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Imaginary Authors O, Unknown! ~ fragrance review

Posted by Robin on 17 November 2017 66 Comments

The backstory: Like the other fragrances from indie brand Imaginary Authors, O, Unknown! was inspired by an imaginary book by an imaginary author. Here's the book blurb:

At age 65, when famed explorer and author Philip Sava was given less than a year to live, he set off from his home in Madagascar for parts unknown. Leaving all his belongings behind, he set off on foot, hopped a freighter across the Indian Ocean, and wandered into the Bangladesh wilderness. His journey, which lasted over a decade, took him through Nepal and Tibet where his exploration turned spiritual and into rural China where months of solitude resulted in some of the most confessional observations ever committed to paper. This is the story of a man grappling with the meaning of life as he grasps to life’s last vestiges.

What's in it: The notes include black tea, lapsang souchong, orris butter, Kyoto moss, musk balsam, sandalwood & ???.

What does it smell like: There is a brief and bright fruity-citrus open. Then, a blend of black tea, not quite as pine-y / smoky as I expected from the lapsang, but a little pine-y / smoky to be sure (if you want more smoke, get City on Fire; if you want more pine, try Cape Heartache). Plus, iris, and plenty of it — to my mind, this is an iris fragrance first and foremost. The iris starts out fairly vegetal, and works its way closer to cosmetic powder as O, Unknown settles. The base is warm, earthy, chalky-creamy, woody and lightly sweet, and made me think of vanilla and heliotrope, with a dash of concrete.

It's unisex and the lasting power is good.

Verdict: I'm a sucker for a decent, offbeat-but-wearable iris, and perhaps a sucker for Imaginary Authors as well — I like the quirky packaging, I like the tongue-in-cheek novel names, and I like the reasonable prices. This one will make my buy list. Figures that I just missed a sale on the 14 ml travel sizes (they were 15% off last week), but I'll wait for the next one. I want a small bottle of Memoirs of a Trespasser, too.

In case you want some too: I have a 14 ml travel size of O, Unknown! to give away. It has been used lightly for testing. I will send it anywhere in the world, but the usual giveaway rules apply — I will take eons to mail, and I won't be responsible if something goes wrong in the sending. If you want it, comment below, and start your comment with "I want it." I will pick a winner using my handy dandy random winner app next Friday, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, 27 November.

Imaginary Authors O, Unknown!

The details: Imaginary Authors O, Unknown! is available in 14 ($38) or 50 ($95) ml Eau de Parfum. For buying information, see the listing for Imaginary Authors under Perfume Houses.

Possibly of interest

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Imaginary Authors Dipped in Chocolate ~ new fragrance

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: imaginary authors, iris

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66 Comments

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  1. Bear says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:12 pm

    I want it.
    And the one before this with the angel on the bottle that I’m too lazy to research the name of. (Mrs. Schatzel is shaking her head at that sentence! LOLOLOL) ????
    Thanks Robin!
    ????

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    • Bear says:
      17 November 2017 at 3:13 pm

      Whispered Myths.

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    • Robin says:
      17 November 2017 at 3:40 pm

      We should send the fragrance to Mrs. Schatzel, presumably, for her tireless efforts to preserve the English language 🙂

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  2. PekeFan says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:13 pm

    I want it! I’m a sucker for quirky tea fragrances. Plus I’ve never tried Imaginary Authors. The usual applies…I live in the US and you can use my email to contact me. Thanks!

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    • Robin says:
      17 November 2017 at 3:45 pm

      There really should be more quirky tea fragrances — not sure this one qualifies for me, though.

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  3. chocolatemarzipan8 says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:19 pm

    I want it.

    I live in the US and yes you may contact me via email 🙂

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  4. hemabelle says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Thanks for the review Robin!
    I’d love to sniff O, Unknown! but I’m still too intimidated by iris to want the bottle. It sounds like it’ll go to a good home though!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      17 November 2017 at 3:42 pm

      This is probably not a starter iris? If Prada Infusion d’Iris is too much for you, this one would make you queasy.

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  5. Downtown Scott says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:40 pm

    I would love to be the winner. I’m a big fan of Imaginary Authors especially The Soft Lawn in the summer time. Tennis balls in a fragrance!! Absolutely use my email and I am a resident of the US. Pick me pick me pick me.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      17 November 2017 at 3:43 pm

      Read the instructions! (And I say this here in the hopes that everybody else will read them. It makes doing the giveaway part much easier for me.)

      Log in to Reply
      • Downtown Scott says:
        17 November 2017 at 4:07 pm

        I want it!! Color my face red. My first giveaway entry and I got over excited. ???? Just to make sure I covered the bases I am in the US and you can happily use my email.

        Log in to Reply
        • Robin says:
          17 November 2017 at 4:39 pm

          Ha, no worries!

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  6. jjlook says:
    17 November 2017 at 3:50 pm

    I want it. I mean weirdo iris+tea+a little smoke?
    Count this sucker in 🙂

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  7. girardEAU says:
    17 November 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I want it. Curiosity has gotten the best of me, as usual, with most things scent-related. As always, thanks for all the giveaways! 🙂
    Happy Thanksgiving.

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  8. Regina says:
    17 November 2017 at 4:10 pm

    I want it!

    I have in fact wanted it since I saw the notes list – glad to hear you like it, Robin.

    Log in to Reply
  9. perfumelover67 says:
    17 November 2017 at 4:20 pm

    I want it! I am a crazy iris lover and it is really good that you mention there is plenty of it in this perfume. I never get tired of new iris findings.

    Thanks a lot for the giveaway Robin. I am in the US and you can use my email.

    Log in to Reply
  10. helenviolette says:
    17 November 2017 at 4:23 pm

    I want it! I am interested in buying a few of these travel sizes- several appeal to me, but I have been behaving myself. Thanks Robin.

    Log in to Reply
  11. Coumarin says:
    17 November 2017 at 4:25 pm

    I want it too!

    I am sorely tempted by everything from this brand, but this one takes the cake. I love tea and iris. That travel spray may be too good a deal to pick up.

    Log in to Reply
  12. lillyjo says:
    17 November 2017 at 6:10 pm

    I want it. Thanks for the review and contest. I’m just now exploring iris fragrances. Fwiw, I’ve seen a few reviews of this on YouTube, and your review is the only one that actually is comprehensive and helpful!

    Log in to Reply
  13. PhinClio says:
    17 November 2017 at 6:35 pm

    I also want it! I’ve always wanted to try an Imaginary Authors fragrance. I live in the U.S. and you can use my email etc. Thanks for the draw!

    Log in to Reply
  14. yukiej says:
    17 November 2017 at 7:24 pm

    I want it. I love iris and tea and smoke 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway, I am in the US and you can email me.

    Log in to Reply
  15. sistine says:
    17 November 2017 at 7:25 pm

    I want it. I love iris in all her permutations. I live in the USA, and you can contact me via my e-mail address.

    Log in to Reply
  16. caffeinequeen says:
    17 November 2017 at 7:56 pm

    I want it.

    Thank you for the giveaway!

    Log in to Reply
  17. Nancyleandros says:
    17 November 2017 at 7:57 pm

    I want it. I’m an iris fan, for sure. I live in the US and you may use my email. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Log in to Reply
  18. PriscillaE says:
    17 November 2017 at 8:20 pm

    I want it. Thanks for these giveaways, Robin. I live in the US and you may use my email.

    Log in to Reply
  19. mikeperez23 says:
    17 November 2017 at 8:57 pm

    I want it!

    Doesn’t sound very sandalwood prominent…hmmm

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      17 November 2017 at 10:26 pm

      It isn’t “prominent” to me, but will also point out that I am increasingly aware of the fact that people vary in their ability to smell different sandalwood molecules, and when you add that to our varying abilities to smell different musk molecules, we’re really not all smelling the same thing 🙂

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  20. aswalls2000 says:
    17 November 2017 at 9:37 pm

    I want it…I’m bummed as well about missing the 15% off sale. MOAT is on my list and I’ve also been digging a Saint Julep sample I have.

    Log in to Reply
  21. DanielaK says:
    17 November 2017 at 11:14 pm

    I want it!

    I love iris, and I would love to try it. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  22. Gi says:
    17 November 2017 at 11:15 pm

    I want it. Why?
    I can’t have enough irises, each one is a delight to me.
    I want things.
    14 ml bottle.
    I’m love a contest.
    I haven’t tried any Imaginary Authors yet.

    Log in to Reply
    • Gi says:
      17 November 2017 at 11:16 pm

      *I, not I’m.

      Log in to Reply
  23. ringthing says:
    17 November 2017 at 11:34 pm

    I want it. My feelings on Imaginary Authors are the same as yours, Robin, and I’ve wanted to try this one since I first read the release, a new iris scent sounds good. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    Log in to Reply
  24. clarissa says:
    17 November 2017 at 11:45 pm

    Did someone say Iris!!! I have not explored The Imaginary authors much.

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  25. mossygreen says:
    18 November 2017 at 12:30 am

    I want it. You make it sound eminently wantable.

    Log in to Reply
  26. sweetgrass says:
    18 November 2017 at 1:23 am

    I want it!

    I haven’t tried a lot from Imaginary Authors. Lapsang + iris sounds like a fun combo, and I need more iris in my collection.

    Log in to Reply
  27. Michael says:
    18 November 2017 at 2:35 am

    I really enjoy Imaginary Authors. I’m on my second bottle of A City on Fire and adore Cape Heartache as well. I’ve contemplated buying Memoirs of a Trespasser too. Unfortunately, iris is not for me.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      19 November 2017 at 7:13 pm

      Glad to see another fan!

      Log in to Reply
  28. Uday Parfoom says:
    18 November 2017 at 3:53 am

    I want it.

    Because I like free things. Also, lovely review, as usual!

    Log in to Reply
  29. irving says:
    18 November 2017 at 4:10 am

    I want it, want it, want! Will it count as three entries?)) I’ve never had a chance to try anything by IA and am a sucker for iris as well. I live in Europe and you may use my mail. Thank you, Robin.

    Log in to Reply
  30. bastet says:
    18 November 2017 at 7:46 am

    I want it. Love iris (although not so sure about the smoke).

    Log in to Reply
  31. Sapphire says:
    18 November 2017 at 7:53 am

    I want it. You had me at iris. I am in the U.S. and okay to use my email.

    Log in to Reply
  32. skalolazka says:
    18 November 2017 at 8:40 am

    I want it.

    You said you’d ship anywhere, so it probably doesn’t matter that I live in the US. 🙂

    This giveaway seems to have uncovered a horde of Iris fiends. Happy to be one of them!

    Log in to Reply
  33. jbordeau says:
    18 November 2017 at 9:08 am

    I want it! I have a US mailing address.

    I received a sample of this for my birthday, and it’s terrific.

    Log in to Reply
  34. Catanosmia says:
    18 November 2017 at 9:30 am

    I want it.
    Darn it, I missed the sale too. I love that they offer travel sizes and I wish more niche lines did. Thanks for the draw and the review!!!

    Log in to Reply
  35. ignoseble says:
    18 November 2017 at 9:54 am

    i want it!

    but mostly i want to read the book it was inspired by. who will write it?

    Log in to Reply
  36. karen B says:
    18 November 2017 at 10:04 am

    I want it. I haven’t paid any attention to this line, but now, lemming-like, must have. Thanks for your edifying review and offer. You may use my email.

    Log in to Reply
  37. Pimientas says:
    18 November 2017 at 10:25 am

    I want it! It’s definitely on my list. Although I would love to have the tea element come through more strongly. I really enjoy my travel-size Memoirs of a Trespasser. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Log in to Reply
  38. ockeghem says:
    18 November 2017 at 12:49 pm

    I want it! Tea, iris, a dash of pine & smoke…mmm. One to put on the list…

    Log in to Reply
  39. Sydscents says:
    18 November 2017 at 3:30 pm

    I want it. I’ve never tried Imaginary Authors but I get a chuckle from the (admitted) gimmick of the line. I also love iris and am on the lookout for new creations. I live in the US, etc

    Log in to Reply
  40. Gennyleigh says:
    18 November 2017 at 5:33 pm

    I want it! Iris and smoky tea sounds delicious!

    Log in to Reply
  41. womo531 says:
    18 November 2017 at 8:19 pm

    I want it! I live in Taiwan and you may contact me via email =)
    I too am a sucker for Imaginary Author and any iris really is my kind of iris!

    Log in to Reply
  42. hajusuuri says:
    18 November 2017 at 10:02 pm

    I want it. Anything on your buy list has to be good!

    Log in to Reply
  43. Koyel says:
    18 November 2017 at 10:52 pm

    I want it! I don’t like the IA stories, but I do like their scents. Iris and tea sound wonderful right now. Thanks!

    Log in to Reply
  44. gvillecreative says:
    19 November 2017 at 8:40 am

    I want it! I want it!

    Have I really not tried any Imaginary Authors? This concept, art, bottle size and wearable-but-quirkiness is right up my alley. Plus it’s IRIS and on your buy list!!!

    I need to check out their sample program.

    My favorite wearable but quirky iris centric frag is the Penhalligon ballet slipped one. That one is brilliant.

    Log in to Reply
    • gvillecreative says:
      19 November 2017 at 8:42 am

      Adding for readers— the Penhalligon is actually called Iris Prima and is not an entry iris, to my nose. And available for a STEAL on the normal discount sites

      Log in to Reply
  45. m3000 says:
    20 November 2017 at 2:43 am

    I want it. – And I already had the opportunity to sample it, for me it’s close to Iris Nazarena, but sharper and more masculine. Which is good!

    Log in to Reply
  46. sarcon says:
    20 November 2017 at 10:19 am

    I want it

    tea, smoke, iris? sounds made for me. I am so curious about “Kyoto moss” too!

    Log in to Reply
  47. skye says:
    20 November 2017 at 12:43 pm

    I want it! The notes sound really interesting. I have a traveler size of Memoirs of a Trespasser and I think its really well done. I would love to try the new one.

    Log in to Reply
  48. FearsMice says:
    20 November 2017 at 4:22 pm

    I want it.

    Because iris and pine might be amusing to a jaded old bat…

    Thanks for the giveaway, Robin.

    Log in to Reply
  49. sergelutencio says:
    21 November 2017 at 6:01 am

    I want it!
    Complex iris is the only way I have to appreciate Iris.

    Log in to Reply
  50. lindeberg38 says:
    21 November 2017 at 1:53 pm

    As I mentioned before, my friend ordered the entire line and I have two favorites, they are all lovely, that have become a part of my signature fragrance roation. I’ll give this one a sniff tomorrow!

    Log in to Reply
  51. cazaubon says:
    21 November 2017 at 5:33 pm

    I want it! Sounds very interesting. I love Cape Heartache.

    Log in to Reply
  52. therabbitsflower says:
    22 November 2017 at 10:32 am

    I want it! I’m finally catching up on some reviews for the last week. Once I get through my decants of Violet Disguise and Memoirs I’ll have to see about travel sizes.

    Log in to Reply
  53. kittymeow84 says:
    23 November 2017 at 5:05 am

    I would love to win this! Tea and iris really sounds like what I’m into!

    Log in to Reply
  54. meredifay says:
    11 September 2019 at 10:31 am

    I want it! Wow, sorta late to the party, but this sounds delightful.

    Log in to Reply
  55. ockeghem says:
    11 September 2019 at 8:33 pm

    Oh, you do smell lovely!

    For once, one I own. Highly recommended. And will let the bottle go to someone else who doesn’t have it yet!

    Log in to Reply

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