The opening of Fate Woman is a nose tickling blast of pepper, tannins and spice which quickly turns into a well balanced and smooth cinnamon note. The heart still has cinnamon, but a wonderful leathery labdanum emerges and is supported by frankincense, a distinct dry cedar note, a pinch of cumin, something else animalic (could be a mixture of one of the white florals and castoreum) and a vague creamy floral which is probably rose. The dry down is beautiful and ambraic: featuring more cinnamon, labdanum, cedar and benzoin/vanilla. It's a nice mix of hot and dry, but also so alive and energetic. There's some kind of interesting spice material here that my nose interprets less as a smell and more like static electricity, it makes the scent crackle and pop.
I was initially was puzzled why cedar is not listed here. It's the second most prominent note in the heart of this fragrance to my nose and clearly discernible. I'm realizing that what my nose interpreting as cedar is actually the frankincense, some of the spice and some of the labdanum. It all combines to make a warm, dry, woody resinous smell that resembles fresh milled cedar. Cumin is also not listed here but clearly present.
Fate Woman has quite the reputation as a powerhouse scent that's a bit difficult to wear. Imagine my surprise after sampling it from a dab vial and finding it pushed all my personal buttons as a comfort scent! Perhaps its because it bears some resemblance to Opium which was worn by several female role models of mine. Or perhaps when it is dabbed, this just comes off as cozy. It's rare that I finish a sample but I wore this for 4 days straight.
Overall, this is a very nice fragrance and perhaps something I will eventually add to my wardrobe. The craftsmanship is clearly evident in how simultaneously smooth and complex Fate Woman is---all notes are well blended and perfectly rendered.
Wear Fate Woman and experience true perfume luxury.
