Downland

The salinity of the air, grey-green leaves, vast carpets of grass, sun-warmed top soil, holly and scrub pines: these are what materializes in my mind when wearing Downland. Though I've never had the privilege of visiting Sussex Downs, I can draw from the impressions of having lived near similar seaside ecosystems in New England. Olibanum and elemi, the two most forward features I discern, shape the atmosphere here, with a certain earth element that reminds me of raw fragrant materials Terranol or Terrasol. These two emphasize the damp earth facets of patchouli, imparting a rich dampness that contrasts with the dry effervescence of the resins. It dries down to a warm, soft vetiver and a dry straw closeness. Downland is meditative and may be missed when faced with distraction: it seems to ask the wearer to slow down. It has this elusive sillage, the kind that haunts me to a shiver. It never quite feels brooding but it has just the slightest tinge of melancholy. In a fragrance industry that begs for attention and employs much fanfare for commercial viability, there are some fragrance releases like this that take a risk. The deliberate approach to perfume as first and foremost art leaves a "product" vulnerable, hoping to find its appropriate audience. It reads like poetry, and who today takes time to read poetry? Do you? If so, this may be to your taste. I do, and I am happy that I found Downland.

I managed to get a sample set of all five of the Moro Dabron perfumes and they are all beautifully natural smelling and obviously made with quality ingredients. Nothing harsh, and they do develop beautifully and go on a real scent journey. Downland is my favourite at the moment, though I am enjoying them all (especially Cyrus and Vita) for different reasons. I love the descriptions that come with each one. Downland does indeed smell to me like being outdoors on somewhere like the South Downs, overlooking the sea on a warm summers' evening. It's calming and warm and definitely unisex. I tend towards more masculine smelling perfumes and I do like vetiver. On me the vetiver is soft and not overpowering l, but I guess if you didn't get on with vetiver this might not be for you. I'm not sure how long lasting this is as I only have a small sample and have not sprayed much. But all these perfumes are beautiful and the company obviously knows what its doing. The sample box is presented beautifully.