I have been eager for this Art of Nature II for a long time, and now I finally managed to get 2 bottles. The model "Althair | Parfums de Marly" was already very hyped after its release. Of course, not affordable for everyone, so many are looking for cheaper alternatives. The "Club Black | Mercedes-Benz" was considered a good alternative, but in my opinion, it is a bit further away from this Parfums de Marly. Of course, it is usually just a matter of time before Lattafa takes on the challenge. This brand really has very good perfumers who do a great job for this price segment. The Art of Nature II is already very hyped because it is said to be very, very similar. I can absolutely confirm this. My Althair on the wish list is put on hold for now because of this fragrance.
Of course, you need a bit of luck to get this one. When it is available, you shouldn't wait too long to order. But it's worth it if you like the PdM original. Prices range from 30-40€ for 100ml, and many take advantage of supply shortages and sell it at significantly higher prices. Not recommended, as sometimes you need a bit of patience.
The packaging is similar to the Art of Arabia series, but here in gold. It looks quite impressive. However, I find these bottles (also with
Art of Nature I) really cheap. They come off as totally trashy like many of the Lattafa Pride fragrances. But the bottle works perfectly, and that is the main thing.
Most "dupes" do not completely convince. They are usually really good for the price range, but in my opinion, they rarely replace the high-quality original. Easily 90% usually do not satisfy me completely, as somehow that certain something is always missing. This is different here. Especially in the top note, you get almost a 1:1 implementation of the original. Even though the pyramid has a lot of its own character, there are hardly any noticeable differences. This Art of Nature II is possibly slightly fruitier due to apple & mandarin; otherwise, this fragrance offers that wonderful gourmand vibe with a lot of orange blossom. The notes of cinnamon, praline, and vanilla are also very present here and smell simply irresistible. Similar to the original, you have to be able to handle this strong sweetness. This wonderful creaminess is also convincing here and will surely bring many compliments. The base is also very pleasant with a lot of wood, creamy musk, and modern Ambroxan synthetic like the original. Vanilla sweetness in the base is noticeable throughout. For the first 2-3 hours, this Althair is almost 1:1 implemented, and the further development also goes in a similar direction.
The performance is also quite similar. The PdM is, in my opinion, a bit better, and the sillage is slightly better in the later stages. But you can live well with that, as the first 2-3 hours have a lot of projection. It's worth it if you're looking for a louder creamy-sweet gourmand.
Overall, another really great dupe. PdM fragrances are surprisingly easy to dupe, as several have already emerged, often from Lattafa. I love the Parfums de Marly fragrances, but they are a bit overpriced. You can buy this one without worries if you like Althair.