We begin with a glimpse of Marc-Antoine Corticciato's history: his Coriscan roots are reflected in Acqua di Scandola, a breathtaking panorama of cerulean water and rocky coves. A desire to render this scene in smell was met with a persistence to create an ‘aquatic’ fragrance without relying on obvious molecules, leading Marc-Antoine to develop his own seaweed extract, offering an intense sea-like freshness, much like the liqueur of a glistening and pure oyster. While Azemour Les Orangers immediately indicates heartfelt connection; Marc-Antoine finds ‘amour’ in Azemmour (Morocco), rich with childhood and adolescent memories. These are memories of orange groves (Orangers). All the facets of the mighty orange tree are expressed in this fragrance, melded to a complex chypre structure that evokes a coastal Moroccan landscape and earthy fields alike through hay, oakmoss, and spices.
A maestro with amber materials, Marc-Antoine Corticciato understands its various expressive capabilities. In the legendary Amber Russe, it is the disappeared history of Russian tsars and imperial parties, punctuated with crystal flutes of Champagne and ice cold vodka, adding both fizz and oiliness - a glaze over a surface of dry spices, resins, leather, and incense. Like a reprieve from the snowy chill, smoky black tea rises from the samovar and the skin - mesmerising. In the unforgettable Aziyade, amber works alongside a veritable feast of fruits that glisten and soar like gems, married with warm, glowing spices that impart bite and sizzle. Pomegranate, candied orange, and plum lead us to a potent heart of incense, amber, and resins.
Cuir Ottoman is a surprising leather, the result of Marc-Antoine’s discovery that Turkish leathers were once tanned with precious iris flowers. The result is a quiet strength, an immediate signature that recalls the finesse of classic fragrance compositions; the powdery and alluring beauty of iris adds refinement to a leather accord that is more akin to supple suede, built from styrax resin, jasmine, tonka, benzoin, and labdanum. It is achingly sophisticated. Wazamba is incense - radiant and profound - here with a woody shading that is warm and deep. The fragrance is upright and mysterious, situated in a forest where many sacred rites and rituals have taken place. Among notes of cypress, myrrh, and sandalwood - an acerbic and bright apple note adds contrast.
