SOTD — Statik Olfactive The Forbidden City

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This is exactly the type of fragrance that keeps me interested in smaller independent artisan houses.

The Forbidden City isn’t trying to smell like everything else out there. Right from the opening I get this really interesting combination of apricot, jasmine tea and darker black tea, but what really makes this work for me is the incense running underneath everything.

The apricot gives it just enough fruitiness without turning it sweet or juvenile. Then the tea comes through dry and aromatic, while the incense, myrrh and woods start giving it this almost meditative feel. There is some darkness here, but it never becomes heavy. The woods smooth everything out as it dries down.

And anyone who knows me knows that incense speaks to me, so naturally this part of the fragrance is right in my wheelhouse.

What I really appreciate is that this smells like somebody actually had an idea and followed it through rather than looking at what is selling and trying to make another version of it. It’s unusual without becoming difficult to wear.

This is also another reminder of why I’ve been digging deeper into these smaller perfumer-led houses. With a collection as large as mine, I don’t need another fragrance that smells like five things I already own. Give me something with personality.

The Forbidden City definitely has that.

Apricot. Tea. Jasmine. Incense. Woods. Different—and different is exactly what I’m looking for these days.

One thing that can get a little confusing is the name. If you’re looking for The Forbidden City today, you may see it listed as The Forbidden Temple. Same fragrance, different name—so don’t let that throw you off.

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SOTD — Statik Olfactive The Forbidden City