SARAH BAKER
SYMMETRY

2020

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

bergamot
petitgrain
neroli
orange blossom
amber
cypriol
musk
Laos oud

‘Inspired by the cultural melting pot and fragrance hub of the Ancient World with its bustling markets and port. Combines oud with the freshness of a cologne tradition. Classical.’

This is part of the Oud Trilogy by Chris Maurice for Sarah Baker (Symmetry, Loudo and Gold Spot) Chris Maurice has worked with the house to create a trilogy of three fragrances using a composition of orange blossom, cypriol, and 100% natural Laotian oud and Suyufi agarwood tinctured by the perfumer.

After falling in love with Loudo, it is time to check out the other parts to the Oud Trilogy, starting with the first of the collection; Symmetry.

You can recognize a similar style of oudy scent here by Chris Maurice to the one you will find in Loudo, but this is a competely different scent profile.

Whereas Loudo instantly balances out the skankiness with vanilla, in Symmetry, the wearer is more exposed to a slightly funky, dry oud. Instead, Symmetry pairs the oud with a neroli-heavy, green citrussy brightness.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition between the fresher notes that give off a fresher overall feeling, and a more barnyardy scent at the same time. There is a sweetness here as well, but it’s not moving near gourmand territory at all; it has a hint of sweet, watery, ambroxan to my nose.

So instead, you get a sharper, higher frequency wear that makes me picture being outside on a farm, near water and mostly on a cold day. It is very citrussy, but not necessarily a Summery perfume for me. There’s something crisp about it though.

After the opening, this is just as accessible as Loudo, with both having a similar vibe from the oud, albeit two completely different fragrances. Loudo’s gourmand direction is a lot more cozy, whereas Symmetry’s cologne direction is more refreshing. I personally prefer Loudo, but both are great releases and I enjoyed Symmetry more than I expected.