Our take
What does Arabie smell like?
Serge Lutens introduced Arabie in 2000, composed with Christopher Sheldrake. The house never publishes a pyramid, yet the idea is plain enough. Picture a caravan loaded with dried fruit and spices. The opening is thick. Dates and dried figs cling to the fingers, candied mandarin peel adds sugar, and bay leaf brings an almost medicinal bitterness. Cumin shows up fast with nutmeg and clove. Depending on your skin it smells like a spice market or like warm sweat. After two hours the scent turns resinous. Benzoin, myrrh and labdanum lay down a dark, nearly caramelized amber that tonka softens. Cedar and sandalwood keep it upright. Within the same house, Ambre Sultan gets to the amber faster. Arabie takes the long, sweet route, and its staying power is impressive. On a scarf it can last into the next day.
When to wear it
Keep it for cold weather and evenings, because it fills a small room quickly. Start with a single spray on the wrist.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Spicy family. Arabie is one of 31 creations by Serge Lutens in our encyclopedia.
