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Beautiful Darkness Full of Hope and Fear
The latest XQ collection is inspired by the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, or rather the effects of the biblical plagues that herald the end.
Rahmani's Ravage symbolizes the expulsion of peoples and the resulting streams of refugees.
For this is exactly what the fragrance is inspired by, a refugee, an acquaintance of the perfumer, was pivotal to the story full of hope. On a boat in the Mediterranean surrounded by nothing but black darkness on the high seas. The ambivalence of hope, fear, and the necessity to carry on.
The fragrance starts with an explosion of citrus that sets the stage for the vintage lavender. Almost classic masculine fougère vibes - but with all the trimmings - including a black suit/tuxedo, white shirt, and perhaps even a bow tie - this kind of classic elegant masculinity, with a very present darkness.
As it develops, the fragrance becomes salty and almost cold on the skin due to the ambergris. The (Sri Lankan) oud further supports the saltiness, never becoming animalistic or challenging.
The scent is very layered and complex, yet it does not impose itself and is not intrusive in its complexity or storytelling. It forgoes sensational fragrance pyramids and notes to tell a story of suffering, hope, and loneliness; it is subtle. The underlying story is perceptible if one pays attention, but it does not impose itself with notes of blood, plastic, metal, or other so-called edgy and "creative/flashy" tools.
Therefore, one must listen closely/smell carefully to feel the cold that spreads further and further, bringing a new facet to this noble masculine (at least to my nose) fragrance.
Rahmani's Ravage symbolizes the expulsion of peoples and the resulting streams of refugees.
For this is exactly what the fragrance is inspired by, a refugee, an acquaintance of the perfumer, was pivotal to the story full of hope. On a boat in the Mediterranean surrounded by nothing but black darkness on the high seas. The ambivalence of hope, fear, and the necessity to carry on.
The fragrance starts with an explosion of citrus that sets the stage for the vintage lavender. Almost classic masculine fougère vibes - but with all the trimmings - including a black suit/tuxedo, white shirt, and perhaps even a bow tie - this kind of classic elegant masculinity, with a very present darkness.
As it develops, the fragrance becomes salty and almost cold on the skin due to the ambergris. The (Sri Lankan) oud further supports the saltiness, never becoming animalistic or challenging.
The scent is very layered and complex, yet it does not impose itself and is not intrusive in its complexity or storytelling. It forgoes sensational fragrance pyramids and notes to tell a story of suffering, hope, and loneliness; it is subtle. The underlying story is perceptible if one pays attention, but it does not impose itself with notes of blood, plastic, metal, or other so-called edgy and "creative/flashy" tools.
Therefore, one must listen closely/smell carefully to feel the cold that spreads further and further, bringing a new facet to this noble masculine (at least to my nose) fragrance.
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