Etat Libre D’Orange stands as a testament to the audacious spirit of its founder, Etienne de Swardt. His declaration of independence from the conventions of traditional fragrance and beauty in 2006 marked the birth of a perfume house that epitomizes freedom of expression in the world of scent. Unshackled from the predictable norms of the fragrance industry, this house has fearlessly ventured into uncharted olfactory territory. With each creation, they challenge and provoke, crafting gender-fluid scents that defy the boundaries of traditional perfumery. All of this is infused with a sense of whimsy, delivered within captivating fragrance profiles inspired by a diverse array of influences, from culture and the arts to technology, cinema, and Anime.
Among their intriguing collection, some noteworthy scents have garnered attention:
1. Your or Someone Like You:
- A fresh and crisp green herbal cologne that radiates cleanliness and freshness.
- Envelopes you in the delightful essence of mint and light florals, accented by hints of eucalyptus and pepper.
- Unfolds into a honeyed jasmine that rests on a clean, slightly rosy musk.
2. The Afternoon of a Faun:
- A collaborative masterpiece with Mx. Justin Vivian Bond, celebrating the ballet dancer Nijinsky.
- This scent transports you to a relaxed, sun-soaked afternoon in a field.
- Begins with zesty citrus, pepper, cinnamon, and sweet immortelle, transitioning into a dance of iris, dewy moss, incense, and jasmine.
- Ends with a bow to jasmine, rose, and resinous benzoin, an incandescent dream of dance, melody, and seduction.
3. Like This:
- A collaboration with the enigmatic actress Tilda Swinton, inspired by the poetry of Rumi.
- Opens with a bright burst of ginger and features notes of pumpkin, vetiver, and immortelle in its base.
- Loved for its harmonious blend, especially suitable for cooler weather or whenever you want to smell as inviting as the name suggests.
4. Tom of Finland:
- Named after Touko Valio Laaksonen, a Finnish artist known for his iconic erotic art and influence on LBGTQA+ culture.
- A fragrance that boldly balances assertiveness and enigma, featuring the unique Safraleine© note.
- Evolves into gourmand territory with tonka and vanilla in the drydown.
5. Jasmin et Cigarette:
- An homage to the glamour of Old Hollywood.
- Unveils a realistic jasmine note accompanied by ripe tropical fruit nuances.
- Evokes complexity, transitioning from a fresh, green quality to the elegance of a delicate white floral, enriched by a smoky tobacco note.
6. Eau de Protection:
- Originally crafted for the Spanish actress Rossy di Palma, renowned for her roles in Pedro Almodóvar’s films.
- Daring and confident, it features a three-dimensional Bulgarian rose, accentuated by jasmine, bergamot, ginger, and black pepper.
- Rests on a bed of dark secrets, including benzoin, incense, cacao, and patchouli.
7. Sécrétions Magnifiques:
- The very first creation from Etat Libre D’Orange, infamous for its provocative theme.
- An unapologetic homage to bodily fluids, including blood, semen, adrenaline, mother’s milk, sweat, and even vomit.
- A fragrance that ignites intense emotions, hailed by some as one of the most singular artistic statements in the world of fragrance.
Etat Libre D’Orange continues to redefine boundaries in the realm of perfumery, creating scents that captivate and provoke, embodying the spirit of free expression.