MAISON MARGIELA
WHISPERS IN THE LIBRARY
2019
pink pepper
orange blossom absolute
patchouli
cypriol
tonka bean absolute
benzoin
vanilla absolute
cedarwood
vetiver
‘The enchanting woody atmosphere of an antique library surrounded by books. A day surrounded by books. The slowing down of time surrounded by squeaky waxed wood, the mutter of turning pages and discreet whispers. Replica ‘Whispers in the Library’ evokes the slowing down of time in an antique library. A woody fragrance to stir memories of the distinctive smells of old books and the comforting atmosphere of a traditional library. An unlimited quantity of books in a soft halo of light. Relive the enchanting and contrasted memory of an antique library as notes of spicy Pepper essence, sweet Benzoin resinoïd and Vanilla absolute evoke the leaves of the books; and the sophisticated cedarwood essence recreates the scent of the wooden desk at which you are reading. A timeless and familiar ambery eau de toilette designed around the contrast of three olfactory sensations: The comforting warmth of vanilla absolute and Benzoin resinoïd, the spicy emulation of pepper essence, and the architectural majesty of noble Cedarwood essence.’ – Maison Margiela
A solid one from Maison Margiela, although the drydown and the longevity could use some work.
Whispers In The Library gives you the impression of being a simple vanilla fragrance upon initial reaction, but soon there are a couple of nuances. I get a strong hint of anise, that gives the opening a light liquorice touch. People have compared it to Carmex lip balm and I can attest to that as well. When smelled up close I get a booziness. It’s pleasant, but simple, soft and quite linear.
There is a woody backdrop, but aside from that, I don’t get the connection to the library at all, which is surprising, considering how accurate the imagery of the other fragrances in the Replica line is. I would’ve expected a paper (papyrus) or pencil shavings scent, or maybe even a (bound) leather or more of a dusty quality. Instead, this is a unisex, maybe slightly feminine leaning sweet vanilla, with a bit of musk and in the drydown I still get the anise.
The performance is below average, as unfortunately seems to be the case for almost the entire line by Maison Margiela. The longevity is below average and even for that time, it’s practically a skin scent from start to finish.