ELLA K
CRI DU KALAHARI

2019

PERFUMER
Sonia Constant

Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Patchouli
Green Pepper

‘Despite being the largest sand desert in the world, the Kalahari boasts a truly luxurious flora thanks to the omiramba, the ancient river beds that still provide a source of precious water. As the sun goes down in the evening, ceding its place to a star-studded canopy, the Bushmen’s legend says that one can hear the stars calling.This perfume is inspired by the monumental baobab, an ancestral symbol which carries all the history of Africa in its thousand year-old trunk. Its woody notes are almost palpable as one traces one’s fingers across the ribbed texture of the bark. Thanks to the meticulous assemblage of sandalwood, cedar and a touch of patchouli with a dusting of green pepper, this fragrance is a bewitching invitation to sample the fascination of the arid sands of the Kalahari’ – Ella K

Ella K is a brand headed by owner and perfumer Sonia Constant (who you might know from JPG Le Belle/Le Beau, a lot of the Narciso Rodriguez, Tom Ford Noir Extreme, Noir Femme, Ombre Leather & Orchid Soleil and many more gems). It’s one of the best and in my opinion underrated houses that really stands out in the quality and vibrancy of the materials used.

Cri du Kalahari is a great fresh, creamy woody scent. It’s bitter and a bit of camphor. Simple, but beautiful and calming. I tried it alongside Creed Royal Oud and D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay; the latter in particular is very close and Cri Du Kalahari made both of those look bad in comparison in my opinion.