Launched in 1994 by fashion house Etro, Messe de Minuit is the olfactory experience of the third Mass in the Christmas cycle, the Midnght Mass, a transitional Mass that celebrates the passage from darkness to light, both spiritually and physically.

It opens with notes of incense, bergamot and orange. Surprisingly, the incense is not the star here; its smoky woodiness is balanced by the sweet, citrusy orange. As it blooms, a note of rose adds a floralcy to the composition, while labdanum gives it an animalic, uriny, herbaceous, leathery dimension. Cinnamon and clove add spiciness and warmth. At the base, patchouli brings an exotic mustiness to the juice, while myrrh adds a bitter note. Musk softens them both, as honey adds a touch of sweetness.

In the beginning, Messe de Minuit smells like being in a church and has all the familiar smells of the Christmas season – incense, oranges, spices, myrrh. It’s resinous and deep, but as it evolves on the skin, the floral, herbaceous notes shimmer through the dark patchouli/myrrh base, celebrating the passage from darkness to light as the nights get shorter after the winter solstice and we move towards the rebirth of life in the spring. A study in contrasts, yes, but it’s such a gorgeous fragrance to wear, which is why Messe de Minuit is a standout in a crowded category.

Notes: Incense, bergamot, orange, lemon, rose, labdanum, cinnamon, petitgrain, patchouli, myrrh, musk, honey.

Bottle: 100 ml bottle - batch A13291

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