Next to Me

Dubai Next to Me

Ramón Monegal 2014

Can a European perfumer create a fragrance that fully meets oriental standards? Absolutely! Why not? He just needs to internalize the passion of the Orient, know and hit the right taste, and collaborate with Orientals who approve the fragrance creation with their Dubai noses. And he must possess the passion to create scents that place special demands on him, fragrances that require all his skill, passion, and creativity.

With Dubai Next to Me, Ramón Monegal has succeeded in creating such a fragrance.

Although I cannot claim that I like the scent - I simply don't have an oriental nose, I am an absolute European - I can appreciate its value. I can easily imagine it on a sheikh, or rather on a man who is an Oriental through and through.

For those gentlemen who might have concerns regarding coconut, peach, melon, etc. - I can dispel those concerns. It doesn't smell anything like those. The opening is very herbal and peppery to my nose and lasts a long time.

The roses blend so well with the smoky, resinous heart that they do not stand out but provide a gentle background. I cannot perceive any jasmine.

The base shines like the groomed coat of an Arabian horse, reddish-brown and warm, with a bitter touch of leather and the dry, bitter oud note.

Dubai Next to Me is not pleasing or adjusted. The fragrance stands for itself and chooses its wearer, not the other way around. Therefore, the wearer should possess enough self-confidence to wear such a strong, in this case truly oriental, scent.

Since it does not suit my taste, I find it very difficult to rate it. However, I think I can confidently give it 80%, as it certainly deserves it.

Dubai Next to Me was exclusively created for Bloomingdale's Dubai and is offered there. It is also available directly in Barcelona at Ramón Monegal's in-house perfumery.