that defies contradictions and opens the windows to our emotions."
Zafar ~ "The crown jewel of the collection, Zafar is an intense expression of Arabian perfumery. 3 years of sourcing materials went into this composition as nothing but the rarest and most exquisite ingredients were used to create Zafar. An unusual blend of Rose and black pepper begin the composition providing a tightrope of balance between floral and spice. Neroli and white flowers soon meld their way in concert with a prized and very rare Oud from Laos which has been aged for 15 years, providing a deep, rich and complex character to the heart. A base of cedar, vetiver, musk and majestic incense from Oman bring forth an elegant and masterful conclusion fit for royalty."
The Xerjoff Oud Stars fragrances are $315 each for 50 ml, and can be pre-ordered now at Luckyscent.
(via luckyscent)
Is it me or does Xerjoff like to do six item lines, releasing them in a cluster rather than spacing them out? Still, if they’re using real oud I’ll probably eventually sample them, though they’re not at the top of my list
They do seem to like groups. 6 ouds, on top of all the other ouds we’ve seen in the last year, is a little overwhelming to me.
I can’t even with this line.
I know the fragrances are generally considered to be good, but the whole thing seems like a parody to me.
I liked their iris scent. Have not fallen in love w/ any others, but haven’t tried them all either.
And did not mean to ignore your point. I am worn out with niche in general — it’s an overcrowded market.
These sound like a dream to me. I’m way late to the Oud party. And I am loving it. The price is a deal breaker. I just will not pay over $300/50 ml. That’s extreme. But NEWSFLASH, I need a major favor. This is an immediate need and I need help from my peeps. I’m going to purchase one of the 200ml of Atelier for everyday wear. I need a scent that’s mine. I am choosing between the Neroli and the Amber! I am leaning toward the Neroli because I’ve fallen in love with the scent. I only have one other orange scent and that is very special only for special use. I have several Amber scents and I don’t want to be too sweet with the Neroli.
I have read the reviews here but need a nose that knows first hand how sweet the Neroli is and how dramatic/deep the Amber is. I would want a 60-75% drama effect from the Amber. Can you please help me. Please??????
The neroli is not sweet, the Ambre Nue is neither deep nor dramatic. You’ll probably get more answers if you ask again on Saturday’s open thread poll.
Seconding that: the Neroli is not sweet. Have not smelled the amber.
I have not smelled either one. I have Bois Blond and that almost did it but fell short on oomph!! I’m going with the Neroli! I hope it’s good. Because its going to be the smell of me for the summer. I’m excited. The person that reviewed the frags stated that the Neroli was their favorite. Good enough for me.
I am late to the Oud party as well. In the last 2 weeks, i went to Macy’s, Sephora and Nordie’s…and none of the salespeople have ever heard of an oud note !!! At Sephora, the salesperson went through the entire Fragrance Finder by fragrance family and came up empty!
As an aside…we’re only 5 days into 2Q and I’ve managed to put a dent on my 2Q FB purchases.
Too rich for my blood!