Palimpsest

Ylang, galbanum, jasmines, & ambergris. When i received the samples kit 2 days back, i couldn't hardly wait to unbox it & dig in specially after what @Harbinger in "On the Right to Change One's Mind: Scented Escapades in the Boudoir" article when he, or she said: "The only fragrances that I have never been able to get on with no matter how many times I try are from the all natural brand Aftelier..always rotting flowers and discord". "ROTTEN FLOWERS" was the magical words that ringed the gate's bells on my mind and made me RUSH to get those gems.. Thank you @Harbinger. Indeed, these blends are for those who loves the animalic hardcore type of blends like "Salome" by Papillon, "Fougere Bengale" by d'Empire, "Bois Lumière" by Anatole, or "Peau de Bete" by Liquides Imaginaires & definitely not for those who likes the tinder white floral blends which is a complete different category like for instance "Calyx" by Prescriptives, "Murmure des Dieux" by Bali, "Narcotic Venus" by Nasomatto, "Lace Garden" by Cabanel, or "Panthea" by Stéphane. "Palimpsest" is about indolic ylang, and ambergrised jasmines with hints of sweetness that i can hardly detected. The galbanum takes it on a whole new level of woodsy and animalic, something botanical maybe but definitely a core floral. It blooms in cold weather. It's like a fairy tale, but the dark side of that fairy tale where you can witness good and evil. Now this is the 5th one i am sampling and i just can't explain how perfect these fragrances are! they have that mysterious effect, besides the vintage originality in them, and that's of course despite the quality that they held AND the individuality each blend (so far from the ones i tried for sure) has, cause mostly some artists (who deals with naturals) makes variations of the same blend as all their blends smells similar to each others but the rations of the notes differs, this is not the case of "Aftelier". Lady Mandy... you are a GENIUS artist.

This is amazing. We just went to Mandy Aftelier’s open house this December 2nd and 3rd and we got to visit the museum and also to be in her space and try various perfumes as well as smell absolues and oils. It was a great experience. This was one of several edps that I first smelled under the bell jar and then on a test strip and then on my skin, thinking “What is that great scent? Oh that’s me,” This is light but strong, lasting with a sheer veil of osthmanuthus-like peachy apricot and a whiff of vanilla flower, not foody AT ALL. It has this better-than skin warm slightly sweet smell, but again not surgery or gourmand—definitely floral. It is distinctive and lovely, veering feminine with a slight muskiness in the base that hints at sexiness without going into skanky indole territory. I highly recommend getting a sample. When I’m done with my sizeable, albeit pricey sample—I’m going to throw for a larger bottle. I think if you like scents in the Eric Butterbaugh Kingston Osthmanus style, you may very much like this—they have some similar features though are not the same. A very lovely perfume, good year round but perhaps may shine even more spring and summer. And Mandy Aftelier is just awesome, a scientist, nose, perfumer, chef, writer, naturalist. Edit: It is also reminiscent of Slumberhouse Kiste, though less alcoholic boozy sweet-peachiness.

Wow! This is divine, so deliciously sexy and floral heavy, very animalic as well. I do smell something banana-ish as well, also Cinnamon? It somewhat reminds me of Cuir Gardenia but I think it's just because they are both floral heavy. Not sure if it's a FB must for me but I highly recommend sampling, I will definitely be using this for special occasions.

Challenging mouth puckering opening of indole and yuzu that overlay (and IMO overpower) sweet and fruity elements of apricot, raw bananas and some metallic green herb. Salty, sour and savory, definitely urinous throughout. Skank supreme! This is the one I would have guessed had civet in it. But it doesn’t!?

The perfume smells like rotten peaches and old books. So gross. If you want handcrafted perfumes from a small niche house that smell just like the creator says they smell try Gather, don't waste your money on this house.

Wow. This is gorgeous. It's sexy too. It's smooth cashmere and light ambery honey notes up front with soft peach making a slow delicious appearance and before you know it, the most lovely blend of jasmine and Ylang ylang join the bouquet and stay, and stay.....all made even more luscious by the oudy fire tree and ambergris base. I've not ever smelled firetree on its own but I give this perfume the award for being the most beautiful and sexy natural perfume to come out this year. Midnight in the garden of Eden? oh yeah...and more. It has great silage and staying power as well. For the person who asked where to buy it, you can buy it at Aftelier.

This is sex in the bottle guys. Really for a special mood. I wouldn’t wear it daily as this is quite animalic to me, although the note is not listed here. Sits close to the skin but for a whole day. I’d say this is for colder months and special occasions. Wearing it gives a very clear message where the evening is heading. If I had to compare this to anything I tried recently it would be Francesca Bianchi Sex and the Sea Neroli, the same family.