On Wednesday, I already introduced you to the background and Prolégomènes in my article on the Notes de Bas de Paje brand. Today, I’m focusing on Olatua, Towédé and Carambolage. If you would like to get to know all four creations, you can do so with the bottlings that you can find in our online store. We also have a Discovery Set that includes the brand’s entire line.
Olatua – The Basque wave
The brand founder Alice Gensse comes from the Basque Country and the Olatua fragrance makes direct reference to this. The product text already makes clear reference to the Basque summers. To sun, beach and sea. It is Alice’s memories that have been translated olfactorily into this creation. And so the name Olatua also comes from the Basque language and can be translated as “the wave”. The composition was created by perfumer Elia Chiche.
Fragrance notes: Coconut, Beeswax, Maritime Notes, White Flowers, Ylang-Ylang, Black Pepper, White Musk, Vetiver.
Black pepper and a strong sea breeze open Olatua, followed by accords reminiscent of melon and tropical fruits. Coconut brings milky and dry facets to the creation, while creamy flowers provide bright, radiant nuances. Pepper and maritime notes are still clearly perceptible, lending the composition a certain tension. Airy, light and transparent, with a medium presence and longevity, Olatua is a springy, summery and carefree fragrance that makes you think of waves, the sea and surfboards in the south. Greatly realized and ideal for all those who are still looking for a wonderful and casual summer fragrance.
Towédé – Between two worlds
Towédé is also closely linked to the history of the brand. The fragrance refers to Pierre-Junior Menana and his roots between France and Cameroon. Two worlds that meet and coexist here. Tradition and modernity, spirituality and rationality – opposites that are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. The name Towédé fits harmoniously into this overall picture. The creation was penned by perfumer Margaux Le Paih Guérin.
Fragrance notes: Nutmeg, cinnamon, ambergris, sandalwood, leather, chocolate, cashmeran, vanilla, patchouli.
Powerful spices open Towédé, accompanied by warm ambergris and velvety sandalwood. The fragrance does not sneak up on you, it is there immediately. Present, powerful and yet balanced and finely balanced. Soft leather meets dark, bitter chocolate, which blends beautifully and harmoniously into the composition, mingling with spices, woods and ambergris to create a dense, close-knit blend that has a very harmonious effect. Cotton-soft cashmeran, a delicate vanilla spice and woody, earthy patchouli skilfully round off the creation. I clearly place Towédé in fall and winter. A warm, spicy, woody and creamy-balsamic fragrance with cozy winter vibes that manages without sweetness, which I really like. I can only give this creation a clear test recommendation!
Carambolage – More than just a bounce
With Carambolage, Notes de Bas de Paje leaves the Original Collection and turns to a much darker, more personal theme. The name comes from the French and refers to a rear-end collision or a chain collision, but here it also symbolizes an event that leads to another or recalls an earlier one. The fragrance was inspired by a car accident that Pierre-Junior Menana experienced a few years ago and which was overlaid with the memory of an earlier loss. Carambolage is therefore not a fragrance about the one impact, but about shock, memory and the question of what remains and what comes afterwards. Despite this heaviness, it is not only about darkness, but also about light and hope. The composition was created by perfumer Camille Chemardin.
Fragrance notes: Rhubarb, juniper, metallic notes, myrrh, styrax resin, leather, guaiac wood, Virginia cedar, pine.
Carambolage starts with a wow. Dark, deep black notes of wood, leather, rubber and metal open the creation in an impressive and powerful way. A fine smokiness pervades the creation. Creaky leather, dark wood and that special rubber note that makes you think of car tires. And underneath it all, like a glimmer of hope that everything will get better at some point: tart, sweet rhubarb conjures up light and brightness in the fragrance. At first, however, the darkness remains predominant. Soapy, dry notes emerge as the extrait de parfum slowly and gradually becomes lighter. Carambolage is not a fragrance for every day and certainly not something to wear on the side. It demands attention, yet remains wearable and develops a surprisingly calm, almost conciliatory side over time.
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