Archives 69

2011 fragrance by the great master Christine Nagel, freely inspired by the headquarters of the French Maison of Etat Libre d'Orange in 69 rue des Archives. Iconic essence, representative of the maison. Archives 69 is the fragrance hymn to freedom, a clear olfactory warning inspired by sexual liberation, a sensual invitation to pleasure, an intriguing and enveloping ode to seduction. Fragrance with contrasting nuances, the joyfully lively opening notes of pink pepper and unexpected and spicy paprika, imbued with sunny citrus notes of mandarin. The heart is fruity, the juicy flesh of the plum, immersed in clear, inebriating and mystical notes of incense. The pungent, transgressive note of camphor that decisively bursts into the fruity/mystical riot, harmoniously combined with patchouli. On dry down the notes become softer, enveloping, reassuring, the olfactory experience leaves a muffled and delicate musky aftertaste.

its the dead middle of winter and im yearning for summer (whats new!), so i am wearing archives 69 to bed again. i mean, its just such a summer/late spring scent. i discovered this perfume during may last year when i would only listen to fleetwood mac for the entire month and pretty much nothing else, especially their 2003 "say you will" album. on loop. like 20 times a day. so, naturally, my brain associates this perfume with fleetwood mac. but honestly this scent is so hippie. smells like a hot witchy ≈40 y/o womans forest cabin. incense always burning in the living room. some fruit on the verge of rotting in her kitchen she needs to clean out. bead curtains in every door. the smell of the soap she uses on her back shiny with sweat in the scorching heat of the sun outside... makes me wanna snog myself whenever i wear it.

Some people say that the opening on this perfume is harsh and unpleasant, but to me it's a nice, spicy, medicinal ointment/balmy note wafting straight into the nostrils, like opening a quality vintage tin of tiger balm. It stings a bit, but in a fun, refreshing way. As that settles it starts to get sweeter and more plumy, with a note of unlit incense in the background. Someone said that it smells like the air of a traditional spice store, and yeah, it's that, but the way that airs hits you the moment you come in. It's definitely a strong perfume, quite assailing, and I do find it pleasant (to myself) in summer, but if you're one to avoid assaulting people with your sillage, then it's probably best reserved for milder days, but I would rather reach for something deeper than this in true winter weather.

If this perfume is any indication, walking into Etat Libre d’Orange’s flagship boutique at 69 Rue des Archives in Paris must be like walking into the storefront for Willy Wonka’s factory, if he were to have one. For the record, I can’t stand that movie; it gave me nightmares as a kid. And, yes, I’m well aware that makes me equally as weird. Expect a store that doesn’t have any sort of logical layout, where things are animated and alive that shouldn’t be, vivid colors clash, emanating smells are tantalizing yet mildly alarming and dubious at the same time.

The opening was a bit unpleasant i gotta agree, but once it settles in it's wonderful. On my skin the warm spice notes are subtle in a way that leaves you wanting more whenever you smell it. I definitely prefer lighter spicy fragrances to stronger ones, and this one hits in the perfect way that isn't overpowering while still being intriguing and comforting. Reminds me of being in a cafe in fall, smelling all the sweet pastries and coffee filling up the room. Might be my next fall scent...