Carnival of Souls

The act of linking scent to cinema is so interesting. I keep fantasising about having a VHS/DVD collection with their corresponding bottles perched in front of each case. I’m trying to place what i’m smelling into the context of its film: it feels like the protagonist alone in her quiet, comfortable room for tea and cream, while something waits outside her window. Something inevitable and persistent. It’s a pleasant, moreish scent, and quietly odd... perhaps that distinctive violet smell is carrying the salt-scalded rust of the pier, dangling gently amidst the sweetness? Something in this perfume is sharpening the violet, making it acidic and subtly startling, and I wish I had the kind of nose that could tell you what. As time goes on it gets sweet and heady, sort of intoxicatingly, seductively sweet, then it fades to a gentle memory that I keep trying to re-smell. What a sad strange film, what a sad strange perfume

Whatever it smells like I'm pretty sure I'm gonna end up buying that perfume. The hand of the water on the bottle creeps me out (for those who know the movie, you will understand) ... I need it. Edit : I got my sample and this is definitely on my to-buy list. This is what I wanted Moth Zoologist to be. Sorry, I love niche fragrances but to me Moth is not wearable, unless you're going to goth dance clubs or an Halloween party. Carnival of Souls is not that. It is soft, slightly sweet and smoky at the same time. It definitely has some sort of vintage style. Think powdery boudoir fragrances but "mysterious" and darkened by incense. It's special enough to be a colder temperature signature fragrance and friendly enough to be worn at the office. I'd totally wear this one :) I need it soon ...

Not beating the unsettling yet wistful bpd baddie allegations with this one. Picture dark circles and powder pink cheeks, steamy breath in an early morning garden covered in dewdrops running from the girls home, bed rotting with all of your ball jointed dolls and blind box plushies keeping you company. It is insanely addicting to me, i cannot stop huffing myself when I wear this. It envelops you in this saccharine and disturbing cloud of cream mixed with that sweet vanilla plastic babydoll smell from your childhood. Not floral, not spicy, not overpowering. completely haunting and the only thing that could be improved is the longevity...but I'm happy to spritz myself throughout the day to keep that weird girl cloud wafting around me

I thought Flaming Creature was my favorite MZ (along with Tragedy Oil, it’s a tough call) but Carnival of Souls is quickly becoming my daily scent as someone who does not ascribe to a signature fragrance. Carnival of Souls is deep, mysterious, beautiful, complex, and I’m still trying to understand it. Like the film, it is something I go back to over and over again because I can’t figure it out but I am addicted. I adore this scent. I didn’t think I’d like a perfume line more than Frederic Malle, but MZ may be my favorite. Another masterpiece by Marissa Zappas.

Carnival of Souls is spooky and spectacular in every which way. I sampled this at Scent Bar in NYC and immediately purchased a bottle from Marissa Zappas webstore after spending a couple hours with it on my skin. The ode this conjures to one of my favorite films of all time depicts its story with masterful thought and intent. The creamy mimosa paired with incense is nothing I ever smelled before and my nose yearns for it. I can’t wait for my full bottle to arrive. MZ you’re a goddess within your craft. Bravo!