Hi there ULGers, Maison Margiela is one of those fragrance houses that has kind of passed me by. There’s always a LOT of chatter about them on the boards, I’ve smelt a few of them, sometimes when I ask in the wild a very excited perfumista will tell me all about the provenance of their scent and Maison Martin Margiela’s Replica Collection. Basically an up market, niche version of the Demeter range with MUCH better longevity and interesting twists. It surprised me when looking up the brand that they’ve been around since 2010. So, while trawling Surrender To Chance NEW section not so long ago I noted that they had a brand new scent, being sold as a chypre and with such an alluring title as From The Garden. It was in the cart before I could even think it through.
From the Garden by Maison Martin Margiela
Maison Margiela site gives these featured accords:
Top: Green Mandarin Essence – Grapefruit Essence – Blackcurrant Accord
Heart: Tomato Leaf Accord – Geranium Bourbon Heart Madagascar – Rose Accord
Base: Patchouli Indonesia – Cristal Moss – White Musks
Well they’re not lying about the fruity top. It’s got that unmistakeable perfume version of blackcurrant and a bright, screechy grapefruit that is both super sweet and tart AF. It’s a surprisingly gorgeous opening and I wish it lasted in that mode longer than the minute before tomato leaf makes a bold entrance, pushing all other notes into the background. There they become a really good pillow to rest the tomato leaf on.
About an hour in the tomato leaf has decreased its power and is starting to let the geranium and patchouli add their respective charms.Loving the sharp geranium leaf that is almost photo realistic of rubbing a leaf between your fingers and then smelling the feisty waft. I’m sure the rose is mixed up in there but it’s not making a statement.
The dry down is a very calm dank earthy patchouli. Cristal moss is a synthetic moss recreation note and it does a very nice job here of adding a little furry greenery to the patchouli. It’s probably just me but in the base I smell basil leaves, just crushed for making pesto. It adds another dimension as we head towards fade.
From the Garden is a beautiful green chypre. A little darker than the 1970s version and though I hate to say it, more interesting. Maybe it’s the newness of the mixture and the front and centre of tomato leaf. Projection and longevity are moderate but the village is excellent. It really does change the air as you walk past.
Sound good?
Portia xx
Undina's Looking Glass 
MM Replica scents have all been busts for me. Even the super popular ones. Your description of this one sounds delicious, my favourite gourmands are salads! How does it compare to Sisley Eau de Campagne?
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Hi Alityke,
I can’t get the memory of Eau de Campagne into my head, sorry. What I will say though is that tomato leaf often punches me in the nose but here, though it’s the leading note, it doesn’t.
Portia xx
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It’s a must try for me then Portia. I love “greenhouse” scents but I’m looking for a point of difference from my Eau de Campagne. Roll on spring & summer xxx
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Oh yes, TOTALLY warmer months wear. We are still having 33C/91f days here and it’s perfect.
Portia xx
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Ooh Portia, you got me snooping. I’d love to try this. It’s available in 10 ml. I have a couple of MMs and they’re very good. Think I’ll give this a whirl. Oopsie daisy, another little accidental purchase upcoming.
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Heya Cassieflower,
Yes, so sensible. the 10ml is very affordable and who among us really needs more?
Portia xx
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I love a good chypre, might need to get my nose on it. Although I am NOT buying anything. I am NOT buying. Maybe if I say it often enough it will come true…
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HA! Good luck MMKinPA, no buys are HARD. We are all rooting for you.
Portia xx
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It does sound interesting with lots of nice green elements. I’ll give it a try. The only Replica scent I own now is a travel spray of Coffee Break . It’s a comforting cappuccino scent, not remarkable, but fun to wear from time to time.
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OOOOHHHHH! Does it really smell like a cappucinno RR? I’m yet to find a coffee scent that smells like the real thing.
Portia xx
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Theodoros Kalonitis Coffee Addict is a photorealistic espresso. No sugar, no milk, may be a tiny, imperceptible touch of cacao to bring out the coffee scent even more.
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OOOHHHH Thanks for that Alityke.
Portia xx
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Blackcurrant and tomato leaf sounds like a great opening.
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Yeah Nose Prose,
It’s really good. Had me at hello.
Portia xx
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This is very much not my usual style, but I do have a soft spot for tomato leaf so that facet intrigues me. I love AG Chèvrefeuille for example.
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This would be just my style, I guess. But the 10 ml option isn’t available locally as far as I can tell, so then it will take some time to get to it. I have Eau de Campagne, and Untitled from Margiela plus many more green scents, so it is not like I need more. More snow promised tomorrow, so we have to pretend it really is spring, I have bought tulips twice this month to get a burst of colour and I wear fairly light scents most days.
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Hope spring hits better ASAP Ingeborg. I also have a plethora of green, always room for one more. SHHH!
Portia xx
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