ETAT LIBRE D'ORANGE
HERMANN A MES COTES ME PARAISSAIT UNE OMBRE
Eau De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$190
Description
Hermann à mes Côtés me Paraissait une Ombre by Etat Libre d'Orange is a woody aromatic fragrance that truly captures a unique atmospheric quality. It opens with a cool, almost chilly blend of blackcurrant buds, galbanum, and a hint of black pepper, creating an immediate sense of damp greenery. As it develops, the scent reveals an intriguing heart of geosmin, which evokes the smell of wet earth after rain, alongside a dry, almost melancholic rose and frankincense. The base settles into a persistent, shadowy blend of ambroxan, patchouli, and vetiver, leaving a haunting yet comforting trail that feels both synthetic and profoundly natural. This fragrance is an exploration of duality, like a companionable shadow in a dark, dewy forest. Perfumer: Quentin Bisch
Scent Profile
Woody
Aromatic
Green
Earthy
Resinous
Spicy
Humid
Notes
Top Notes
Pepperwood
Galbanum
Blackcurrant
Black PepperMiddle Notes
Geosmin
Rose Oil
Olibanum
Petalia
Base Notes
Ambroxan
PatchouliCalypsone
VetiverAbout ETAT LIBRE D'ORANGE
État Libre d'Orange is a Paris-based perfume house founded in 2006 by Etienne de Swardt, inspired by the Orange Free State of his South African birthplace, embodying freedom, audacity, and independence from conventional perfumery norms. The brand is renowned for its provocative, subversive fragrances with unexpected compositions, ironic names, and high-quality ingredients that blend luxury with bold, passionate storytelling to challenge social boundaries and evoke personal expression. Its signature style prioritizes olfactory innovation over packaging, offering aspirational scents that are elegant yet irreverent, appealing to fragrance enthusiasts seeking originality and authenticity.
Perfumer
Quentin Bisch
Quentin Bisch’s energy makes the air around him electric as he talks about scents. This all-encompassing passion is what brought a music student and an artistic director of a performing company to perfumery. A one-month internship in Grasse was all it took to find his true vocation and then devote the next several years to studying fragrance composition.
The arts continue to inspire Quentin. He creates perfumes in the same way he might direct a theatre performance using strong ideas, careful embellishments and surprising effects.
He has been honored best perfumer in 2020. He signed fragrances for Jean Paul Gaultier, Paco Rabanne, Saint Laurent, Azzaro, Mugler, Chloé, Ex Nihilo, Etat Libre d’Orange.
Reviews
5.0
Excellent72 reviews
ETAT LIBRE D'ORANGE
5.0/5 • 72 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers consistently praise Hermann à mes Côtés me Paraissait une Ombre for its distinctive and artistic portrayal of a damp, earthy forest, often noting its melancholic yet intriguing character. Many find it to be a unique scent that evokes the smell of rain on soil and roses.
Pros
Performance excellence: This fragrance is often described as persistent and long-lasting on the skin.
Versatile appeal: Many find it suitable for spring showers or autumn days, offering a comforting and introspective wearing experience.
Quality composition: Reviewers appreciate the unique blend of synthetic and natural elements, creating a haunting and artistic composition.
Cons
Specific limitation: The initial 'wet cement' or overtly synthetic opening can be off-putting for some wearers.
Situational drawback: Its dark and melancholic vibe might not align with all moods or occasions, making it less of an everyday crowd-pleaser.
Comparisons
Similar to 'roses after the rain': Many reviewers describe it as reminiscent of damp forest woods with a prominent rose note.
Reminds reviewers of 'wet cement mixed with juicy tart black currants': This specific comparison highlights the unique, almost paradoxical opening.
Reminds reviewers of 'a dried bouquet of roses on the pavement as it rains': This imagery captures the melancholic and dewy rose aspect of the scent.
Vibe & Emotions
Melancholic: The scent often evokes feelings of contemplation, introspection, and a beautiful sadness.
Comforting: Despite its darker facets, some reviewers find a sense of comfort and familiarity in its earthy, rainy character.
Intriguing/Mysterious: It's frequently described as enigmatic, haunting, and a truly unique olfactory experience that sparks curiosity.
Refreshing/Dewy: The prominent geosmin and green notes give it a fresh, cool, and rainy day feel.
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