HAROLD & MAUDE
RESOLUMENT AFFRANCHI

2023

PERFUMER
Nejla Barbir

ROSE
JASMINE
SAFFRON
INCENSE

VANILLA
MUSK
PATCHOULI
OUD

‘A perfume for him, but also for her! The signature of a free man or woman, far from all constraints! A singular perfume for a surprising, powerful and terribly endearing fragrance… The heart composed of rose and jasmine flower is reinforced by the astonishing leathery and tarry smell of saffron and by the camphorous aroma of incense, until so rarely associated with jasmine! The base of musk and vanilla, captivating and sensual, is powerfully warmed by oud and Indian patchouli.’ – Harold And Maude

When I tried Harold & Maude in store, Resolument Affranchi was one that stood out to me. A darker and heavier, but also very sweet fragrance in their line-up.

The name of the game here is saffron. Leathery saffron takes center stage and it’s flanked by a hint of florals and a big dose of sweetness.

This is (luckily for my taste), not an all-out leather saffron however. I find it leaning more woody throughout, with a hint of earthy patchouli. I get images of old wooden furniture, quite cozy.

The sweetness starts on the sugary side, but becomes vanillic, caramel, with hints of honey. Definitely too leathery, woody and earthy to be considered a full-on gourmand for me, but it’s not far off.

Whereas I initially expected it to be a harsher scent, it grows rather smooth and almost creamy. Vanilla being more prominent when smelled up close.

Fragrances that it reminds me of are the honeyed Lorga Santal Sugar and even a little bit of the lovely Xerjoff Iommi with it’s sweet-rose-leather-patchouli. However, Resolument Affranchi is a bit smoother and more minimalistic than those. The floral-vanilla quality makes this unisex for a darker scent profile and that levity is a welcome facet for my taste.

After sampling properly, I may end up preferring Delicieusement Sensuelle, but this is another solid release from this new brand.