Against Nature

So I was completely bamboozled by this fragrance today, to the point I had to wear something else so as not to experience sensory overload. I’m not in any mood at the moment to be over stimulated, challenged, or conscious of what I’m wearing, taking it apart and ultimately being put off from pursuing it further, in spite of what is a fantastic concept, well executed. I don’t know where to start with this? When I’d wear it? Or even if I would wear it? I’m assuming the brief (by the name) is to create something which is not trying to recreate the natural, but actively be anti-nature. It’s certainly that. It’s quite alien, existing one it’s own bizarre space, not typical in any sense really. There’s lots of obvious metallic, green and blue/green, azure notes opening up to what is a juniper, melon, cucumber type of smell, honestly that sounds hideous to many but please give this a chance. Very modern and out there in terms of artisan ‘kook’, but somehow remaining quite stern and serious and with real merit as far as I’m concerned. Personally, I think it’s very floral (certainly opening wise) in a exciting way, it kinda dances between snorting iron filings & licking a battery, while some exotic bouquet of flowers passing by on a oceanic breeze. The weirdest thing of all is the development of a chocolatey, cacao, amber, benzoin which even as I describe it seems completely at odds with the heart of this fragrance, but like so many of these additions, if it wasn’t there, I’d likely be far less enamoured with Against nature. It’s fucking brilliant! Just like yesterday I couldn’t face actually wearing this as my #sotd but on a day when I want something different I’ll sack it on for a proper wear. Holy moly is this tenacious! It remains on skin a LONG time.

This is a very niche, very polarizing scent for sure...I really like this...it goes on very green, with a touch of metallic notes (the paint thinner vibe) but I don't find it overpowering...once it dies down a bit it smells like, do I dare say, pickle juice!?!?!...definitely try (and try again) before you even consider buying...I like this, but not sure I'll buy a full bottle...not sure I want to commit to smelling like pickles, even though I am definitely into it at the moment...

This is one of the most magical fragrances I've ever come across. My best friend had an extra of a small sample and she gave it to me and I've fallen in love with it! I get a lot of the lemon, green notes and metallic elements and it makes for a refreshing scent. It's weirdly sci-fi, however definitely try this one out before buying. I do get hints of varnish, but personally I like that.

It is, indeed, weird. The only natural note I get is a hint of melon, but even that smells like no melon currently in existence - maybe a new variety, grown under artificial sunlight in a spaceship's hydroponics room a few centuries from now. I expect this scent is the ylang-ylang, transformed by combination with other ingredients into something almost unrecognizable. The rest of the fragrance is bright, fresh, and thoroughly artificial. If you opened the side of a computer tower, then took that futuristic melon and threw it right into the exposed wires and circuitboards, I imagine this might be the result. With its bright, non-cloying atmosphere, this scent would be an invigorating fragrance for summer. Would it feel out of place in colder seasons? I'm not sure. Many of its notes evoke indoor items which don't retire for the winter. I greatly enjoyed smelling this. However, I can't see myself wearing it. It's not that I don't like it or that it doesn't smell good; it's just completely alien to my general presentation.

A neon herb garden. For me, it's a big blast of green upfront, with those coppery metallic notes not far behind. The green isn't a lush, mossy one though, but something harder. Think sclerophyllous plants that can thrive in dry conditions, like bay, acacia leaf, eucalyptus. The metal... fusebox wiring, burnt out lightbulbs, pennies. It pushes it in the masculine direction for sure. Within a few seconds there's that citrus, balancing it all out. Imagine a wild garden in the middle of an industrial scrapyard on a hot summer day, and you're on the right track. Could it go a bit MORE industrial? Sure. But I find there's a good balance here. Keep in mind, some people HATE this one. It's those metal notes. You may love it but your significant other might be put off. Definitely one to test before buying blind.