Universe

Universe is divine. In the true sense of the word. If I should associate this perfume to one of the five Elements, it would be Earth. Yes, this fragrance is an ode to all that concerned with the Earth: woods, roots, powder, resins... it could be the scent that emanates from a sacred ritual of a priestess dedicated to a Goddess of Fertility; sensual, warm, cozy and secret, like the mystery of Universal Womb. The opening woodsy notes are very intensive: I seem to smell the fragrance of trees, moss and ground (it could be galbanum blended with orris root and patchouli), I feel as I was walking across an ancient luss forest. This phase is a little bit unisex, but in a different way from The Iceberg Fragrance: the opening of TIF is citrus and fresh, whereas Universe is warm and musky all the time. Then powdery and amber notes become to emerge, changing the orientation in a very feminine, velvety way. Lily and vanilla give womanly roundness to it, while benzoin, sandalwood and amber donate deepness and sensuality to all the fragrance. The dry-down is an idyll to my nose. Even if Universe is an EDT, the sillage is great, and the lasting power is quite good on my skin. I get so many compliments when I wear this wonderful perfume. Transported in today's context, Universe suits perfectly to an elegant, fascinating woman with magnetic eyes: if I should choose an actress to interpret this perfume, I see Lauren Bacall, with her timeless charm. Universe has been discontinued some years ago, and I regretted this loss... Fortunately I looked for it online, and today it has just arrived from Greece, by Hellenic Post: I like to think it's a gift from an ancient goddess... so at last I regained my lost love!

Iceberg's Universe is the only perfume of my favourite five that I no longer own. Action said "it is pure art" and I fully agree. The fragrance's name was chosen well because it smells like... universe with its gazillion stars - at least this is what I imagine the sky at night time to smell like. The notes are that brilliantly composed that I cannot single out a single note. Iceberg Universe was one of my winter fragrances as it was perfect for the starlit skies, the fresh air and the cool purity of the coldest of all four seasons. Actually I think that Iceberg Universe is an occasion fragrance; it is not a heavy evening fragrance at all but it oozes modern sophistication, charm, elegance and true style. The perfume lasted for hours on my skin and I was surrounded by a fragrant cloud that people near me could smell all day long. If I had known that this fragrance would ever be discontinued, I would have bought ten bottles. My advice: If you can find it somewhere, then just buy it.

Surprised not to find incense in the notes as I can smell it. It smells dry and woody but at the same time and specially on the dry down warm and a bit sweeter. Its very subtle' not cloying, lovely. I felt VERY elegant wearing it. I got it in a swap after reading reviews here and tschiepchien's advice, and I am very glad I did! Edit: The staying power is a bit disapointing, about 2-3 hours. But I find that is the case on me, with all the drier scents I have tried, like Courreges Empreinte. But someone said that it was long lasting on them, so Universe must be one of those perfumes that behave very differently in each person.

I obtained a mini since I was very curious to sniff Universe, and indeed, smells goooooooooood. And guess what, it resembles my recent find in an islamic book store: Malikat al Sabah by Al Rehab! Universe is less sweet and Malikat al Sabah is perhaps more flowery, but I do recommend Universe lovers to try this one.

Another word on Universe: i seem to perceive also a note of leather, between the middle and base notes. Maybe it's only a subjective perception, but Universe has definitely an animalic accord. Maybe it's the presence of musk, don't know... But I smell leather too, in it!