Our take
What does Serge Noire smell like?
Serge Noire came out in 2008 from Serge Lutens, composed with Christopher Sheldrake. The name plays on the designer's first name and on serge, a twill wool fabric. There's no official pyramid. Clove leads the opening with cinnamon and a blend of dry spices. Some people also pick up camphor or a hint of anise. Incense and patchouli fill the heart, so tightly woven that they're hard to tell apart. Then comes the divisive part. As the hours pass, a warm and salty facet starts to suggest sweat. Sometimes it reads as plain body odor. Some love it and others run. The base settles on amber and dark woods such as ebony. Compared with Yves Saint Laurent's Opium, another great clove perfume, Serge Noire is drier and far less sweet. It's fairly linear and lasts well.
When to wear it
A winter evening scent that you should test on skin before buying. One spray is enough.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Spicy family. Serge Noire is one of 31 creations by Serge Lutens in our encyclopedia.
