This "Delectable" French fragrance has overwhelmed me with compliments.

      One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a beauty editor is the opportunity to try new beauty products before their official release. One of my favorite experiences is testing perfume launches prior to their market debut. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Grasse, known as the perfume capital of the world, with one of my favorite French fragrance brands, Matiere Premiere. You might recognize it for its popular Vanilla Powder fragrance, but what you may not know is that the founder, Aurélien Guichard, is unique in the industry for growing and producing his own raw materials (such as rose, tuberose, and lavendin) in Grasse. This not only enhances the scent of the perfumes but also makes the ingredients themselves the standout elements that are simply yet beautifully highlighted in every fragrance.

      During my visit, I enjoyed an exclusive preview of the upcoming scent launching this summer. I brought back a lab sample, and since trying it at home, I have not only become enamored with it but have also received countless compliments. I’ve had to keep quiet about it when people inquired, but now I can finally reveal the fragrance I've been wearing: Matiere Premiere Black Currant Extrait de Parfum.

      Matiere Premiere

      Black Currant Extrait de Parfum

      Key notes: Black currant absolute, oud assam oil, rose oxide, patchouli, leather accord

      The Scent

      Blackcurrant is not a common note in many perfumes, yet its uniqueness makes this fruity oud fragrance particularly intriguing. With the first spray, you get the sharp, juicy flavor of glossy, ripe blackcurrants that seem to explode on your palate. There’s a creaminess reminiscent of sipping a smooth, dark purple cocktail in the soft lighting of an upscale bar. Aurélien Guichard, perfumer and founder of Matiere Premiere, explained that he chose blackcurrant as the focal point for this Harrods exclusive extrait because it embodies elements of both French and British cultures. In France, it connects to the crème de cassis blackcurrant liqueur from Burgundy, while in the UK, it evokes blackcurrant jams and pastries filled with the dark purple fruit. It’s filled with nostalgia yet remains fruity, opulent, and sophisticated, intermingled with captivating oud and supple leather.

      “For Harrods, I aimed to create a scent centered around blackcurrant, as it symbolizes both deep-rooted French and strong British connections. In the UK, cassis is a beloved flavor passed down through generations. I wanted to unveil its darker, richer, and more modern aspects,” he shared. “This blackcurrant absolute sourced in France provides immediate savory pleasure and has darker, almost amber nuances with remarkable longevity,” he noted. “I envisioned a blackcurrant blended with oud, where the vibrant purple quality of cassis gradually deepens into leather, woods, and musks.” Upon application, it truly evokes a rich purple character. The delectable juiciness of blackcurrant marries with the oud and leathery base, enveloping you like the exquisite interior of a dark purple-lacquered Bugatti. Although I typically don’t gravitate towards oud fragrances, this delectable blend has completely captivated me. Since I started wearing it, I've been showered with compliments. Thanks to the concentrated extrait de parfum formulation, it’s a long-lasting powerhouse that clings to you and creates a fragrant aura as you move. What I appreciate most is its versatility, making it suitable as a fruity summer scent while also transitioning beautifully into autumn.

      Shop Now:

      Matiere Premiere

      Black Currant Extrait de Parfum

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      At Who What Wear UK, we understand that beauty isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Our editors have personally tested thousands of products over the years, covering skincare, makeup, hair, and nails, and work closely with trusted professionals—dermatologists, makeup artists, and key industry insiders—to ensure each guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you. We concentrate on formulas that perform, whether they are budget-friendly favorites or luxurious investments. Our product selection is based on real results, ingredient knowledge, and what we would genuinely recommend to a friend.