Oud Octavo Abstract artwork courtesy of Kershen Teo of Prosody London.
“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” Thomas Paine.
To thrust oneself into the unknown can be an unnerving and challenging experience, one that severs the ties of all that we have previously understood and at once decouples them. Inevitably new explorations involve trial and error. However, the results can be outstanding when done with a meticulous approach. Oud is a tricky raw material and one that has a chameleon-like quality, shifting its appearance and personality and as such, it is an ingredient with incredible possibilities and risks. On experiencing Prosody London Oud Octavo, by Kershen Teo, the beauty of Oud is kaleidoscopic and uplifting. To experience anew.
Born of a fluid and flexible approach, this fragrance has been developed with an eye for detail and a goal to explore the beauty of organic naturals in all their glory. As the name suggests, Oud Octavo (organically sourced from Vietnam) develops a series of notes working in unison with its hero ingredient to give a harmonious experience. The challenge, especially using only natural ingredients, was to provide the wearer with a smooth, delightful wearing and one that lasts.
Photograph Oud Octavo Sketch, Courtesy of Prosody London.
In Prosody London Oud Octavo, the oud is mellow and addictive; it transforms throughout, in concert with meticulously chosen ingredients to unfold its eight different personalities in a unique umbrella effect. The opening is pure excitement, as a boozy and animalic nuance appears through the combination of cognac and cistus. These notes combine seductively with linden blossom and benzoin, which in turn creates a honeyed and slightly gourmand experience. The effect is truly sensual, the interplay of these ingredients – hypnotic.
Moreover, there are, twists and turns abound in this scent, especially with the addition of ginger and cinnamon. This added spiciness is surprising and uplifting. As the perfume develops further, the woody facets of cedarwood and angelica pulse through and the herbaceous aspects subtly announce themselves with the use of clary sage and coriander seed, which provide a greenness and depth. Gliding through into our consciousness comes wonderful leathery, accord created from styrax and labdanum, clinging lovingly onto the skin. The overall effect is a comforting hug of sensual warmth that is a pleasure to wear especially on colder evenings.
ESG seal ©
Oud Octavo is a beautiful balance of finely chosen natural ingredients treated with a technical brilliance of a perfumer with an eye for the abstract and a touch of the elegant. The core tenant of Prosody London is to use 100% natural ingredients. Prosody London has earned the ESG Mark (Environmental Social Governance,) a symbol of trust and distinction, which allows consumers to identify organisations who believe in and act to deliver a more sustainable future. It is natural perfumery done with consideration and an environmentally conscious approach.
Kershen Teo, courtesy of Prosody London.
“I wanted to unlearn all I knew and explore with new eyes – the very best potential of Oud.
To provide people with comforting aura, a layered blanket, with which to softly wrap around themselves on wintery days.” Kershen Teo.
Notes: Vietnamese Oud, cedarwood, cognac, angelica, clary sage, coriander seed, cistus, linden blossom, benzoin, styrax, labdanum, ginger, cinnamon.
Disclaimer: Sample of Prosody London Oud Octavo kindly provided by Prosody. My opinions are my own.
Karl Topham, Guest Contributor
Prosody London Oud Octavo photo by Karl Topham
Thanks to Prosody London, we have a draw for a 10 ml bottle of Prosody London Oud Octavo for one registered reader worldwide. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about Prosody London Oud Octavo, where you live, and if you are familiar with Prosody London. What smells like winter to you? Draw closes 1/27/2022
Editor’s Note: Please be sure to read Kershen Teo’s essay “Art of Seeing Smells” Here
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