Yesterday, I donned a full wear of Imagination by Louis Vuitton (2ml sample). Today, I donned a full wear of the Imagination dupe Marwa. I was comparing and contrasting, to see if Marwa was enough Imagination for me, or if Imagination kicked Marwa to the kerb. Here are my thoughts. Imagination - Lovely blended creamy soapy lemon opener, with a strong tea scent permeating everything. Dries down into more of the same, with the soapiness taking on a little more of an aquatic tang. It performs well, but stops projecting relatively early. While the profile is moderately complex, it's a quite linear scent that doesn't really go anywhere. It doesn't really NEED to go anywhere, it's in a rather nice position where it is. The tea is the most interesting facet, and happily it lasts for the six-or-so hours this remains in play on my skin. Overall, a nice scent that has some intrigue, operating for a decent stint but not overpowering. Recommended! Marwa - Slightly more acidic lemon opener with a soapy core, and a certain spiciness but no real tea note to mention. Even when this dries down, there isn't much tea to be found. That's the only disappointment early, as the creamy soapiness does deliver and the performance early is pretty good. But the longevity isn't apparent, and by the four hour mark it's a skin scent at best. I like it, and I'll be trying it a few more times with a comparative eye, but as things stand... it's close, but it's not Imagination. So the question is this: do I need Imagination? I like the scent. It's interesting. And at £260 for 100ml, it's a perfectly serviceable top-end price. But Like is not Love, and £260 is a chunk of change. There are more pressing scents out there that I like much more than Imagination. They come first. I'll likely pick up some LV in the fullness of time, but it might not be Imagination, and it won't be today. Marwa is not Imagination. But, for now, all things considered, it's enough.

With the exception of Absolu, I've kinda lost interest in the Bottled line, The Scent line however I think is worth some exploration. Starting with the original edt. A 2015 Spicey aeomatic release created by Bruno Jovanovic and Pascal Gaurin. The use of Maninka fruit from South Africa, an ingredient exclusive to the brand at the time, which smells like a mix of passion fruit and rum. It opens with a bright and energetic burst: the zesty freshness of citrus blends with the sharp, warm spiciness of ginger, creating an immediate and inviting impression that feels both lively and refined. As it develops, the unique Maninka fruit an exotic ingredient exclusive to this fragrance adds a soft, sweet, and slightly tropical depth. It is balanced by the clean, aromatic calmness of lavender, forming a sensual heart that bridges freshness & warmth. The scent settles into a grounding base: smooth leather brings a touch of masculine elegance and intensity, while woody notes add warmth and structure. This finish gives the fragrance a memorable, magnetic quality that lingers softly. Performance aint too bad, I get 5 to 6 hours on skin & clothes. Projection is moderate. Its definitly better suited to the colder months and can easily see you right for both casual day wear or for a more formal evening wear. Its versatile like that. My Rating 7/10 Scent 2.5 Longevity 2 Sillage 1.5 Y/N 1