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.

One of the best smells I've ever smelled. As always, this company manages to craft scents of unparalleled quality. Nothing smells this way. Not even close. For a woman I'd say this is definitely a unisex smell. Absolutely luxurious and smells like rocket fuel combined with a sensual and very sexy smell that can be worn whenever because it's just that amazing. Very potent and long lasting. Can't wait to get my hands on a full bottle!! You need this in your collection everyone!! Guys and women alike!! Bellissimo Luca!!!!

I just received a sample and I swear I can't smell anything. There is only rubbing alcohol and a faint (very very faint) hint of gasoline. I can barely smell it if I bury my nose in my skin. I either completely burnt my nostrils or my sample is defective. I sprayed other colognes on my other hand and I can smell them clearly so I guess it is the sample

This is like smelling a sexy biker man with a wild side. Leathery, spicy, masculine. As a woman I actually quite like it on myself. Maybe it’s from being single too long. Haha.

In the same vibes as PDM- Kuhuyan, Dior-Farenheit Absolut and Chanel-Cuir de Russie, just amazing! Well blending and mystifying all the way!

Smells like a motorcycle ride through a damp autumn forest while wearing your favorite leather jacket.

The most pleasant journey fragrance can offer. Fire walk with me.

Who knew gasoline could be so pretty and restrained?

Upon first spray, Ierofante seems a direct descendant of the "burn rubber on me" of Bvlgari Black and heaven in a black leather jacket of Fahrenheit or Jacomo de Jacomo. Within minutes, however, its petrol accord, fantastically rendered by Luca Maffei, enhanced with styrax resin, is also laid over an accord dominated by Suederal. If I weren't so weary of the pervasiveness of Suederal in modern leathers, I'd probably be quite enthusiastic about this. The warmth of spices, particularly nutmeg, make Ierofante quite delightful in its heart, lending a more approachable and winsome appeal to it that isn't always so with concept fragrances in this category. It's eminently wearable, just evocative enough to raise the eyebrows, and it reaches the clubhouse turn with a sweet and cozy amber. However, a rocket fuel juggernaut this is not. In fact in terms of shockingly realistic gasoline, one should look no further than that of Santa Maria Novella Nostalgia, which is exhilarating in its realism, and mercifully lasts for ten to fifteen minutes until it mellows into a beautifully rendered and softly-tarry birch leather. That is where I turn for this experience. While Ieofante is impeccably constructed and I don't argue whether its 2023 Art and Olfaction award is well-deserved, but it's just a bit too reductive and anticlimactic for me. It's well done, but it didn't quite dazzle me in the way I hoped.

first test - the initial scent is gas and wood fire mix to my nose which is on the masculine side. I am not sure I could pull it off, but I do like the smell. then the leather emerges and its still good. BUT WOW unbelievably beautiful ambery dry down I am noticing 6 hours in. I don't want to shower it off. I wish I could smell it on a man. so so nice, but leaning masculine. Still, I will use my sample.

This perfume is really solidifying my belief that as much as I love leather notes, suede notes bore me to tears. My hopes were high after such an exciting opening -- what a noxious blast of gasoline! -- but the dry-down was a let-down. Ierofante is an objectively good fragrance, don't get me wrong, but it's just not for me. If the heart were more leather and less suede, this review would be going in a totally different direction and I'd be on the lookout for a bottle. Unfortunately, suede doesn't vibe with my skin and tends to smell dry/dusty/flat. If you like a challenging opening and are a fan of suede and warm spices, Ierofante is for you.

Sorry (not sorry) to be the lone voice of non-hype and sanity amidst the sploogefest going on here regarding Ierofante. Just took delivery of this spaceman rocket jetpack juice and am equal parts bummed (because it's pure hype sauce that I just plonked down $19 for a 2ml sample) and laughing (because people screaming from atop the mountain are either being paid (cash or free juice) from Quartana for these reviews or have olfactory destruction from years of shooting Sauvage Elixir into their noses with a Black & Decker pressure washer on the highest setting). Gasoline? Rocket Fuel for an opener? Bullshit, try a watered down DS & Durga Burning Barbershop - burnt mint maybe, and that's being very forgiving. Suede and smoke? Again, nope unless you're calling synthetic smoke from a BBQ smoker two miles away wafting on the wind and suede from a Chinese made Walmart sold pleather jacket the real deal. And then the so-called amazing "golden amber powder dry down"... bro, please, Parfums de Marly has this in spades, and 2000 times better, in nearly all their sauces but in particular Herod and Carlisle. You want gasoline, go fill up at the Fahrenheit pumps. You want jet fuel, get a gig at NASA. You want suede or smoke, go buy some Herme's Bel Ami or Caron Yatagan. And finally this -- the real conundrum: just because you've got some seed money to buy a perfumer for a project and additional coin for marketing are you really bringing something amazing and significant to market? Said differently, I own a car too but it doesn't make me a serious mechanic or millionaire Formula 1 driver. Releases like Ierofante just remind me of the times we all live in -- hype it up, sell it quickly and in limited volume for maximum coin, and onto the next thing. Outside of Chris Rusak's AEOOJLMB, maybe one or two other individuals who I'm forgetting currently, I am of the mind that Dior, Chanel, Herme's and YSL are big for a reason ~ they have flops from time to time sure, but 92% of the time they nail shit down tight and do it right. I know, I know, I know... it feels amazing and counterculture to discover non mainstream anything to call your own but honestly how often does that actually happen and how much self-convincing do you need to do to keep using said product day after day? For whatever it's worth, save your money on this one and just go buy another bottle of your current favorite.

IEROFANTE is a leather gourmand that starts off with a fuel blast but ends like a silky, nutmeg cashmere suede. For me the gasoline note is pretty prominent in the opening and lightly lingers for hours in the background, giving the perfume a slight masculine feel but it’s definitely unisex, especially the dry down. But the perfume is overall a gourmand leather but the gasoline note gives it a little bit of a twist. I find it to be on the elegant side with a funky twist but it has enough of a formal feel that it could be dressed up or down. But I could easily see a very well dressed man rocking this. It’s a sexy smell, not stuffy at all, but it feels very polished. Both Luca Maffei and Joseph Quartana are good with that “polished with a twist” thing and they really seem to work well together here. IEROFANTE lasts a long time on my skin, being pretty potent for about 6 hours then lingers for 6 more. It’s 22% extrait. If you spray on clothing prepare for it to stay a while. But at no time is it too strong or anything annoying, I find it very present without feeling intrusive. I don’t like vulgar beast mode perfumes that smell of loud chemicals. This isn’t like that at all. It’s potent but pleasant. I also love the red bottle with the gold!

Upon receiving a sample of Ierofante as a giveaway prize, I embarked on a fragrant journey that can only be described as out-of-this-world. From the initial burst of fuel and solvents, reminiscent of my childhood fascination with gasoline, Ierofante tells a captivating story. The opening is a dance between suede and gasoline, with nutmeg adding an unexpected touch of sweetness. As the scent progresses, smoky leather takes center stage, balanced beautifully by styrax. Contrary to my initial expectations, the leather is not overpowering but instead expertly accentuates the resinous qualities of other notes present. The dry down reveals a deep, yet subdued amber, cashmeran, and vetiver blend. What truly surprised me was how Ierofante blossomed when exposed to the outdoors, hinting at its magic in warmer weather. This scent is not only a personal delight but for me, exudes an irresistible allure when worn by a man. With accolades like the 2023 Art & Olfaction Awards and multiple mentions as one of the best perfumes of 2022, it's clear that Ierofante is a masterpiece crafted by Luca Maffei under the visionary concept of Joseph Quartana. If you haven't experienced this celestial journey yet, I highly recommend you do.

Super unique, not for nonfragheads. Meant as art, and very very strong in my opinion. Nothing smells like this. If you buy it, you may smell weird but you will definitely not smell like anyone else

I got a tester, and it was literally spicy gasoline. The spices were lovely, but the gas became too much. If it had been subtler, I could actually see it creating an aromatic effect. Too bad!

it’s a musky fragrance, very light, that smells clean, kind of slightly plasticky, like a clean scent... but clean in a good way. I don’t detect any strong gasoline-like smell either.