Mikmoi is a San Francisco based indie perfume line that I stumbled upon in May. And I’m rather happy I’ve stumbled upon this line. Vesper is a lillet inspired perfume. I’m sure it’s inspired by the cocktail and James Bond (lillet cocktails had very little to do with Orthodox prayers…). Out of the line, I found Vesper to be the most challenging but I guess that is why I’ve bonded with it (pun may or may not be intended).
Vesper opens as a sharp scent with latex and leather. A “green” rose adorns a sheer, fruity lillet. It continues to wear as a bitter green citrus and medicinal rose with a white wine “lift”. At the base I get a smoky, rugged leather with bitter green fig leaves. The dry down is resins hugging the softest suede. The dry-down is so soft and cozy.
The green bitterness and latex-y notes of this fragrance make it challenging. I assume many people read the notes and expect a light, fruity floral with suggestions of leather like Hermès Kelly Caleche. But, instead this is a light fragrance with more leather than fruity floral. I find Vesper unusual but wearable in any environment. The key to its wearability is the “sheer” veil like quality that is Mik’s specialty and something that you experience throughout the line.
Notes listed include fig leaves, lillet accord, black baccara rose, suede, myrrh, frankincense and amber.
Give Vesper a try if you want a remixed leather. Or if you like perfumes like Knize 10, BLOOD Concept O, Juliette Has Gun Lady Vengeance and/or Parfums de Rosine Rose d’Homme. At this time, I can’t think of anything else like this fragrance so I’m really stretching it with this list. Vesper is unisex but I feel it really leans more towards the masculine end of the spectrum and I’d recommend it as a “masculine rose”.
Projection and longevity are average.
The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $90 at MIKMOI. A sample set is also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Lillet blanc band-aid and leather roses. Unusual but that’s what I want from the indies. I view Vesper as a domanatrix rose.
Want more reviews? Try…
Scents Memory – More info on the line
Scents Memory – Review of Vesper
You hit it perfectly in your description in a way that I could not. Great review!! I do really love Vesper… perfect for foggy days in S.F.
Lanier Smtih recently posted..LES BALLET DES PENHALIGON’S ~ Launch of Iris Prima by Penhaligon’s
What are you talking about? Your review is a joy to read!
You are sweet but I think you got it to a tee…or should I say to a martini!
Hugs
L
Lanier Smtih recently posted..LES BALLET DES PENHALIGON’S ~ Launch of Iris Prima by Penhaligon’s
I got curious after reading Lanier’s review and now you! I will try this brand, hopefully soon – thank you for the nudge.
Undina recently posted..Entertaining Statistics: September 2013
I think it’s a cool brand. There’s actually one that I want a FB of 🙂
Lanier’s blog is where I first heard of the line!
Love Vesper Love your take, I’ve been meaning to say merci and hello.
Hello and you’re welcome! 🙂
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