Luc Gabriel and Christine Nagel

While I was attending Esxence, The Scent of Excellence, I had the pleasure of having a meeting with Luc Gabriel, the Creative Director of The Different Company. He introduced me to their latest fragrance, Une Nuit Magnetique, composed by perfumer Christine Nagel. Mme Nagel had completed the perfume a mere two days before joining Hermes on March 6^th of this year. M Gabriel and Mme Nagel enjoyed a wonderful working relationship, sharing a common perfume language that made the process work seamlessly.

"Balance Piece" by Yoko Ono, photo Alex Davies, from War is Over! (if you want it)

First, I have to say that perfumes featuring ginger as a note are a must-try for me, always. I have always loved ginger: ginger ale since childhood, candied ginger, pickled ginger, ginger tea, ginger candy; all delicious. The opening of Une Nuit Magnetique is wonderfully spicy with the ginger. The surprise note in the fragrance is blueberry, which does not come across as fruity as much as a slightly sweet tartness. Mme Nagel loves both of these notes, and it shows in the bright, lively composition.  I confess that I was a little reluctant to wear this scent on what had turned out to be an unusually warm evening, because I remembered the spicy amber qualities, which seemed better suited to cooler weather. However I had not tried it on skin, and it is magnificently translucent. I wound up reapplying after my tentative spritz, and rather lavishly, at that. The sillage is lovely, with just enough warmth to be enchanting, and enough floral aura to keep the fragrance bright and ethereal. I would have no problem with a bit of this on a warmer day, especially in the evening, if I wanted something more sophisticated than standard summer fare.

"Kissing Shadows" by Guillermo Prestegui

Of course, as its name implies, it is magnetic, and quite sexy. The opening dance between the ginger and blueberry create an olfactory tension that is like that first surprising attraction you might feel toward a stranger. As the perfume develops and comes into its own, it becomes as one beckoning their lover, no longer a stranger but still full of excitement. The slightly sweet drydown that reminds me of dried grasses is a lovely nuzzle of a beloved, the relationship familiar, but still full of light and love.

M. Gabriel told me that this will probably be the only The Different Company release this year, as they are trying to keep the size of their collection manageable. Une Nuit Magnetique is a wonderful choice.

Notes: Ginger, Blueberry, Bergamot, Egyptian Jasmine, Damascus Rose, Tuberouse, Plum, Amberwood, amber, benzoin, patchouli, musk

I received my sample courtesy of The Different Company. Une Nuit Magnetique is available on the TDC website, at $235 for a refillable 90 ml bottle, and at stockists in 30 ml, 50 ml, 90 ml and Discovery kit 3 x10 ml.

Tama Blough, Managing Editor

Thanks to the wonderfull generosity of The Different Company, we have a full 90 ml refillable bottle to give away to one lucky reader anywhere in the world. Please leave a comment about what you find magnetic about this perfume, and  your favorite The Different Company perfume as well as where you live. Draw ends May 18, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume.