Tender Defiance by Maison Martin Margiela
Men Women 2026
Main accords
Description
Tender Defiance: Maison Martin Margiela's New Woody Oriental Perfume Maison Martin Margiela has unveiled Tender Defiance,a woody oriental perfume designed for women and men. Launched in 2026,the scent is the work of perfumer Dominique Ropion. Its opening note is anise, leading to a heart of balsam fir and liquorice, resting on an amber base. The effect is fresh, softly spiced,and…
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When to wear it (votes)
- Winter 10%
- Spring 33%
- Summer 40%
- Autumn 17%
- Day 55%
- Night 45%
Key notes
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Top
Anise
-
Heart
Balsam Fir
-
Base
amber
Community
44 votes
- Positive 80%
- Negative 11%
- Neutral 9.1%
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I want it
221 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
44 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Summer
30 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Day
22 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Tender Defiance
Tender Defiance: Maison Martin Margiela's New Woody Oriental Perfume
Maison Martin Margiela has unveiled Tender Defiance,a woody oriental perfume designed for women and men. Launched in 2026,the scent is the work of perfumer Dominique Ropion.
Its opening note is anise, leading to a heart of balsam fir and liquorice, resting on an amber base. The effect is fresh, softly spiced,and gently sweet.
Tender Defiancebrings together soft spicy, woody,and balsamic accords,with a noticeably fresh character. The anise top note gives a crisp, aromatic start,while balsam fir adds a resinous evergreen depth.
Liquorice sits at the heart, lending a dark, slightly sweet earthiness that complements the anise. The amber base provides a warm, enduring foundation, anchoring the perfume in the oriental woody family.
Dominique Ropion has composed a fragrance that balances freshness with warmth. The balsam fir evokes woodland landscapes,while liquorice and amber create a smooth, lingering drydown with a hint of mystery.
Created for women and men, Tender Defiancesuits those who prefer a perfume with character but without heaviness. It shines during autumn and early spring, when its fresh openingand amber base can both be appreciated.
Initial reviews give the fragrance an average score of 4.18 out of 5, based on 44 ratings. A promising start for this new addition to the Maison Martin Margiela range.
Lovers of woody oriental perfumes with a fresh, sweet twist,plus anyone seeking a unisex fragrance that feels confident yet approachable.
Tender Defianceis a polished and balanced creation from Maison Martin Margiela. With anise, balsam fir, liquorice,and amber,it offers a complex but easy-to-wear scent for those who want something distinctive without being overpowering.
Spices Woods and mosses Musk, amber and animalic
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
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How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Very long-lasting
16 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Room-filling
16 votes
Character
Leading answer Balanced
17 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
16 votes
Community reviews
0 reviews
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