PARFUMS DE MARLY
LIPPIZAN

2009

PERFUMER
Sidonie Lancesseur

Clary Sage
Thyme
Tarragon
Cardamom
Lemon
Bergamot

cedarwood
Galbanum
Rose
Jasmine
Iris
Patchouli
Vetiver

Oakmoss
Leather
Amber
Vanilla
musk

‘Though its demanding requirements and noble history sometimes result in its image as an indulgence of the pampered class, the equestrian sport of dressage, in actuality, requires a horse and rider of otherworldly strength, power and control. Named for a world-famous breed of stallion known for their great abilities in dressage, Lippizan is lives up to its name as a fragrance of both impressive power, but also of incredible grace.’ – Parfums de Marly

Lippizan was one of the first Parfums de Marly releases alongside Darley and Shagya in 2009 and at the time of my review, they are not often seen around.

Parfums de Marly sometimes gets a bad reputation by niche lovers for making fragrances that are too conventional and mainstream for the price point, but it seems that their more ‘niche’ attempts that I have tried have flown under the radar. They just don’t get the same attention that their more popular fragrances get.

Lippizan instantly reminded me of some pre-Renaud Salmon Amouage fragrances as far as the styling goes. I can’t recall the exact fragrance profile differences, but it has a hint of Opus VII and Journey Man. There’s a distinct animalic touch, warm and almost sour.

In the opening it’s combined with citrus, florals and last, but definitely not least, herbs. I’m usually not a fan of an animalic accord like this, but here it overpowers some of the green and herbal notes, in which case I prefer it over it not being there. The citrus combined with the other notes gives it a balmy, soft, orange candle or soap like quality. Cardamom hits come through most of the composition.

It’s a bit of a throwback, because this smells like an older style fragrance. There’s definitely a touch of barbershop, especially in the opening. Despite it being quite heavy, performance could be better, but it’s not bad either.

When I sprayed this on for the first time, I didn’t like it all, but on my second wearing, it grew on me. Lippizan is not the type of fragrance I’d add ever to my collection, but it’s definitely one that was worth sampling and an interesting look into the early days of Parfums de Marly.