Vertigo 236

This is a scent from a house that goes under a lot of people's radars and which deserves far greater recognition for the excellent niche work they do. What you get with Maison Noir are flawlessly blended, immaculately presented EDPs in gorgeous bottles that are very high quality indeed. I'm a big fan of their work, and particularly Alexandra Monet who has a wonderful nose, illustrated nowhere more viscerally than with Vertigo 236 which is the subject of this review. What we have here is a summery lemon and mint stem growing organically out from a robust and quite elegant vetiver root, but the clever work is how the complimentary accords here add depth and complexity without over-complication. There is a quite unusual saffron note in the head that takes the lemon and the clary sage in a richer direction and moves this away from basic territory. Elsewhere the vetiver is stopped from going too bitter and flat by a superb use of patchouli; the verdant, effervescent kind, not the chocolatey kind. We're a million miles away from piney car air freshener vibes here. Together, the whole thing just sings. I get a very unusual sparkly, minty cola vibe from it, I think from the lemon and the aromatics and the sweetness of the Ambroxan-type fixative, that is really interesting and enjoyable. Maison Noir have come up with something very special here. Normally you'd see this kind of linear profile loaded up with white florals in the heart; some powerful osmanthus, neroli or jasmine, or perhaps some magnolia which dominates everything. Pleasingly, here the focus is on the lemon, clary sage and vetiver and making it work together in a really refined way with genuine performance to boot. Vertigo 236 is a summery day freshie but has the depth and presence to go into the night as well, without being shouty. I reviewed Sous Les Pins by Chloe recently and this is a heavier hitter but in a similar, extremely high end aromatic ballpark: warm, sunny, green aromatics that do not need huge white florals in the heart to work well. If you are after a sunny, warm weather green aromatic for this summer with genuine depth and interest that is very much in fashion right now, look no further. This is absolutely top class. Three Word Summary: Warm, Green Aromatics Layering Suggestion: Eccentric Molecules 01 + Patchouli would be a fantastic base layer here because of the shared molecular components. Outfit Suggestion: This is super casual, super laid back. Casual shorts, fitted tee and Tod's espadrilles, Loewe tortoiseshell Wayfarers, wood accessories. Scent - 9/10 Drydown - 8/10 Sillage - 9/10 Bottle/packaging - 9/10 Performance - 8/10 42/50

Vertigo 236 is a masterpiece for lovers of citrus-forward fragrances. The opening is nothing short of a sensory explosion—a vivid burst of freshly squeezed lemon that feels both invigorating and natural. For the first 10–20 minutes, it’s as if you’re standing in a sunlit grove, surrounded by the pure zestiness of nature. As it begins to settle, the fragrance evolves into a deeper and more complex profile. The zesty brightness mellows, giving way to a rich blend of green, soft spicy, woody, and earthy notes. It’s fresh, uplifting, and sophisticated, making it perfect for someone who wants to wear a fragrance that feels both approachable and luxurious. The performance is solid, lasting easily 6–8 hours on the skin, while the sillage is moderate but noticeable, leaving a trail that feels inviting rather than overpowering. This isn’t a scent that screams for attention—it draws people in with its understated richness. I’m genuinely surprised that Vertigo 236 hasn’t received more recognition. For citrus fragrance enthusiasts, this is an absolute must-try. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly well-crafted. - Scent: 9/10 - Sillage: 8/10 - Longevity: 7/10 - **Overall: 9/10 – Highly, highly recommended! If you love citrus, Vertigo 236 is a blast. Maison Noir has truly delivered something special with this one.