Review of Narcisse Taiji by Olga Steinfeld

Véronique Le Bihan, the founder of Atelier Materi, described this fragrance as “an olfactory interpretation of Yin and Yang” - light and shadow, strength and softness. And, in my opinion, no other comparison describes Narcisse Taiji so perfectly.🤍 It is a snow-white narcissus flower in a transparent glass vase: delicate, fragile, elegant, and at the same time "predatory", cold, and indifferent. Depending on the season, the fragrance changes significantly. In cold weather, the contrast between “light” and “shadow” becomes much more pronounced. In the first seconds after spraying, I smell a cold, sharp ginger note, which is almost immediately followed by a fragrant, wet green accord that slightly tickles my nose. At this moment, it feels as if the fragrance is releasing sharp thorns and pulling away. But then the magic begins: a pure, snow-white narcissus blooms, surrounded by coolness. It smells so elegant and refined that I want to inhale it again and again. In the final stage, the fragrance seems to merge with my skin, becoming intimate and sensual. The leather accord and patchouli enhance the "dark" nature of narcissus and make the scent feel more animalic, warm, and leathery. In warm weather, Narcisse Taiji becomes more "friendly". The opening is no longer as sharp and prickly: it is green, peppery, and slightly camphorous/mentholated. I perceive a pleasant cooling sensation. Then the snow-white, still equally elegant narcissus emerges, together with the scent of a moist, dense, freshly cut flower stem. In the final stage, the perfume smells like spring itself: narcissus flowers warmed by the sun, and clean, cool skin touched by a fresh breeze. In conclusion, Narcisse Taiji evokes contradictory feelings in me: it both attracts and repels me. In winter it is more "predatory" and cold; in summer more clean and green, but always elegant, sensual, and captivating.✨