Memory Lane

I love the perfumer’s explanation of the origin & inspiration of this fragrance- Joan Didion says something similar, that we need to remain in conversation with our past selves lest they come knocking on our doors unbidden, or something like that. This is a deep, heavy, gourmand-yet-herbal fragrance, and I would imagine that many of the scent memories attached to this are idiosyncratic, as they are for all of us. I’m reminded a bit of Zoologist Moth by the presence of nagarmotha, and kind of drawn in but pushed away by the oscillation between gourmand and inedible. It reminds me of a memory of mine of almost identical vintage, growing up in a small town whose main industry was a chocolate factory, so the air would be a blend of intense orange-chocolate and... something else- wood smoke, fog, cold air, evergreens... this is different from Memory Lane, but then any memory lane tends to meander.

I received a sample of this in one of my recent Olfactif boxes and despite my early hesitation that the notes just couldn't work for me - there were too many wacky curveballs in here - I keep coming back to it over and over. It's mysterious, comforting, delicious, smoky, and addictive. I could see myself wearing this one a second or third date with someone I really liked at a cozy bar, wanting to tempt them closer and invite them in. Added bonus, at least on my skin, this lasts FOR-EV-ER. Full bottle-worthy for sure.

I think I'm in heaven. This smells like Christmas. It also smells like nothing else I've tested. Not a safe blind buy, but if you like fragrances such as L'Air du Desert Marocain, Parfum Sacre, Piu Bellodgia, and Musc Ravageur, Memory Lane is definitely something you should try.

This is a lovely smell. Definitely unisex, I tend to lean towards sweet perfumes and I think this one is a touch masculine for me. Its spicier than most perfumes- I can smell the cloves and I'm sure I'm getting pine notes although it might be my imagination. It does dry down to something softer/ sweeter but its not an overly girly sweet, more a musky vanilla. I agree with the other comments, there is something festive about this scent! It brings to mind spicy gingerbread for me. It smells expensive (it is expensive 😂) lasts well and a decent sillage. But its right in the middle for me- I wore it yesterday and spent quite a long time second guessing if it smelled like aftershave. But then maybe not quite enough for my husband to want to wear it.

The standout of all of Christele Jacquemin perfumes for me. The entire line is gorgeous and unique, several are full bottle worthy, none are safe blind buys. The whole line is needs to be tested on skin for the full experience. Memory Lane is so unusual- fresh and antique, powdery and green, warm and cold, magical and familiar. If you hate oud try this- it’s the lightest touch way in the background. Meringue is the most prominent for me and overall this perfume is so different than anything else I’ve ever smelled. I’m honestly unable to describe most of her perfumes because they are all strange and beautiful, the weirdos should grab her discovery set and play.