Our take
What does Paradoxe smell like?
Paradoxe landed at Prada in 2022, the work of three perfumers: Nadège Le Garlantezec, Shyamala Maisondieu and Antoine Maisondieu. The house describes a three-part build. Neroli bud comes first, then an amber built around Ambrofix, then Serenolide musk. Fuller pyramids add pear, mandarin and bergamot up top, so the opening is bright and a touch juicy. Neroli keeps its green, twiggy edge before orange blossom and jasmine arrive, rounder and sunnier. The drydown is modern amber. Benzoin and vanilla add warmth without weight, and the musks leave that clean-skin feel that clings to a jumper. Everything is neat and polished, almost too much so. Paradoxe suits anyone who likes orange blossom dressed in amber, in a version less sugary than many recent floral ambers.
When to wear it
A daytime scent for spring and autumn that moves easily from desk to dinner. Three sprays will do.
It belongs to the Floral, Oriental / Amber family. Paradoxe is one of 24 creations by Prada in our encyclopedia.
