Himalayan Spell and Malfa Walls by Obvious Parfums

The two eaux de parfum Himalayan Spell and Malfa Walls by Obvious Parfums are the protagonists of today’s blog post, after I already presented the first fragrance in the line dedicated to the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in my article Frida’s Thorns by Obvious Parfums – The New High Standards Collection yesterday. A creation that revolves around fruity-sweet, chocolatey-creamy and earthy-powdery nuances and features the finest cocoa powder, juicy pear, radiant red raspberry and woody patchouli. Really good! ❤️

These three masterful eaux de parfum were created by acclaimed perfumer Julien Rasquinet, a student of the legendary Pierre Bourdon. Inspired by the intense colors of Frida Kahlo in Mexico, the mysterious Himalayas and the peaceful Italian island of Salina, Rasquinet has created fragrances that are deeply moving and enchanting. These cult fragrance experiences are accompanied by artful illustrations and presented in sustainable packaging that both protects the environment and touches the soul.

Himalayan Spell – In the heart of the Hindu Kush

After traveling to Mexico in the first review of the High Standards Collection, Himalayan Spell takes us to Asia. The world’s highest mountain range doesn’t just cast a spell over summiteers. With its “protective power, the impressive landscape radiates a sublime aura of respect and admiration”. The spirituality of the region has a very special charm that makes this place seem even more mysterious.

Julien Rasquinet combined the ingredients red berries, saffron, black pepper, nagarmotha, cedarwood, jasmine, suede, leather and eaglewood (oud) for the fragrance Himalayan Spell, which translates as “magic of the Himalayas” and is intended to reflect the mysticism, beauty and uniqueness of the Himalayas.

Dark, mysterious and meditative, Himalayan Spell kicks off the fragrance. The intense leathery, medicinal-spicy and deep black notes of saffron and oud meet subtly spicy pepper, which brings a dry freshness to the composition, and delicately fruity raspberry. Cool and earthy are the nuances of Nagarmotha, which fits perfectly into the melange, which is so powerful, so expressive, so profound, so mystical. I find the fragrance raw, original, striking and edgy. As it progresses, the creation remains smoky, leathery, cool and dark, before it gradually calms down thanks to warm cedarwood, creamy jasmine and soft, bright suede and slowly comes to rest.

Himalayan Spell is a great mix of spices, resins and woods that should appeal to fans of leathery, medicinal creations with a delicate raspberry twist and powerful intensity and dynamism. Despite its presence, the eau de parfum is quite transparent and impresses with its excellent longevity. More of a fragrance for cooler days, but wearable on any occasion. Wonderfully contemplative and a creation that radiates calm and serenity in a spiritual way.

Malfa Walls – Obvious Parfums

Our next destination is an island to the north of Sicily: Salina, an island of volcanic origin with a population of around 2,500. In the north of the island is the small village of Malfa, very idyllically situated directly on the coast and a popular tourist destination in the summer months. Apparently, many films have also been shot there. The best known is certainly “The Postman” from 1994, but other cinematic works are also said to have used the island’s beautiful landscape as a backdrop. In the center of Malfa is the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Lorenzo Martire, the church of San Lorenzo, which is said to have inspired this creation. Perfumer Julien Rasquinet wanted to capture the proximity to the sea and the special scent of the church. He therefore used the ingredients blackcurrant, mandarin, thyme, orange, incense, sage, leather, eaglewood (oud) and juniper for Malfa Walls.

Warm, sunny citrus fruits open Malfa Walls and create a Mediterranean feel right from the start. A sweet, juicy blend of oranges and mandarins, accompanied by aromatic thyme and a handful of blackcurrants, which give the creation depth and tension. I soon catch a whiff of the tingling, coniferous notes of juniper, which add cypress-like facets to the composition. Cool, sacred and sublime, delicate clouds of incense float through Malfa Walls, accompanied by subtle, dark leather and subtle, smoky-woody oud, which – at least on my skin – also has animalistic accents.

Malfa Walls is a Mediterranean-inspired, meditative and masterfully composed fragrance that combines juicy hesperides with herbs, woods and resins. The result is a rather light, transparent and fresh mix of citrus fruits and conifers, accompanied by smoky incense and restrained oud. Despite the Mediterranean notes, I would tend to wear the eau de parfum in the cooler months of the year, but here it is suitable for any occasion. A great and so special way to round off this wonderful new line from Obvious Parfums, which I can only recommend to you.