Once described by The New York Times as 'sort of a cult secret', Le Labo Santal 33 is now one of the most worn luxury fragrances in the world. Created by revered perfumer Frank Voelkl, the figgy, creamy sandalwood scent has rapidly become 'everyone's signature scent', according to some media outlets. In East London where I lived for nearly six years, you'd struggle to walk down a street in some parts without smelling it as someone incredibly cool walked past you. And this is the crux of its tragic downfall: like many, I eventually reached Santal saturation—in part due to the fact it now reminds me of my ex, with whom I famously (among friends, that is) shared a bottle with during our early relationship (I bought it, he reaped the rewards).
This is precisely when I went looking for a new Le Labo scent. As a brand, it's one of my fragrance favourites. I think everything the brand does is chic and considered, and any scent that makes into onto its shelves has been meticulously designed (from the notes to the name) to ooze sophistication and style. Luckily, I didn't have to search for long for my new obsession. Le Labo Thé Noir is now one of my top five fragrances constantly on rotation in my expansive collection.
