SIAM1928
Mekha Aranya

2024

PERFUMER
Nutt Wesshasartar

ALDEHYDES

OSMANTHUS ABSOLUTE
HONEY

LEATHER
SANDALWOOD
MUSK

‘The osmanthus blooms, its fragrance gently streams,
Wafting through Thai northern, a symphony of dreams.
Far-reaching aroma, like a melody in the sky,
Mhom’s essence accompanies, on a heavenly high.
Through clouds resembling silk, in a vast display,
Light reflects in hues of white, a breathtaking ballet.
Back to the clouded woods, with friends in glee,
In the sky, only joy, floating carefree.’ – Siam1928

This is a long review for a sample and first impression, but Mekha Aranya sent me on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Besides, this is definitely my favorite Siam1928 experience thus far, so it deserves the time.

The opening minutes threw me for a loop. This felt more (Middle) Eastern inspired than the others I’d tried from the house so far, although judging by the brand’s description, it’s not necessarily the case and the longer I wore it, the more it changed into something else.

I think it feels that way to me, because for a couple of minutes this reminded me of the fruity Widian Al Wasl / Gold I. Now, Al Wasl is great and I bought it, only to sell it later, because I found it a bit too acrid. Mekha Aranya is much easier going and beautiful and transforms quickly.

Because at first, on my skin it’s the fruity-osmanthus-leather combination, that smells similar to the Les Indemodables osmanthus Grand Cru ingredient. A hint of shoe-polish leather, but brightened a lot with a peach/nectarine like quality of the osmanthus.

Instead of diving fully into leather after the initial minutes, I find a lot of brightness and a fresher breeze to come through once it’s settled. Very smooth, soft, like a sweet, floral wind. The osmanthus, still there, seems more prominent when smelling my wrist, than it is in the air. Or at least, in the air, it’s more floral. It’s like its traditionally masculine leaning up close and feminine leaning with a bit of distance.

I did not expect Mekha Aranya to go in such a beautiful, more delicate direction based on the first sniff. Again, as with the others from the house, moving into a much more traditional, well-balanced composition and moving away from my initial judgement. Which isn’t easy to do with such a distinctive and pretty rough scent as this style of leathery osmanthus.

This blending and composition quality shines particularly in the honey; that subtle sweetness that’s kept in check so much better than in a lot of other perfumes. Reminding me most of the way the brand One Day from Hong Kong uses honey and sweetness in some of their fragrances.

My favorite from the 6 Siam1928 that I’d tried at the time of writing and one that goes on the wishlist.