MAISON MARGIELA
REPLICA – NEVER-ENDING SUMMER

2025

bitter orange
aperol spritz
pepper

earl grey tea
cardamom
nutmeg

vetiver
cedarwood
patchouli
peru balsam
cashmeran
vanilla

This one was a pleasant surprise, especially after reading some initial reviews. A fragrance centered around bitter orange and aperol, that seems to get mixed to even negative early reception. I can see why, although I’m surprised not more people mention that this leans far traditionally masculine; at least, in my opinion, it does clearly.

This opens with citrus, but it’s not as juicy and Summery as one might imagine. It’s instantly softer, smoother, almost resinous, like a body lotion or a luxury soap. It’s barely sour, it’s not sharp, zesty, sparkling… none of that. You get some of the spiciness (people have likened it to versions of Cartier Declaration, which is definitely a DNA that comes through).

What stands out more (most) to me however, is vetiver. This is a soapy vetiver through and through on my skin; reminiscent of a slightly spicier Tom Ford Grey Vetiver. It has more of that balmy, herbal, sauna-steam soapiness with a green hue, almost from the start of the wear, and less zesty citrus, even compared to Grey Vetiver (or Roja’s Vetiver or many other fresh vetiver scents).

As it gets sweeter, you mostly still keep the soapiness and you do retain a hint of citrus for quite a while, which is what makes this fragrance in my opinion. But the orange is completely soft and almost sweet, creamsicle-esque. Very much like a luxury soap or ‘hotel-shampoo’ in my frame of reference.

It doesn’t smell overly unique, but I really like how it wears. It’s classy, it’s understated, it’s fresh enough for Summer. It’s not, the fun, quirky citrus fragrance that a lot of people (myself included) were expecting. One of the nicer Margiela Replicas so far to me.