30ml
30ml
OLYMPIC ORCHIDS
DEV ONE
Extrait De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$65
Description
DEV ONE, also known as DEV #1: Foreplay, from Olympic Orchids is a fascinating fragrance that opens with a surprising brightness, hinting at a fresh aromatic quality, before delving into a much darker, more complex heart. It's often described as the lightest entry in the 'Devil Scent' series, evoking the initial stages of temptation and a love story against better judgment. As it develops, the scent reveals a rich tapestry of smoky, animalic, and resinous notes, grounded by deep woods and a distinctive oud presence. This is a scent that evolves significantly on the skin, offering a journey from initial intrigue to a profound, lingering warmth. Perfumer: Ellen Covey
Scent Profile
Oriental
Woody
Animalic
Smoky
Resinous
Balsamic
Spicy
Notes
Top Notes
Lemongrass
African Bluegrass
Cinnamon Leaf
Middle Notes
Black Vanilla
Tolu BalsamClear Labdanum Absolute
Beeswax Absolute
FrankincenseBase Notes
Synthetic Oud
Woody Accord
Synthetic Musk Deer Accord
Africa Stone Tincture
Ambergris Tincture
Synthetic Civet
Giant Arborvitae Wood From The Pacific Northwest
About OLYMPIC ORCHIDS
Olympic Orchids Perfumes, founded by Dr. Ellen Covey in 2010 as an extension of her 2006 orchid nursery, specializes in handcrafted parfum extraits (20-30% concentration) using pure essential oils, absolutes, tinctures, and high-end synthetics for exceptional longevity and originality. The brand's philosophy emphasizes affordable, evocative fragrances with character—ranging from vintage florals and orchid-inspired scents to experimental concepts—earning multiple awards like the Institute for Art and Olfaction Independent Fragrance of the Year for Woodcut and Zoologist Bat. Its motto, 'extraordinary perfumes for extraordinary people,' reflects a personal, artisan approach targeting discerning consumers seeking unique, high-quality niche perfumes without animal testing or phthalates.
Perfumer
Ellen Covey
Ellen Covey is an American neurobiologist, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, and founder of Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes, which she launched in 2010 after starting as an orchid nursery in 2006. Born in 1947 in Elmhurst, Illinois, she had a multicultural upbringing moving across Europe and earned advanced degrees in Biology from the University of Texas and Chemical Senses from Duke University, informing her unique scientific approach to perfumery. Her notable fragrances include Woodcut, winner of the 2015 Art & Olfaction Award Artisan prize, and Bat for Zoologist Perfumes, which won the 2016 Independent prize and was re-released by her as Night Flyer.
Reviews
4.8
Excellent4 reviews
Ministry of Scent
4.8/5 • 4 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers generally find DEV ONE to be a powerful and artistic fragrance, often described as dark, smoky, and animalic, yet with an intriguing brightness in its opening. It's praised for its complexity and strong performance, though its unique character means it's not universally appealing.
Pros
Performance excellence: This fragrance is noted for its excellent longevity and projection, leaving a lasting impression on the wearer and those around them.
Quality composition: Many appreciate the complex and interesting blend of notes, highlighting its sensual and intriguing nature, often described as having 'great chemistry' without being overtly 'dirty' animalic.
Unique character: Reviewers often point out its distinctiveness, offering a departure from more conventional scents and providing a memorable olfactory experience.
Cons
Not for everyone: Its intense and sometimes challenging profile, with notes described as 'acid' or 'pinching the throat,' means it might not suit all tastes.
Situational drawback: Some find it more masculine than anticipated or suggest it has limited versatility, best suited for specific occasions like a cold, rainy autumn night rather than daily wear or seeking compliments.
Comparisons
Similar to By the Fireplace Maison Margiela: Reviewers have drawn comparisons, but often note DEV ONE is significantly more complex and interesting.
Similar to Kerosene Blackmail: It's been described as sharing similarities but being sweeter, smokier, and more animalic.
Reminds reviewers of Yatagan: Some detect a resemblance to Yatagan in the middle stages of its development.
Vibe & Emotions
Sensual and Sexy: Many reviewers experience a deeply sensual and even sexual aura from this fragrance, often associated with intimate, romantic settings.
Eerie and Ethereal: The scent can evoke a mysterious and otherworldly feeling, contributing to its unique and artistic appeal.
Falling in Love Despite Misgivings: It's often linked to the narrative of initial temptation and the complex emotions of falling in love against one's better judgment.
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