An Air Of Despair

Not a bad little offering from the always interesting Imaginary Authors! There's not a whole lot to describe here, and you're enjoyment of this fragrance will directly rely upon your enjoyment of saffron, cedar, and musk, but there's nothing wrong with a simple fragrance as long as it smells good. And thankfully, in my opinion this smells pretty great. It's a new direction for Imaginary Authors, but it's a successful experiment in minimalism. Unsurprisingly considering the note list, this instantly reminded me of Comme Des Garcon's Standard. Where that one puts a relatively heavy emphasis on a tart, effervescent lemon, An Air of Despair has a much more prominent saffron note. The result is a warmer, more naturalistic fragrance that comes across much more unisex in contrast to the CDG's decidedly masculine modernism. If you tried Standard and found that it was a bit too masculine or sharp, this is without a doubt the answer to your prayers. It's a cozy, extremely wearable and modern fragrance. I also find that this performs a little better than the CDG, and is only limited edition so it might be wise to pick it up while you can. 7.5/10

This is a comfort smell for me, in the short time I have experienced it. I am in the UK and obtained a sample and managed to find a retailer over here selling it, and ordered a 30ml bottle within the day. At the moment, even when I am wearing other fragrances at home, I'll spray some on to the back of my right hand, so that I can sniff it at my leisure, like a freak. It reminds me of childhood scenarios, one being travelling in the back of a relative's rickity Morris Minor Traveller, through the country lanes of Co.Offaly, Ireland. Another, wooden furniture in junior schools and youth establishments. All circa late seventies, early eighties. It's simple, but I likes it, soft brown leatherwood, or something. Update: Just gave myself a blast for the first time in a while, still love it, though yes, the sprayer is pants.

I have been braking my head trying to write a good review for An Air of Despair by Imaginary Authors. At first spray I can most definitely smell smoky Cedar. The musk is there but does not dominate the fragrance. To me it is a sweet musk. Saffron makes it's appearance in the dry down to even out this beautiful composition. Like all the Imaginary Author fragrances, this one is mysterious and complex. I don't know if I will wear it again in the summer but definitely for Fall/Winter.

This was a random spritz at a boutique and I didn't pay it much mind. 6 hours later I was on the phone with the shop, begging them to tell me what it was and to put it on hold. This smells like a warm, wooden cabin full of cashmere blankets. I get a mapley sweetness, almost like immortelle. I wear this with a cozy wooly sweater so it can waft up all day and warm my soul.

A wonderful, wonderful cedar fragrance. I am #eternallybummed that this is only a limited edition. Get some while you can.