Alaïa Nude by Alaia Paris

I’m sorry if I offend, but… this perfume, how shall I say? Imagine a luxurious fabric store in the Middle East, perfumed with something sophisticated. Suddenly, a herd of goats floods the place with their characteristic smell. The staff shoo them away after half an hour of eternity. What remains is the sophisticated aroma with a faint goat note that fades little by little, but you’ll always remember that touch. The longevity is excellent with a moderate to soft sillage.

The opening of this Alaïa, very woody and musky, seemed ideal for a skin scent. The best part was waiting to see how it dried before parting with the £70 bottle. It complements my skin at the start, but once dried, it picks up a synthetic note, like 80s hair lacquer, which doesn’t fully convince me, even though I keep smelling my wrist. Once dried, it’s less strident, velvety, and more tonka, which softens the musk. It lasted until the next day, projecting for 4-5 hours. It seemed like JHAG’s Sunny Side Up but with better projection, or Katy Perry’s Indi but less sweet. Given I’ve already tried the others, buying it seems unnecessary. If you’re looking for a skin scent, it’s worth it. Ideal for day wear in cold or mild weather. Pleasant: 7/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 8/10 Original: 6/10

I confess that if a perfume doesn’t please me within 10 minutes, I discard it. I have to like it from the opening. With Alaïa Nude, the exception occurred. The opening is sharp and irritating, far too much for a Nude. But my goodness, afterwards it becomes soft and creamy. It’s a subtle whisper on the skin but present. It’s enveloping, warm, and incredibly elegant. I see it as perfect for everyday wear; despite being discreet and blending into the skin, it has a special point. I adored it… A pity about the high price and how it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Something curious happened with this brand: I tried Alaïa Paris in a perfumery and was left bewildered and impressed. I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but the scent was so strange that it hooked me. I didn’t hesitate to buy it to continue exploring, although I wasn’t sure about wearing it out. But when I put it on at home… words fail me. Depth and mystery, things I rarely find and that go beyond simply smelling good. It was only a matter of time before I got my hands on Blanche and now Nude, which now has me spellbound. I detect a slight caramelised note, presumably from the tonka bean, alongside cedar and leather, which I perceive most. I’ll comment on its performance later, but if it’s as good as the other two… 🙂 Marvelous house, Alaïa.