The Artist No.1

I have enjoyed Maison Alhambra’s Tom Ford clones and when I found out they had a Portrait of a Lady clone, I just had to get it. I have never smelled POAL before myself, but being a patchouli and a rose lover of course I’ve heard lots about it. It’s kind of an iconic fragrance on the side of fragrance YouTube that I frequent. So while I cannot compare it to POAL, from the initial smell, it immediately reminded me of something that I do know. At first, I figured that it was just the patchouli, and then for a minute I wondered if it was reminding me of Noir de Noir by Tom Ford. But then I quickly realized that it reminds me a lot of Zara’s Mystic Rose. Going back to Mystic Rose’s Fragrantica page, I see some users noting the similarity between Mystic Rose and POAL, so I guess it makes sense. Compared to MR, though, The Artist N°1 has less of that tarty fruitiness that I feel like a lot of people would dislike – Mystic Rose is kind of screechy compared to this one. The Artist N°1 is more refined and smells more expensive. Funnily enough, compared to Zara’s perfume, it’s basically the same price point. The Artist N°1 is a beautiful fragrance, where I feel like all of the ingredients kind of play together in a very balanced kind of way. The patchouli, rose and a combination of the fruits project the most. On the skin, I get a lot of the patchouli, frankincense and the cloves. It’s not a beast mode fragrance, but the projection is nice and longevity is great. It’s a steady performer and it doesn’t get much weaker for the duration of the lifetime of the fragrance. Blind buy win. I enjoy it. Does it make me feel like the original Portrait of a Lady is worth the price point? No. But I’m glad I’m able to experience this. It is the kind of scent profile that I gravitate to and it is very mysterious smelling.

Twelve out of ten In many ways, this embodies my ideal fragrance Perhaps Montana PDP is to blame A challenging but interesting opening, a rewarding dry down, an explosion of resin, rose, patchouli, and spice. I understand why some don't like it. The top is quite insane. It is dissonant and cacophonous, but so are parts of the 2001 score. This doesn't make it impossible to appreciate. To take a fine, European touring car out on the narrow, winding country roads it excels on, you have to get it out of its driveway and into the country in the first place. Do the owners complain about how it drives in the city? No. They understand it as part of the experience and learn to appreciate it for what it is. It's possible to do this with The Artist No 1. There is a chypre sleeping in No 1 like a jackal in his den. The opening speed runs you through a layering of Aromatics Elixir and Paloma Picasso. As the AE makes way to a purer paloma, things become clear, you experience the rose, the cloves, the berries, the frankincense and patchouli. As this all renders away, this becomes a deep, dark, whiskey-gold and slightly sweet contemplation on the sensory hybridization of rose, patchouli, resin, and spice. It lasts FOREVER on my skin. I do not think this is an ideal scent for women, but I guarantee most women will love it on a man...and most men will love it on themselves. I've never smelled Portrait of a Lady, but I don't have to in order to appreciate No 1. It's incredible. Never before has a perfume become a top-fiver so instantly.

This is unbelievable! I received today a sample of Portrait of a Lady and a full bottle of The artist no 1 . So ...right out of the box, these two are almost identical. For those who would like to know what it smells like...It is not too strong, first of all. It is unique, but makes me think of the style of Amouage, a bit cathedral, alluring, embodying confidence without shouting. As it dries more on my wrist it is showing it's weakness in comparison to POaL...but with my experience... Alhambra will shine through in about a week of rest...They never let me down. If you are a type who likes darker scents with a bit of a Gothic vibe, I believe you will love this and with all respect to Dominique Ropion and Frederick Malle....I am happy to save my pennies. I smelled the original about 13 years ago and thought it was too pricey then, but I wished I had gotten it. It was 100 € less than today's price. Sigh....

I just opened this, and I had to hop on here immediately!!! This may just be the most stunningly beautiful fragrance I’ve smelled in a loooong time! I haven’t smelled the original FM version by Dominique Ropion, but if this is as good as it is, then that is probably an absolute masterpiece! The sillage is amazing, the rose is distinctly there yet is done in a smooth and subtle way, allowing the black currant, patchouli, clove and frankincense dance around it! The sandalwood grounds this into the most elegant and captivating beauty! I am so thrilled that a scent like this is available at such an amazing price! This doesn’t just smell rich, it smells like generational wealth! (If that makes sense) It absolutely blows me away!

The Artist No.1 Maison Alhambra Crimson velvet rose, Cloaked in spice and incense smoke, Shadows turned to art. Perfectly unisex. Impressive sillage, and easily lasts 8-10 hours depending on how much you use. The price compared to Portrait of a Lady; Amazingly affordable. Wear it with confidence, because you are beautiful! The Artist n°1 is the perfect fragrance to wear for the holidays. It represents the perfect Christmas / Winter Rose. 🌹 Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming As men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter When half-gone was the night! Merry Christmas to all!