Ierofante

Opens with a prominent styrax forward, smooth gasoline bias, but then the Haitian vetiver, and very light amber give a somewhat continued impression of the carnal nature of gasoline (though not in quite the same way) that supports the extremely suede forward profile with the faintest spices to round it off—the faintest traces of nutmeg doesn’t throw off the profile, but arguably I think the cashmeran is significantly more prominent here (but not at all “forward” in the profile) than any nutmeg traces here since the profile feels more “lived in” than geared to being designer “wearable”, though not astringent by any measure as might be perceived in Leatherize by DSDurga. It really is the definition of a suede scent that you’d find on the nap of a post-production leather skin (in my case, an Avirex vintage jacket or any full grain vintage jacket), or a leather that’s been sufficiently worn down to the suede surface, but more pronounced on suede and less “leathery.” Absolutely addicting on its own, and even more when paired with an appropriate complement, that could be maybe Morning Chess by Vilhelm Parfumerie, or on less formal occasions, Leatherize by DS Durga, Rich Mess by Ryan Richmond, etc, etc. It bears the suede character from Suede by Rook Perfumes, minus the tobacco facets—it’s just a pure suede with niche nuances that aren’t mainstream aligned, but not so astringent as people usually make these types of frags to be probably because suede is a naturally a laxer version of leather, which can be difficult for some people. The suede here I’m inclined to say, though having never smelled Suederal, is actually Suederal due to the spicy/smoky faint biases present that GC/MS tests show—nutmeg, cade oil, cedarwood as minute facets. So it’s not that these notes have been manually added in—it’s part of the Suederal (not the top level), but I can’t say yet that if this is straight *Suederal*. I highly doubt it is because even after FOUR days, even out of my broken dried out sample vial (whoops), I still get the suede interpretation, so it's probably the styrax pryrogene-cashmeran-based concotion that's left over, though I could be wrong and these 3 have negligibly different vapor pressures. It’s rather a blessing that a perfumer actually materialized suede in this fashion—a totally neutral suede with a masculine edge that can definitely pass for unisex, that is easily layerable with most perfumes (even with something as strong as Leatherize, if applied on top of it). I would have preferred the intensity to be kicked up just ever so slightly, the leather toned up just a bit, but this pretty much hits all the marks for me in the suede department otherwise. THE definition of suede. This can be comboed with most leather frags to bring out the carnal nature of leather closer to a photorealistic, somewhat scuffed leather, or with other scents that adjacently complement this frag like Xyrena 66 by Xyrena or Warsztat/Garage by JMP Artisan Perfumes. +1 * Suede -> 66/100 Very much FBW, and an excellent artistic render by Luca Maffei.

Ierofante is one of my top releases of 2022. I was looking forward to colder weather and a chance to fully wear it and properly experience it again. Ierofante is one of the winners of Art and Olfaction Awards in 2023 (independent category) and I think this is very well deserved. I am a fan of Luca Maffei creations so perhaps it makes sense I really like Ierofante too. To my nose, Ierofane is a very smooth suede-dominant fragrance but with a very important twist that makes it unique: gasoline! I know many people who love the smell of gasoline, and I indeed can smell something very similar (but smoother!) to gasoline in this fragrance. As the fragrance opens, I can detect both the gasoline note and suede in equal amounts, and the overall experience is buttery and slightly sweet (but never leaning in the gourmand direction). I also want to mention that the gasoline note often reminds people of Dior Fahrenheit, but these fragrances are nothing alike. The note itself is very different, so do not expect to get hints of Fahrenheit here. Also, do not expect something too crazy or a novelty fragrance, this is a serious and well-blended fragrance. On my skin, this fragrance does not evolve too much. Gasoline does dissipate a bit but sweet suede remains. Over time the fragrance becomes sweet and woody (probably because of the vetiver in the base), with hints of indistinct spices that I cannot pick out individually. I have days where I think this is a cozy and cuddly fragrance even though the notes might not indicate that, and other days where I feel like I need to wear a leather jacket with it. The siage of the fragrance is moderate to strong and durability is great. I can feel it on my skin even after I come back from work so over 8 hours. And on clothes the entire day (and the suede element remains strong). In conclusion - this is a unique fragrance for suede fragrance lovers who have already dived a bit deeper into niche fragrances and are not looking for a fragrance that will play nicely with everyone (gasoline might be tricky). It doesn’t remind me of any other fragrance I own or have tried so far. It’s not a fragrance for the office (I guess it depends a bit on the office, I definitely wear it to work), but might be better suited for other more relaxed occasions and colder weather (fall and winter). My own opinion and score is 10/10. I love this fragrance, but I’m also sure not everyone will agree as it is a pretty unique offering.

First full day sampling of the latest release from Parfums Quartana, Ierofante. It’s a daring ascent fueled by petrol/gasoline, leather, and spices, actually becoming airier and more fleeting as time passes, not settling but rather lifting up and after a sharp opening. I’ve tried other spicy leathery fragrances, even with gasoline, before, but Ierofante is quite unique among these, not smelling like Fahrenheit or other fragrances featuring a gasoline note, nor Quartana’s own Six Scents #087, which features more of a motor oil note, a distinction he highlighted during the Ierofante launch at Perfumology a few weeks ago. Overall, it’s a spicy, leathery delight with an early gasoline note that gives way to lighter flight during the dry down. Daring but not frightening, innovative but not totally unfamiliar, while still pretty darn unique Ierofante is sold at great boutiques like Perfumology as well as through its website, at a price of $235 for 50ml, and performs quite well. 8 out of 10

This fragrance is a mystery waiting to be uncovered. Not what I was expecting even though I had some notions of what it may be like. Not at all the gasoline accord or leather I anticipated. A strong rocket fuel note unlike others. Loud. Strong. Then a soft suede. Some spices. Nutmeg. The intensity dying down a bit after launch. Some smoke, styrax, leather. All notes I love. The drydown though is where the real magick unfolds. Transformation into pure golden joy. Just a soft warm amber that goes on for hours and hours. Addicting to the point I found myself sniffing my arm every 10 mins or so for a pick me up. I was expecting a loud and abrasive fragrance and this ended up surprising me with how intimate and inviting it was. I would say anyone with a spirit for adventure would enjoy this. The drydown will win many over I think. Lots of happy memories triggered by this and I will be picking up a bottle for sure.

I have to reveal my deep obsession to find something that smells close to my holy grail, DK Men (1994). I have searched high & low, read every Frag forum and continue to search for that scent that only resides in my memory now. I'm not out & out saying that Ierofante is the one I've been looking for, but with the right layering... it gets really close. (For those wondering, Herod from Parfums de Marly layers well with this) You had me at gasoline Ierofante. It opens so nice & complex with that gasoline note and leather then dries down to a beautiful, lightly powdery amber. Agree with others that it opens very masculine, but dries down to a very unisex fragrance. A masterpiece. I really love this one. Note: I don't get some of the comparisons to Fahrenheit. I've had Fahrenheit for years and my nose doesn't detect the similarities.