Dries Van Noten surprises in perfumery with Mystic Moss, a fragrance that boldly blends olfactory contrasts and unexpected elegance.
Renowned for his bold and distinctive collections, Dries Van Noten‘s foray into the world of perfumery is nothing short of luxurious, nuanced, and surprising. While the fashion designer recently unveiled the latest collection under his eponymous brand, he continues his olfactory exploration with his new fragrance, Mystic Moss. Known for his eclectic style and pushing fashion boundaries, his bravery resonates vibrantly in the finely nuanced realm of beauty.
This latest fragrance is inspired by the success of his previous creations, marking the third in a trilogy of scents (alongside Orange Smoke and Sur Ma Peau) that explore Van Noten’s obsession with “impossible combinations.” This approach examines how elements that typically don’t blend can beautifully harmonize when fused together. Van Noten desired a fresh reinterpretation of Cannabis Patchouli, blending unexpected elements into a harmonious symphony of intriguing notes. With the debut of the fragrance, Dries Van Noten invites perfume enthusiasts to embrace the unexpected.
“When I work with perfumers, I give them carte blanche to take risks, experiment, and combine different ingredients that might seem incompatible,” he said. “My aim is to surprise by creating something unexpected.” Mystic Moss emerges as a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of telling sensory stories. The fragrance promises to captivate the senses and redefine the boundaries of modern perfumery, sourcing sustainably harvested ingredients from around the globe: Macedonian oak moss, Calabrian mandarins, and Indonesian patchouli. We spoke with the legendary designer about the humble beginnings of the fragrance, the sensations he hopes it evokes in wearers, and what sets it apart from others in his collection.
On the Conception of Mystic Moss
It all began in 2022 with a beautiful gesture, when perfumer Nicolas Bonneville gifted me a patchouli plant for my garden, knowing my passion for floriculture and botany. Patchouli is a special ingredient in perfumery with a strong identity and is a key component of Cannabis Patchouli. Naturally, I wanted to explore a different vision, a fresher interpretation of it. It’s also a continuation of the idea of “impossible combinations.” My definition of beauty intertwines with contrast, so each fragrance is created from an unexpected blend of ingredients.
On Dries Van Noten’s Process – Both in Fragrances and Fashion
When I create my fashion collections, I want to tell a story. I work with contrasts so that my garments evoke specific emotions, associations, and connections. Similarly, when I work with perfumers, I give them carte blanche to take risks, experiment, and combine different ingredients that might seem incompatible.
On What Sets Mystic Moss Apart
With Mystic Moss, we wanted to push boundaries through an explosion of lasting and unexpected freshness, which was a significant challenge. To ensure this freshness and longevity, Nicolas incorporated an overdose of citrus. It was a unique creative process.
On the Unexpected Notes of Mystic Moss
We created an unexpected combination of salt and mandarin, with ingredients like vetiver, cardamom, and seaweed, to create something fresh but very specific. We explored the clash of seaweed’s mineral quality with the juicy, contrasting mandarin. There’s also a juxtaposition between moss, seaweed, and salty notes, which act as counterpoints to the sweet facet of mandarin. It’s about vibrancy and depth.
Patchouli is an iconic material in perfumery with a distinctive olfactory profile. It offers multiple facets that allow for diverse combinations. When combined with the mineral quality of oak moss, the acidity of mandarin, and the salty notes of seaweed, it truly enhances its strong character.
On the Familiar Sensation Mystic Moss Should Evoke
More than a personality, it’s about a sensation. It’s about how the person feels in that specific moment and when they want to wear a perfume. Personally, I prefer when people have a fragrance for the day, for the evening, and perhaps even for the night. Why not?
Dries Van Noten’s latest fragrance in his collection, Mystic Moss, is now available through retailers and on the Dries Van Noten website for £255.
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