I was recently introduced to Madagascar Le Baume Vanille by Parfums d’Empire by a follower on our Instagram account who wanted to know if the fragrance was already available in our store. And it was this little hint that piqued my curiosity – about the creation itself, but also about the brand, which has been around for decades in the niche fragrance world, but is nowhere near as well-known as other houses. So what is behind this vanilla fragrance? And what makes Parfums d’Empire so special?
About Parfum d’Empire
Parfum d’Empire has been an integral part of the niche fragrance world for over twenty years. It was founded in 2003 by Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, a chemist, enthusiastic horseman and renowned perfumer who originally comes from Morocco and grew up in Corsica. Even as a child, he – like many of his colleagues – had a special affinity for fragrances and aromas and so he followed up his successful chemistry studies with a doctorate with further studies at the famous Versailles perfumery school ISIPCA.
His own brand enables him, who of course also works for other labels and companies, to act and create independently and freely – beyond trends, marketing or price specifications. Marc-Antoine Corticchiato’s signature is elegant, powerful and unmistakable. He loves to play with raw materials in his compositions, often of natural origin, which he can overdose to the extent that he can only do as an independent perfumer working for his own label.
Despite the many years that Parfums d’Empire has been around, the fragrance house remains something for connoisseurs – perhaps not really an insider tip, but still far removed from the mainstream and any conventionality. The perfume Madagascar Le Baume Vanille fits seamlessly into Corticchiato’s oeuvre. It is a tribute to a country that is famous for its vanilla and an olfactory reminder of a moment that is etched in the perfumer’s memory.
Madagascar Le Baume Vanille – The vanilla fragrance by Parfum d’Empire
Madagascar Le Baume Vanille is not a classic vanilla fragrance in the sense of a typical gourmand inspired by desserts or sweets. Rather, it is based on a story by Marc-Antoine Corticchiato that took place in Madagascar. During a stay on the island off the African continent, Corticchiato and his team were served a special drink by the host’s daughter.
A large quantity of vanilla pods preserved in rum was the basis of this delicious spice balm, which the perfumer always kept in mind and finally tried to recreate in Madagascar Le Baume Vanille. Marc-Antoine Corticchiato used the ingredients pepper, clove, cinnamon, cocoa, coconut, resins, woods, leather, hay, tobacco and vanilla to create his homage to the drink that he will always associate with Madagascar.
“An unforgettable drink made from vanilla pods and old rum – I wanted to capture this feeling in Le Baume Vanille.” – Marc-Antoine Corticchiato
What does Madagascar Le Baume Vanille smell like?
Liqueur-like, spicy nuances reminiscent of whisky define the opening of Madagascar Le Baume Vanille by Parfum d’Empire. Gentle peppery accents bring a delicate spiciness to the composition, while tobacco conjures up golden, honey-like facets in the fragrance. The perfume is not particularly sweet, but rather spicy and tart. The noble bourbon vanilla from Madagascar blends into the boozy notes of the creation, revealing its dark, profound facets, which are so far removed from the flowery, loud sweetness of some other vanilla varieties. Tart cocoa powder and subtly smoky woods add depth and elegantly round off the composition.
Is Madagascar Le Baume Vanille a classic vanilla fragrance?
Madagascar Le Baume Vanille is actually not a typical vanilla fragrance, not a gourmand in the narrower sense, but an intensely liqueur-like creation that almost seems to be “flavored” with vanilla and other spices. The perfume is complex and very dense; the individual notes are closely interwoven, resulting in a rounded, very harmonious fragrance that comes very close to the inspiration of the vanilla rum balm in my eyes.
When is the best time to wear Madagascar Le Baume Vanille?
Due to its liqueur-like, spicy base character, I would rather wear Madagascar Le Baume Vanille by Parfum d’Empire in the cooler season, although the fragrance is not wintery or adventurous per se. Unisex and actually suitable for any occasion, the perfume is ideal for anyone who prefers elegant, classic creations that are stylish, refined and balanced. Modern and seductive, soft, boozy and spicy – warm and sensual at the same time. A perfume that reinterprets the special facets of vanilla and lends them a depth and warmth that radiates timeless elegance.
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