PARFUMS DE MARLY
LAYTON EXCLUSIF
2017
PERFUMER
Hamid Merati-Kashani
bergamot
grapefruit
apple
geranium
cinnamon
lavender
oud
cypriol
guaiac wood
patchouli
vanilla
‘Generous, spirited and explosive, this Parfum asserts its strength and impetuousness. The striking new take on Layton is a deep, rich and woody fragrance for the connoisseur looking to make an impression. Top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and apple softly envelope the heart of cinnamon, lavender, agarwood and geranium. The base is concluded by guaiac wood, sensual vanilla and sweet cypriol. A revival on the traditional yet refined in its scent. Presented in a deep blue armour, Layton Exclusif by Parfums de Marly is an apotheosis of scents and an uninhibitedly seductive statement that pulls no punches. An ardent, densely spicy woodiness, perfectly at ease with itself and its wearer. Layton Exclusif is an original and rare composition.’ – Parfums de Marly
Parfums de Marly is one of the more popular niche houses and with that popularity comes criticism. The main critique I’ve heard towards the house is that their fragrances can be a bit safe or mainstream, and I agree, but to those people I’d like to present Layton Exclusif.
Layton Exclusif was actually my first niche purchase ever, so I may be a bit biased. This is a flanker to one their most popular and well-received fragrances, but you’d be vastly mistaken for thinking they are similar. I don’t like Layton, but I do like Layton Exclusif.
This variant takes out some of the fresh components of the original and welcomes it to the dark side. In place it adds strong woods, coffee and an animalic note. The opening can be overpowering. I always go light on the trigger with Layton Exclusif, because it can fill up a room. Every time I wear this, it’s an experience and it seems to develop differently from day to day. It opens with some semi-fresh florals, but there’s a sourish, animalic component; some may even find it pissy.
It wakes you right up. Some days, the floral, almost green vibe seems to linger longer, but most days the coffee takes over and completely transforms the scent, which I absolutely love. The drydown can remind me of the bottom of a cup of coffee, with creamer and some sugar remains that didn’t properly dissolve.
All of this is happening over a base of wood. A lot of people get oud in this, which I’m not sure it contains, but it does have that long-lasting, powerful, dark woody presence. This is not a fragrance I would wear to the office and when I’m going to be in close encounters with other people unless it’s a date-like setting, I prefer to apply it a good while in advance.
The performance of Layton Exclusif is through the roof, with longevity, sillage and projection all ranking among the best I’ve come across. The darkness and strength make this cold weather appropriate exclusively, so versatility is limited, but if you want a fragrance that’s special and interesting every time you get to wear it, Layton Exclusif should be on your radar. I think it’s a sexy, sensual scent and anno 2024, it remains my second favorite Parfums de Marly behind Herod.
