Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul (Marc-Antoine Corticchiato) 2023 + Fujian Giveaway

Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul

J’s image of Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul

Smoky Soul is the first release from a triptyque of tea perfumes composed by perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato of Parfum D’Empire as part of the new  Olfactive Studio Sepia Collection. It joins the stunning Shot series of extrait perfumes; the Sepia Collection takes us on a journey through the world of teas and their origins. With Smoky Soul, we are transported to the enchanting tea-growing region of China, where tradition runs deep.

Fujian China tea

Fujian by Tuul and Bruno Morandi courtesy of Olfactive Studio

The photograph by Tuul and Bruno Morandi’s chosen by Creative Director Céline Verleure, the visionary behind the brand, showcases the sprawling landscapes of Fujian, a place where tea thrives. As you immerse yourself in this rhythmic scenery, you can almost sense the gentle flow of thoughts, just like sipping a cup of tea and getting lost in its fragrant steam.

Tuul and Bruno Morandi photographers

Tuul and Bruno Morandi courtesy of the Olfactive Studio

 Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul is a conceptually beautiful way to start this new trio from the Sepia range; it captures the essence of a sepia photograph, with its beautifully composed shades and tones. The warm, dark notes blend seamlessly with the golden yellow hues of osmanthus and the smoky vetiver, creating a fragrance that is both comforting and intriguing. Despite being an extrait, Smoky Soul is delicately balanced, never overwhelming the senses. It envelops you in a soft, contemplative aura, reminiscent of old photographs. The bottle and presentation further enhance the creative experience, evoking memories of vintage cameras and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect. From the leather case to the font choices, it’s clear that every element has been carefully considered, I’m getting flash backs to old 35mm cameras I’ve worked with, Ilford film and also the feel of vintage photography magazines all reflecting the passion and dedication of the brand.

 

Celine Verleure creative director of Olfactive Studio

Céline Verleure the creator of Olfactive Studio and perfumer Marc-Antoine Corticchiato courtesy of the Olfactive Studio.

Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul begins with a luscious, fruity osmanthus dancing with a smoky Javanese vetiver, creating a gentle cloud of exquisite fragrant smoke. The apricot and peach notes of the osmanthus are showcased beautifully, accompanied by a delicate floral touch that contrasts elegantly with the deeper, smokier Javanese vetiver. This vetiver possesses a darker smoky, almost baked clay-like quality compared to its Haitian counterpart, which exudes a rooty warmth and earthiness in a different manner. The osmanthus in Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul reminds me of vintage Jean Patou “1000,” which I happen to own a couple of vintage bottles of, its my favourite from them. Jean Patou had their own osmanthus fields specifically for “1000,” and this fragrance captures the depth and complexity of that osmanthus beautifully. It’s a delight to experience this richness once again in a contemporary scent. The composition is further enhanced by the addition of black pepper, which infuses the fragrance with a gentle warmth and ember-like glow, coaxing out even more facets from the osmanthus and vetiver. Soft green notes and a warm sage-like essence give the impression of leaves unfurling in a cup, enveloped in a smoky, floral sweetness. The smokiness here is reminiscent of the dense, fragrant smoke that wafts from a freshly brewed cup of tea, enveloping your skin and transporting you to a state of deep contemplation. The fruity sweetness of the osmanthus provides a beautiful contrast to the darker, smoky whispers of the tea, while the leather facet of the osmanthus adds a touch of dark suede to the composition. Imagine petals that have toughened over time, still smooth and silky but with a hint of edginess. Smoky Soul is a perfume that embodies the passage of time, with delicate nuances and shades.

Smoky soul by Olfactive Studio

Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul courtesy of the Olfactive Studio

In the middle stage of Smoky Soul’s development, a dominant note of black, a smoky tea emerges, adding an intriguing depth to the composition. Here there are moments when I experience a comforting sense of familiarity. Smoky Soul exudes a vintage or classic vibe that feels cosy and inviting. I can’t quite place it, but I feel secure. The blend of vetiver and fruity florals, accompanied by the warmth of tea, I think provides this comforting sensation. The subtle touch of rose adds a touch of elegance, with a hint of honey that lightens the smoky tea. The ingenious use of seaweed introduces a unique saltiness, reminiscent of facet of Lapsang Souchong tea. As the smoke dissipates, intricate green notes emerge, like you’re reaching the bottom of your teacup and revealing the tealeaves. This salty green essence beautifully complements the deeper, earthy tones of Indonesian patchouli, which exudes a raw, soil-like quality along with its leafy greens. I adore how this combination harmonises with the soft leather osmanthus, creating a stunning blend, especially when delicately softened by rose and jasmine. The smoky essence of vetiver lingers on the skin, like a distant memory, as the tea has been savoured and the cup remains filled with nothing but leaves. Smoky Soul is a beautiful fragrance that revolves around the essence of black tea, infused with the delicate sweetness of osmanthus flowers. It effortlessly captures the nostalgic charm of sepia photography, emanating an aura of refined elegance. I’m very excited to experience the remaining two scents in the triptyque , as this is truly a captivating way to begin the olfactory journey.

Notes: Osmanthus Absolute from China, Indian Black Pepper, Black Tea from Sri Lanka, Turkish Rose Essence, Jasmine Absolute from India, Vetiver from Java, Patchouli from Indonesia, Seaweed Absolute from France.

Disclaimer: Merci beaucoup to Celine Verleure for the Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul bottle provided for this review. Thoughts and nose my own.

Senior Contributor – J Wearescentient, artist and olfactive explorer.

Marc-Antoine Corticchiato

Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul courtesy of the Olfactive Studio

Thanks to Olfactive Studio, we have a 100 ml bottle of Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul for one registered reader in the USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment on what sparks your interest about J’s review, your favorite Olfactive Studio perfume and that you live in the USA. Draw closes 2/15/2023/2024.

Smoky Soul was selected by Michelyn and Ermano for Best in Scents Top 10 2023

Read Celine Verleure’s Creative  Directors in Article Here

Meet Celine Verleure at Esxence 2024 March 6-9

Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul is available on Jovoy Paris and Olfactive Studio websites.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @olfactivestudio @wearescentient @parfumdempire

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

 

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34 comments

  • Scentofme says:

    I am not eligible for the draw (from EU), but just wanted to say that this is a great brand with an interesting photographic-olfactive concept. I have their Panorama and Chambre Noir scents which are outstanding. Can’t wait to check this one out. The smoky accords combined with tea and osmanthus sound appealing.

  • Maryjean says:

    I own a few from this fragrance house mostly florals. I’m very interested in Smoky Soul because of the different notes. I also am a fan of Jean Patou “1000,” so I already know I would love this fragrance. Thank you for this chance USA

  • Maria Malaveci says:

    I’ve never had the opportunity to try an Olfactive studio perfume but tea perfumes are so intriguing to me and this sounds absolutely beautiful. I’m in the US!

  • glowup says:

    I have yet to try any tea dominant fragrances but any mention of smoke and my intrigue hits a hundred. Smoky vetiver, leather, honey and rose, along with black tea. All of this working harmoniously together, yes please.
    I haven’t tried this house yet but I do have a few on my radar. This would be a great way to start.

    Indiana USA

  • GailAR says:

    @wearescentient this is a beautiful review.you really explain how the perfume smells and that reference to Patou 1000, oh my.I feel like I am in China sipping black tea and smelling osmanthus and Marc-Antoine Corticchiato is a fantastic perfumer. I love and own osmanthus interdite and Yuzu Fou.
    My favorites are Lumiere Blanche and Still Life in Rio
    NJ

  • mdellaroc says:

    I love tea scents, and as an artist one of my very favorite colors to work with is dark sepia. I usually render the underpainting in dark sepia then that allows the whole picture to be drawn in value for value, upon which you then lay the color. Seems fitting in describing this scent too. In maryland.

  • INYA says:

    Smoky Soul sounds like a warm and comforting scent. I’m drawn to the smoky vetiver and unique seaweed notes. And, I love the leather case! On my wishlist it goes. MI USA

  • thee_boy_wonder says:

    I cannot recall a fragrance that has seaweed as part of the notes! That’s intriguing! Definitely appreciate this I try into this brand.

    Pennsylvania, US

  • opalbear says:

    You had me at Corticchiato and Tea!! But when you brought up Patou’s vintage 1000 I am bound! lol I love vintages and Sublime and 1000 are my fav of his. The way you describe the Osthmanthus and vetiver and the way rose and seaweed is used I am totally smitten. And it’s extrait?? Thank you so much for the chance to win. In California

  • Ben A says:

    This sounds absolutely lovely. I love smoky teas…and I love tea fragrances. I’m also a huge fan of osmanthus and vetiver. Though I’ve always heard good things about Olfactive Studios, I’ve yet to get my nose on any of their fragrances, so I don’t have a favorite yet. Given the note listing, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if this one became it. I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • absurdnose says:

    I love the idea of this fruity leathery osmanthus in combination with an earthy clay-like vetiver. Even envisioning this was a meditative practice. This sounds absolutely gorgeous. What a wild fact about the osmanthus fields of “1000” by Patou! Thanks J! Now I need to smell both! Please enter me in this draw. I live in the USA.

  • Petra says:

    Great review, Jonathan. This sounds like one I would like, it has a lot of notes I like in a perfume and I do love Marc-Antoine Corticchiato’s work for Parfum d’Empire. I am not entertaining the draw, as I am not from USA.

  • quendu says:

    I was had at rose, jasmine and vetiver. But what really grabbed my attention is the te aand flower note that seems to be its mainstay, Every morning, for many, many years, my tea is a Yunnan province Laoshan Village black tea with osmanthus flowers. It’s my most beloved. I would be delighted to wear it, while sipping my gonfu cha brewed cup, here in central Missouri!

  • MelKT42 says:

    I live in the USA, and my favorite Olfactive Studio perfume is the gorgeous Violet Shot. What I love about this review is the unexpected osmanthus opening and other notes. If I had seen Smoky Soul with no description, I would have thought “tea” and “smoke” and that’s it. But the addition of this salty green and delicate sweetness throughout is really striking.

  • soviz says:

    I adore tea scents; they’re so calming and meditative to wear as I go about my day. I was really intrigued to hear about the unexpected seaweed note — I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a salty-green-tea blend; it sounds lovely with the delicate osmanthus and florals! I’ve never had the privilege of trying an Olfactive Studio scent but hoping this can be the first 🙂 I live in New York, USA!

  • eps says:

    Osmanthus, tea and smoke in the hands of Corticchiato sounds amazing! The use of seaweed makes me particularly interested to try this one. Thanks J for the wonderful detailed description of Smoky Soul. I’ve yet to try anything from Olfactive Studio, but love Corticchiato’s other work. I would love to win a bottle of this, and definitely need to try no matter what. Thanks for the drawing! — I’m in the US

  • recursivemask says:

    I love the smell of tea, and J’s review makes this sound like exactly my cup. To capture so many layers of the experience of tea is divine. I’ve never smelled any olfactive studio perfumes. US.

  • Trinity33 says:

    The smoked tea description immediately reminded me of lapsang souchong. I’m surprised it’s not listed as one of the notes. It’s interesting that the seaweed absolute works in conjunction with the black tea and patchouli to mimic it. The ingredient list seems outstandingly sourced. I’ve not tried anything from Olfactive Studio yet. I’m in the US.

  • bel says:

    J’s description of the unique salinity of the fragrance and the balance of fruity, floral, and smoky tea notes really appeals to me. I’ve only sampled a couple of Olfactive Studio perfumes—of those my favorite was Lumiere Blanche for the liquid translucency of the spice, almond milk, and sandalwood notes. In the US.

  • Arron_Q says:

    Tea is a note that I have absolutely fallen in love with over the course of the last year. Arquiste Indigo Smoke, Masque Milano Russian tea, and For the Scent of It Blackwood Sun are a few faves I have discovered in the least several months. Smoky Soul is one that I have heard of recently, but have yet to sample. I really appreciate the combo of smoke and tea. Indigo Smoke did this in a very fresh and cooling way, but I imagine this to be a richer and more enveloping profile. J mentioned the rose, jasmine, and vetiver giving it a softness and sense of security, and I imagine that they play quite well together. The florals sure compliment the tea, while the vetiver serves to balance and add a bit of grounding earthiness. It sounds phenomenal and I would love to give it a go. Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    I have yet to try any Olfactive Studio scents, but Smoky Soul has been on my Want To Sample list for awhile. This review just increases my desire to try this. The sepia reference and the imagery of 35mm photography speaks to my soul: I can smell the film’s plastic base and the inside of my old camera just reading teh description! I live in the USA.

  • janelle22 says:

    I love tea fragrances so the mid with the black tea is calling my name. I haven’t yet tried Olfactive Studio but Vanilla Shot is on my list. I live in the USA (New Haven, CT)

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    The combo of osmanthus and smoky vetiver sounds interesting. I’m not to familiar with tea notes so I definitely would like to get my nose on this one. I love the name & presentation.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • ericwaynebiscuit says:

    The combination of fragrance, photography, and placemaking is such a natural collaboration! Add onto that the fact that Marc-Antoine Corticchiato is the nose behind this perfume, and I am SOLD. I wasn’t familiar with Olfactive Studio’s fragrances before this review, but upon a quick review there are a few that strike my interest– both Close Up and Ombre Indigo are very intriguing to me.

    I’m based in VA, USA. Thanks for exposing me to a new-to-me brand!

  • foreverscents says:

    I love Olfactive Studio, especially Still Life in Rio. Smoky Soul, with its osmanthus and vetiver notes sounds so transportive, right to the tea fields of Fujian. I think the notes of this fragrance sounds so well-blended and even restorative, like a perfect cup of tea.
    I live in the USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Tea fragrances can be absolutely wonderful and I like the idea of the Sepia Collection, approaching tea compositions with a nod to culture and terroir. I’m intrigued by Smoky Soul’s balanced wearability, despite being an extrait formulation, and the juxtaposition of stone fruit and earthy Japenese vetiver. The black tea spiced smoky aspect of the fragrance also sounds restrained—alive with heat, but not overwhelming, and billowing sweetly—and the finishing touches include some surprises, like the seaweed absolute. It sounds lovely and complex. Great review, J.

    I’m in the USA. I haven’t tried any Olfactive Studio perfumes and hope to try this one.

  • moorhawk says:

    J’s review of Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul vividly transported me to the serene tea fields of Fujian, China, igniting a curiosity to experience this olfactory journey myself. The detailed description of the fragrance, intertwining smoky vetiver with the luscious osmanthus, paints a picture of a sophisticated and comforting scent that seems perfect for reflection. My personal favorite from Olfactive Studio has been Lumière Blanche for its crisp, warm embrace, but Smoky Soul’s enchanting narrative and composition suggest it might soon become a new favorite. I reside in the USA and am thrilled at the possibility of adding this exquisite scent to my collection.

  • oliviatworkowsky says:

    I am very excited about the tea perfumes, I have never tried one and love the note and how you described the dry down and everything about it!! Thank you for the chance to win from the USA:)

  • rmsssss says:

    I’ve had my eye on Smoky Soul since it was first announced and J’s review just validates my initial hopes for it. I love Lapsang Souchong tea and I feel like the “delicate sweetness” of the osmanthus would balance it beautifully. I’d love to win this one for sure! My favorite from Olfactive Studio is the gorgeous Chambre Noire. I’m in MN, USA.

  • Maestro says:

    I’m intrigued by the idea of SMOKY SOUL fragrance. As someone who hasn’t delved into fragrances with prominent tea notes before, the mention of smoke immediately grabs my attention. Imagining a concoction of smoky vetiver, leather, honey, rose, and black tea is like stepping into a world of sensory delight. The thought of these elements mingling together in perfect harmony is simply irresistible. Even though I haven’t had the chance to explore this fragrance house yet, I’ve got my eye on it. Sampling this scent feels like it would be the perfect way to dip my toes into their offerings and embark on a fragrant journey. I’m ready to let my senses wander and discover the magic of SMOKY SOUL. From NY, USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the wonderful review. Most of the Olfactive Studio perfumes that I have sampled are quite wonderful, especially Chypre Shot.

    Smoky Soul sounds like a fragrance much from this realm. It opens with a beautiful, delicate and transparent black tea note, that is slightly smoky and tannic. The osmanthus adds a fruity and floral touch, with hints of apricot and leather. The drydown is warm and woody, with vetiver, patchouli and seaweed adding some depth and complexity. I love Javanese vetiver – it is so nutty and earthy, that I completely understand the baked clay reference.

    Love the presentation.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparks my interest based on J’s review of Olfactive Studio Smoky Soul is that I love how Olfactive Studio featured a specific note in this case smoky tea which sounds amazing along with floral and earthy notes. It also says it has an old school vibe which I am intrigued by. I love tea fragrances so I would love to try this new tea collection from Olfactive Studio. My favorite fragrance from Olfactive Studios Chypre Shot. I am from the USA.