ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE
REMARKABLE PEOPLE
2015
PERFUMER
Cecile Matton
Grapefruit
Champagne
Cardamom
Curry Tree
Black Pepper
Jasmine
Sandalwood
Lorenox
Labdanum
In classical mythologies, there were the demigods, the offspring of a god and a human, or a mortal who was raised to divine status. An ancient Greek poet used the word demigod as a synonym for hero. They demonstrated strength and power, a willingness to face challenges and confront danger. In the New World, there were the explorers, who discovered unknown lands. They were heroes too, battling forces of nature to find new territories. And throughout history — scientists, artists, composers, entertainers — all heroes in their own way. New heroes are born every day. There is an element, or an event, or a circumstance, or maybe just a quirk in their personalities that changes them, empowers them, enables them to transcend the ordinary. They believe in something different, something better. They want to change the rules, break the rules, alter the status quo, in whatever grand or small way they find meaningful. They are on a journey, and maybe it’s the effort alone that makes them remarkable. For some, their efforts bring fame and glory. Many others remain unknown. But they cannot — they should not — be ignored. These are our people — the remarkable citizens of Etat Libre d’Orange, the Orange Free State. The “un” people — uncompromising, unexpected, unconventional, unpredictable. We salute them, we honor them, by offering the extraordinary fragrance they deserve. Remarkable People. You know who you are.’ – Etat Libre D’Orange
Remarkable People was one of my favorites from Etat Libre D’Orange. This is one of my earlier reviews however and I can’t make much sense of it today. I’d have to revisit Remarkable People for sure. Take it for what it is.
It opens with a soft grapefruit, which gives it a nice sweet fruity scent. The second main note is supposed to be champagne… now I’m not sure how to interpret that, but I don’t get the connection. To me, aside from the fruit, this has two main components. One being a slight, ambery, warmth from the labdanum. The other is florals.
It has a clean, warm, but still fresh quality, with a floral tone. It surprised me to not see lavender listed as a note, although jasmine is. In the drydown, the sandalwood comes forward, giving this a more creamy texture. The spices, from the cardamom, although more peppery are quite prominent as well.
Overall, it’s quite nice and subtle. I don’t think I have smelled much like it yet. In a sense it reminds me of a more masculine and less powdery Carner D600.