Insignia

Insignia. 2ml sample reviewed. One word: Aristocratic. Christopher Chong has elevated his vision with Insignia. Its supremely unique, refined yet..and this is an important component to true luxury...comfortable to wear. It opens aeromatically green with the whiskey accord and milky fig. The bitter orange sits to the side of the whiskey. The interesting thing about Insignia is its bright, light, finesse yet its holding its own, not to be so light it fades away or waters down. This will interest even the most hardened perfumista. I feel this leans more masculine due to the leather, however ladies that pull off Bandit, Cabochard type scents could easily pull this off as well. The spicy green geranium classically supports the rose. Leather, (not heavy) sandalwood and rooty aeromatic vetiver support. Is this the best release in '22 like Miguel Matos crowned in his year end review? I think it is or top 3. Im glad Mr. Chong is back in the fragrance world. Bravo

I can't describe this as anything other than amazing. The fig and whiskey sweetness are blended well and play into the heart without ever being overbearing, the heart is classy and herbal, almost like a high end tea, and the base is wonderfully pleasant and creamy in its woodiness. I love the smell, but I wish it was more affordable, maybe at the £160 range (with respect to Thameen being niche and all that). Luckily, I picked it up for 70% off at the Thameen boutique in Harrods, London, so I can enjoy this with no guilt.

I love the opening, it's like a luxury soap that's hard to describe. It then converts into an interesting fruity and powdery note, that somehow manages to lean slightly masculine, although I think a woman can wear this too. It reminds me a little of God of fire, but toned down, not as tropical and with a powdery note (I dont get the booze personally). It is mostly a fresh, slightly tart, and semi powdery fragrance. Very interesting, I dig it.

It smells very similar to abyssae 33, but with a rum note and Chords-style leather underneath. It is, however, a far superior perfume to A33, which annoys me with it's grating harshness. This one has no harshness and doesn't outstay its welcome nor scream and shout. This is a lovely scent, and the bay note is also very charming. Super classy.

Winningly naturalistic, old school and aristocratic. Where other Thameens feel somewhat Middle Eastern, this has a refined British feel, like the best of Penhaligon’s. The heart is herbal and aromatic. The top, sweet citrus and slightly boozy. The base a fine, creamy sandalwood and grassy vetiver. High level stuff.