NISHANE
MEANT TO BE SEEN

2025

PERFUMER
Jordi Fernandez

bergamot
Violet

orris
moxalone
civet

akigala wood
sesame
sandalwood
ambrettolide

Meant To Be Seen was quite a surprise, at least in what type of scent this is. It’s not so much that it deviates from the notes, but the lively colored bottle, naming & perfumer made me expect something louder, perhaps fruitier or sweeter. Instead, this is a contained, bordering on dull, iris-cashmere skin scent that I enjoyed.

My enjoyment is especially true for the opening. Traditionally feminine leaning and very powdery. Maybe it’s the violet in the mix, but I get a strong sense of heliotrope; slightly earthy, semi-sweet (almond-esque) powderiness, giving it a retro touch. It wears nicely, cozy and soft.

As it dries down, it loses the softer, and luxurious touch a bit. Meant To Be Seen goes in a cashmeran-like, more woody direction, with dry, almost bitter, woodshavings and the tiniest hint of suede leather creeping in. Subtle (performance-wise it’s not a big fragrance) and I wouldn’t say screechy, but it doesn’t feel as nice in the drydown as it does in the opening hour or two.

Still with that earthy iris touch through the end. A surprisingly sober, minimal scent.

Sidenote: This has apparently been seen by some as a copy of Ella K Musc K, which I completely disagree with; while both are clean skinscent type fragrances, Musc K has more acidity and a more fresh linen muskiness, whereas Meant To Be Seen has a stronger iris and woody side. Same genre, but barely any overlap in the details. Another comparison is Diptyque L’Eau Papier and I think it’s probably closer in style to that, but realistically, existing somewhere in the middle ground. Not the most exciting, but a thumbs up for what it is.