MarhabanWoody Aromatic Extrait de Parfum

Marhaban by Maison Eau de Couture is an aromatic woody amber perfume extract, unisex, created by Katell Plisson. It belongs to the Hidden Treasures collection. Its name means "welcome", and the composition follows this thread: it begins with what is served to you and ends with the wood of the house where you are received.

A house between France and the Orient

Maison Eau de Couture was founded in 2018 by three fragrance enthusiasts, with a clear focus: to bring together the traditions of French perfumery and the sensory richness of the Orient. It produces perfume extracts made in France and divides its catalog into several collections, including Trompe-l'œil, which plays with the senses, and Hidden Treasures. Its formulas are entrusted to renowned noses, foremost among them Nejla Barbir: born in Tunisia, arriving in France in 1980, a doctor in chemistry, she joined Flora Synth in 1987 and worked there alongside Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Dominique Ropion, then remained senior perfumer at Symrise until 1999 before continuing independently, notably for Givenchy.

An opening of green tea, absinthe and mint

Green tea arrives first, immediately joined by green mint: mint tea is named from the very first minute, without detour. Around it, mugwort and absinthe bring a dry and herbal bitterness that prevents the freshness from turning into a menthol candy. Lemon and verbena lean towards zest, while cardamom and coriander lay down the first spices.

A heart of rooibos, saffron and dates

The tea changes color: rooibos replaces green tea and brings a round, almost woody red. Rosemary, lavender and sage extend the aromatic thread, while chamomile and marigolds add a honeyed and slightly fruity facet. Saffron brings its leathery grain, jasmine absolute a full flower, and dates the candied sweetness that tips the composition towards the base.

A base of Atlas cedar, incense and oud

Mate absolute closes the thread of infusions with a smoky and dry note. Atlas cedar provides the wood, incense the resinous smoke, and Vietnamese oud, used in a small touch, the animal depth. Tonka bean absolute and benzoin bring the balsamic and the warmth, white musk the longevity on the skin.

The house's signature

Three infusions are distributed across the three layers: green tea at the top, rooibos in the heart, mate at the base. No other composition from the house proceeds this way. The other particularity lies in the raw material: fourteen of the twenty-four materials are essential oils, which explains the aromatic sharpness of the opening, very far from reconstructed accords.

For whom, for what occasions?

For those seeking an aromatic woody that resembles neither a classic fougère nor a sweet oriental. It works all year round, preferably during the day and in the shoulder seasons, where its fresh opening holds the best. Marhaban by Maison Eau de Couture is the most vegetal of the six.