Madame X

I woke up this morning to some chilly fall air and decided it’s finally time to get Madame X out again. I’ve been waiting all summer to wear it, smelling the cap here and there when I missed it. From opening to dry down it’s so gorgeous. The spices, the animalics, the amber (heavy on the labdanum), and the leather are just beautiful. It’s dirty and clean at the same time. It doesn’t feel skanky, just glamorous, like a fur coat or leather pants. It’s for cozy nights or a night out. There’s a bit of a modern feel that, in my opinion, takes a little bit away from it. I wonder if there’s a vintage fragrance that inspired Madame X. If so, it’s probably my dream fragrance.

I own Madame X in the parfum version and I heartil recommend it to afficianados who are looking for a sophisticated and feminine animalic scent that does not have a kinky quality (I would put Bandit in that category) or is not a big floral like Jolie Madame. While MX is not Lanvin's Scandal it is quite reminiscent. Yes there is leather and yes there is a floralcy, but the wood, the greens and the amber keep this one on a calmer lower key route to sensuousness. YOu will not "rock the room" with the sillage and you won't smell like horse harness or whips. Madame X may be a bit notorious sounding, but the scent here is rather a lady.

So excited to see Madame X finally back in production! On me, the extrait version is a slightly sweet animalic musk combined with a complex hay absolute and a touch of spice and vanilla to round things out. The current batch provided the same reaction I had when I first encountered this scent back in 2007 - I need more of this. Her best comparables - FM Musc Ravageur and SL Musc Koublai Khan. If you think these 2 are pussycats, you'll love Madame X. Ava Luxe's strength is musky scents. Madame X is one of her best. Hopefully, she's able to keep this beauty in production.

I bought a sample size of this a couple of years ago and savored it. I wish so badly I'd purchased a large bottle now that she is no longer taking orders. I could bathe in this scent and still want more. Please come back Serena!

This is my favorite Ava Luxe that I have tried, the balance of notes here is delightful. It feels like a deep, goth scent, but it is also beautiful.