Under the Stars

I just got Replica Under the Stars from UPS today, so I haven't had a chance to fully experience this fragrance yet, but I really like it so far! I ordered it directly from the Maison Margiela website, and it was the first time I've done that. I have four other 100 ml Replica fragrances, that I ordered from Amazon. I also have some 10 ml travel bottles that I bought from Sephora. They are having a sale on some items, and Under the Stars was one of them. It was about $135 for the 100 ml bottle, and I got a few free items too, two fragrance samples, a small candle, and a 7 ml splash bottle, and the shipping was free and fast. The selection wasn't great, for the free samples. I was hoping to get Under the Lemon Trees or the new Afternoon Delight, but neither were options. These Replica fragrances definitely illustrate how there isn't a set rule for perfume concentrations. These are EDT, but they seem to perform as long and well as EDP fragrances or even Parfums. I can't really describe the scent of Under the Stars, but it definitely agrees with my nose! It seems like a cool weather fragrance, like Stronger With You or The Most Wanted. It has a nice, rich leather and oud aroma that I really enjoy. The atomizer is threaded onto the glass. This is the second bottle that I've gotten so far, that was like that, and has the plastic ring around the atomizer. I experimented with the bottles at Sephora a while ago and some of them were threaded and some pressed on, so I'm not sure what the implication is. It's easier to decant bottles when you can remove the atomizer, so I like that.

Honestly, this fragrance is exactly what I imagine a Sheikh or a well-dressed Arab gentleman would wear daily—it’s deeply rooted in Arabic culture, from the luxurious notes to the atmospheric presence it carries. The moment I spray it, I’m mentally transported to the heart of Dubai: gold-trimmed halls, luxury cars, and private lounges filled with billionaires. That’s the kind of aura this scent gives off. What truly sets it apart, though, is its exceptional longevity. It clings to clothes for over 24 hours, evolving beautifully over time without losing its core identity. On colder days, especially in winter, it performs like a dream—projecting warmth, richness, and sophistication. The oud in this fragrance is masterfully balanced: smooth, elegant, and not overwhelming. Unlike some traditional oud-based scents that can feel medicinal or overly smoky, this one is far more wearable. In fact, I’d argue it’s even more versatile and refined than designer oud options like Tom Ford’s Oud Wood. This doesn’t just try to smell luxurious—it is luxury. And it doesn’t scream for attention; it draws people in with quiet power and confidence. If you want to smell like understated opulence, this is the one.

I love this scent, but that's not to say that many will; I knew I'd love it when I read the ingredients: leather, oud, peppery notes. On me, it lasts quite a while, even though it's an EDT. It's definitely not floral, but there is a sweet quality to it. Maybe a bit of vanilla? I don't smell burning tires or cigarettes/tobacco/ashtrays as another reviewer commented. I agree that it is more suited to fall/winter, but I would use it year-round I love it that much. It reminds me of my childhood, growing up in Saudi Arabia, shopping at the souq, smelling the oud burning in the burners in mostly every other shop. I loved it then, and I love it now. This reminds me of home. Edit 29MAY24: It's puzzling to me that so many people hate this, even going so far as to say that it's disgusting and awful. I've had so many compliments when wearing this, even at work. Maybe it just works on me. It wears so well, as others have noted (8+ hrs. on me), and the projection and sillage are remarkable for an EDT; I just spray the tiniest amounts on both wrists. Unisex, for sure. I love that about this absolute beast.

Gorgeous scent with expensive ingredients. You can smell the real oud and the leather notes are just divine. This one is for experienced niche brand fragheads who still shop designer, because the mixture is both sophisticated and not for the faint of heart. Anyone who likes this, I instantly assume they're really into perfumes. You need to have palate to understand this perfume(unless you just really don't like Oud or Leather notes). I love how light it is, when the middle eastern perfumes with similar notes are usually extremely heavy. I feel like this is for a western/eastern person who likes middle eastern notes. I can see people who only like freshies or florals not enjoy this at all, because it's the opposite. It's smokey, it's woody, it's leathery. I personally think this is the best from this house, and one of my faves. If this were from another brand it would be much more expensive for sure.

As others commented, people around me do not enjoy this fragrance, but there’s something about it that keeps me coming back, now I love Oud, I have a collection of natural Oud essential oils from India, Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh etc but none of them smell anywhere near this, I wouldn’t call this an Oud fragrance, it’s more of a leather rubber fragrance with hints of fruitiness to my nose, it really does smell like car tires mixed with some raspberry and smoke and ash, it’s not your usual Oud fragrance and it does not remind me of any other perfume I’ve smelled before, maybe a bit of the plasticy-ness of fantomas? I’m layering it with CH Burning Roses and so far, this is phenomenal, I definitely get the hate but I also get the love