Dries Van Noten? Until a year ago, I didn't know what to make of this name either, but as so often, the KaDeWe was the source of all evil. So it happened that in the fall of '23, I was on a quest for inspiration in the perfume department. The Dries Van Noten stand caught my eye with its design, so I asked the saleswoman to explain the story behind the fragrances. The bottles (at least those of the EDP) are handcrafted and not just disposable products; you either use them as vases after use or purchase a refill with double the volume of the bottle. Moreover, the fragrances originate from the garden of Dries Van Noten, who invited perfumers to draw inspiration from it.
Santal Greenery appealed to me, but it wasn't special enough for me to buy it right then and there, after all, the brand was now well-known. Almost a year later, this summer, I visited the stand again, and the new EdT bottles caught my eye mainly because of their size (200ml). So why not give it a try? I tested "Mystic Moss | Dries Van Noten," and that was pretty much it for me. I asked the saleswoman for a test card and moved on. The scent accompanied me for the rest of the day, and when I got home that evening, I carelessly laid the card on my desk. When the whole room smelled of it the next morning, the decision was made, so I ordered the fragrance.
Now, about the scent: it starts fresh with the slightly bitter note of green mandarin and vetiver as its foundation, with a hint of sage. The vetiver note, which is somewhat spicier and reminiscent of "Light Blue pour Homme Italian Love | Dolce & Gabbana," accompanies you throughout the entire pyramid. Once the mandarin has faded, it becomes slightly floral yet still green, and the moss comes through a bit more; however, one shouldn't imagine a moss bomb or a better "Irish Moss | Scherk." This one is much more subtle. And thus, the scent ends spicy, mineral, and green.
I wouldn't describe the scent itself as mystical, but it does make its wearer somewhat more mysterious with the interplay of green, spice, and a hint of fruitiness.
