Amouage
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
The blackcurrant arrives with almost aggressive tartness, immediately undercut by mandarin's bitter-sweet citrus. Pink pepper provides a peppery snap that feels slightly sharp against the skin, creating an opening that's bracing rather than inviting—you're left wondering if you've made a bold choice or a mistake.
The frankincense emerges with quietly smoky gravitas, whilst amber rounds the middle registers into something warmer without ever becoming cosy. The leather pushes forward now, distinctly animalic, partnering with the sandalwood to create a subtly earthy, slightly austere core that holds steady and contemplative.
The oud and patchouli become dominant, the woody accords tightening into something almost meditative. The fragrance settles into a leathery-woody whisper, losing brightness entirely and finishing on a faintly smoky, skin-close base that's more presence than projection—a fragrance that demands proximity to be fully appreciated.
Opus XV – King Blue announces itself as a paradox: a fragrance that marries the sharp, almost tart bite of blackcurrant and mandarin with the deep, resinous weight of Assam oud and leather. Alexis Grugeon has crafted something deliberately austere, a scent that refuses to flatter. The pink pepper crackles across the top notes like static electricity before giving way to an amber-frankincense heart that feels almost ecclesiastical—incense smoke curling upwards in a vaulted space. What makes this compelling is the leather accord's refusal to soften; it sits alongside the woody base (100% woody accord) with a certain intransigence, never sweetening, never becoming powdery. The sandalwood and oak wood beneath provide structure rather than comfort, whilst patchouli adds an earthy, slightly musty undertone that prevents this from ever becoming overtly pleasant.
This is a fragrance for someone who views scent as intellectual exercise rather than olfactory seduction. It's worn by those who favour architecture over decoration, who understand that beauty and difficulty aren't mutually exclusive. There's an animalic quality (64% accord) that suggests leather tanning yards and aged spirits rather than anything remotely gourmand. King Blue works best in autumn, when you're dressing in layers and the world feels more austere. It's suited to solitary moments—a late evening by an open fire, a long train journey through grey countryside—rather than occasions demanding approval.
Add fragrances to your collection and unlock your personalised scent DNA, note map, and shareable identity card.
3.8/5 (124)