Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum (released in 2016) is a sophisticated and mysterious fragrance for women, created by Christine Nagel. As a flanker to the original Eau des Merveilles, L’Ombre des Merveilles offers a deeper, darker interpretation of the original's light, woody, and resinous theme. It captures the sense of an enchanting, shadowy landscape, where the light and dark elements of nature converge.
The fragrance is a blend of woody, amber, and spicy notes with an oriental twist, evoking a sense of mystery and depth. It is both warm and dark, with a delicate balance between the familiar warmth of amber and the more subtle smoky, resinous, and citrus notes that create a sense of hidden enchantment.
Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum Notes Breakdown:
Top Notes:
Bergamot: The fragrance opens with a bright burst of bergamot, providing an energetic and citrusy start. The citrus note adds freshness and vibrancy to the composition while providing a contrast to the darker elements that follow.
Orange: A slightly sweet, tangy citrus note of orange enhances the freshness of the opening, complementing the bergamot and contributing to the fragrance's uplifting and invigorating quality.
Heart Notes:
Oud: The key note in the heart of L’Ombre des Merveilles is oud (agarwood), which adds a rich, resinous, and slightly smoky depth to the fragrance. This note brings a mysterious, woody element that ties the fragrance to its darker, more complex character. The oud is not overpowering but is balanced with other notes to create a more refined, elegant touch.
Amber: Amber adds warmth and richness to the heart, providing a soft, resinous sweetness that enhances the overall depth of the fragrance. The amber combines beautifully with the oud, creating a warm, enveloping quality that gives the fragrance a sense of richness and sensuality.
Incense: A delicate, smoky note of incense further intensifies the mysterious, shadowy theme of the fragrance. The incense adds a touch of spiritual depth, contributing to the darker aspects of the composition while maintaining the fragrance’s elegance.
Base Notes:
Cedarwood: The base is anchored by cedarwood, which adds a woody, dry, and slightly smoky character. The cedarwood enhances the fragrance's overall structure and contributes to its lasting power, adding a subtle yet grounding depth to the composition.
Tonka Bean: A smooth, sweet, and slightly nutty note of tonka bean softens the darker, woody elements of the fragrance. The tonka bean adds a warm, comforting finish with hints of vanilla and almond, balancing the resinous notes with its sweetness.
Musk: The fragrance concludes with a sensual, soft touch of musk, which adds warmth and intimacy. It gives L’Ombre des Merveilles a lingering, smooth, and elegant finish that enhances its wearability and lasting power.
Overall Impression:
Hermès L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum is a mysterious and elegant fragrance that blends the brightness of citrus with the warmth of amber, the depth of oud, and the sensuality of tonka bean and musk. The opening is fresh and zesty, with bergamot and orange providing a sparkling start. As the fragrance develops, the oud and amber create a dark, resinous, and warm heart, balanced by the smoky complexity of incense. The base, featuring cedarwood, tonka bean, and musk, provides a comforting, smooth finish that enhances the fragrance's overall richness and depth.
L’Ombre des Merveilles is perfect for women who enjoy more complex, darker fragrances that still have a touch of elegance and mystery. It is ideal for evening wear or colder months, as its warmth and depth are particularly suited for fall and winter. The fragrance strikes a balance between woody, amber, and spicy notes, making it a great choice for those who appreciate fragrances that evolve and reveal new layers over time. It is refined and rich, capturing the essence of shadow and light in a way that is both enchanting and sophisticated.
