Le Labo Patchouli 24 eau de parfum

Description

Patchouli 24 is one of the 10 fragrances launched last month by the new line Le Labo. It was developed by perfumer Annick Menardo, and has notes of patchouli, birch, styrax and vanilla.

As was the case with Le Labo’s Rose 31, this is not a fragrance to order unsniffed because you adore the note used as the fragrance name. There is patchouli, but it is not the main player, and I noticed it most in the early stages where it mingles with leather, tobacco leaf, burning wood and a touch of melting rubber. Patchouli 24 is very reminiscent of another Annick Menardo fragrance, Bvlgari Black. I was very rushed this weekend and only managed to try them together once, but I would say that the Patchouli 24 is deeper and more intently focused on the wood and earthy notes, and the vanilla dry down, when it arrives, is not quite so cushiony and soft. If you ever wished for a Bvlgari Black Extreme, your wish has come true. I had not thought to wish for it myself, but now that it is here it is most welcome.

Le Labo is known for playing with our ideas of what a fragrance should be, and Patchouli 24 is no exception. With Patchouli 24, talented perfumer Annick Menardo takes the idea of patchouli– a rebellious adventurer with a creative streak– and spins it into a scent that upsets all expectations. Instead of smelling like the patchouli we know, Patchouli 24 is intensely leathery and smoky, like a worn leather jacket laid over a hot motorcycle engine. Counterbalanced against these notes is a creamy, custard-like vanilla. Patchouli 24’s contradictions draw us back to our wrists to smell it again and again. If you want straight patchouli, look elsewhere. If you are open to a fragrance that embraces the idea of patchouli, and yet is like nothing you’ve smelled before, welcome to Patchouli 24.

Patchouli 24 Notes

Patchouli, birch tar, styrax, and vanilla.