J’s image of The Different Company After Midnight

While conventional cologne is traditionally reserved for daylight hours, Luc Gabriel, The Different Company’s co- founder and creative director, in collaboration with perfumer Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann, sought to transcend traditions and create a cologne-style perfume that would gracefully adorn the nocturnal hours. After Midnight’s essence evokes that night time allure, enveloping those who encounter it in an intoxicating embrace, twisting conventions with mastic and benzoin blurring the encounter so it falls between styles, almost like a meeting of two spirits soon to be one.

Before Sunrise movie still Richard Linklater1995 via IMBD

The Different Company After Midnight instantly made me think of Richard Linklater’s 1995 film “Before Sunrise.” In it we’re introduced to two captivating individuals, Jesse and Celine, who possess a unique blend of intelligence, sensitivity, and curiosity. They find themselves together on a train in Austria, where their paths intertwine in a serendipitous encounter. As they engage in conversation, a profound connection forms, igniting a spark of attraction between them. Both in their early twenties, Jesse, an adventurous American armed with a Euro Rail pass, is en route to Vienna to catch a budget-friendly flight back home. On the other hand, Celine, a French student studying at the prestigious Sorbonne, is making her way back to Paris. As they delve deeper into conversation, a wild idea takes hold of Jesse’s mind – why not invite Celine to disembark with him in Vienna? They could spend precious moments together until he departs for his flight.

The Different Company After Midnight Mood Background courtesy of the brand.

The structure of After Midnight seems to fit beautifully with the unfolding of the film’s narrative; opening fresh and wide-eyed Jesse and Celine’s first interactions are full with that classic neroli fresh greens, soft woods and bergamot giving that bright sparkle we all know from classic eau de cologne style perfumes, there’s a herbal twist from angelica giving both this strange confidence to go forward with this night time adventure in Vienna.

Before Sunrise movie still Richard Linklater 1995 via IMBD

Like The Different Company After Midnight, this scenario in the film, unfolds in a manner that is both enchanting and tender. Richard Linklater’s “Before Sunrise” captures the essence of a love affair for Generation X, yet Jesse and Celine transcend the confines of their generation, defying the mundane expectation of perpetual boredom. The film mirrors real life, resembling a documentary with an invisible camera, as it follows their meandering journey through the streets of Vienna, from the late afternoon until the break of dawn. Remarkably, Jesse and Celine encounter no interruptions or disturbances along their path, as their conversations traverse a wide range of topics, from the complexities of familial relationships to the enigma of death, from reminiscing about past romantic entanglements to contemplating the implications of a world with more souls than ever before. Quiet like how a perfume can take you out of the busy world into your own private thoughts. Linklater’s dialogue possesses a peculiar charm, exemplified when Jesse playfully suggests that their time together can be likened to “time travel,” prompting Celine to ponder the mysteries of her future and the people she will encounter.

Their encounter feels like timeless exchange, yet also unique, quiet like how the eau de cologne structure is given its own unique twist as mastic brings out this fresh balsamic facet, along with more soft musky blonde wood aromas. It also adds a little tension, that playful date night conversation where the two might not see eye to eye, yet there’s some whispers of wild flowers with a little cinnamon spice hinting at desire, still sparkling with bergamot while slowly getting sensual and soft with a tender iris. It’s a very soft iris, like eyes meeting across a table and melting looks when the gaze is held too long. There’s this almost floral incense like feel as the iris and labdanum blend into this cosy, Zen-like powdery veil that enrobes the perfume.

There’s an undeniable spark of desire between Jesse and Celine, and Linklater delicately navigates it, allowing it to unfold naturally. In the comforting confines of a music store’s listening booth, a magical moment transpires. Their eyes meet, but quickly avert, as if afraid of being discovered. The way they execute this dance of glances – the perfect timing, the subtle blush of embarrassment – captures the essence of authenticity.

Before Sunrise movie still Richard Linklater 1995 via IMBD

In “Before Sunrise,” Richard Linklater crafts a captivating tale that transcends the boundaries of traditional romance. Jesse and Celine’s story is a testament to the power of human connection, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments can be found in the simplest of conversations and the most unexpected encounters.

In The Different Company After Midnight Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann does similar, crafting captivating tale, delicately navigating its composition, giving us this tender end with an amber sweet soft iris that gently haunts the skin with a gentle resinous depth from benzoin. It’s almost like the scent of a lover is left lingering on your skin, as After Midnight turns to light in the early hours of a new day. It still whispers of bitter greens, a slight remorse that this adventure is over, but you can always start over by spraying it again. The Different Company After Midnight is a beautiful adventure, telling a subtle and delicate tale of love at night.

Top notes are Neroli, Bergamot and Angelica; Middle notes are Iris, Jasmine and Mastic (Lentisque), Cinnamon; Base notes are Labdanum, Amber, Benzoin and Woody Notes.

Disclaimer: Sample of The Different Company After Midnight was given to me by The Different Company. My opinions, as always, are my own.

–J @Wearescentient, Contributor

 

J’s image of The Different Company After Midnight

Thanks to the generosity of The Different Company we have a 100ml bottle of The Different Company After Midnight for one registered reader in the EU and USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on J’s review and where you live. What is your favourite from The Different Company? Draw closes 1112//2023.

Available on The Different Company’s website( can be ordered and shipped in the USA)and Jovoy Paris

Please enjoy Lauryn Beer Senior Editor’s White Zagora Review,  Former Senior Editor Emmanuelle Varron’s’s Dance of Dawn, Editor Emeritus Robert Herrmann (R.I.P.) Majaïna Sin, The 3 You should be Wearing by Deputy Editor Ida Meister. Nicoleta’s review of Pure eVe here.

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