ELLA K
GHIBLI

2021

PERFUMER
Sonia Constant

CHOCOLATE
NOUGAT
JASMINE
LEATHER

‘According to the legend, amorous intentions placed on the wings of the Ghibli will arrive as surely as Cupid’s arrow. I whispered tender words for it to carry across the Mediterranean and entrust them to you in a caressing sigh. I know that my messenger will be true because believing in a myth is sure to revive it and thus our love will be alive and well!  The sweetness of nougat accompanied by the scent emanating from imperial jasmine rises into the air in a warm perfumed breeze. This subtle blend is based on a note of leather which, riding on the wings of the Ghibli, transports us into the heart of the myriad markets that flourish throughout the Maghreb.’ – Ella K

Ella K is a brand by perfumer Sonia Constant and I’ve been singing its praises for some years now. Sonia has an impressive track record with some of my favorites being her Tom Ford creations, especially Noir Extreme & Ombre Leather. She does wearable leathers very well and in 2021 she launched ‘The Leather Collection’ with Harmattan, Khamsin & Ghibli. The latter was my favorite upon sampling, so I’m glad to expand on my thoughts with a full review.

Based on the listed notes, I’d say Ghibli leans far more gourmand than most leather fragrances. I definitely get all of the elements, with leather being prominent from start to finish, but it’s doused in a caramelized, candied sweetness. It would probably ‘scare off’ gourmand-avoiders more than it would leather-avoiders. It has a soft, chewy almondy coating. Meanwhile, the florals are there, but instead of being a heavy white floral, the jasmine is what provides welcome levity here.

The leather is about as wearable, while staying true to a rather realistic leather scent, as I think is possible. It feels soft, supple and warm.

I instantly knew I’d love this. Prior to the leather collection, there was Melodie D’Altai, which has a steady place among my absolute favorites from my collection. I’d say it’s similar to Ghibli to the point where I found buying Ghibli myself bordering on being redundant (Yet, I love the DNA so much, that when given the choice for a PR collaboration, I still chose it). Ghibli is more chewy, less syrupy. More floral, less fruity. More focused on the leather. Overall, a more mature fragrance than Melodie D’Altai, but the overall vibe is very similar.

I personally prefer Melodie D’Altai, but regardless, Ghibli is another gem from a gem of a house in my opinion.