French niche perfumery house Etat Libre d’Orange is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of a new fragrance, 'Let’s Pretend.' This latest addition draws inspiration from the concept of life as a stage, combining the rich juiciness of ripe peach with the alluring spice of saffron and warm woody notes to create a fruit-spicy scent.
The name 'Let’s Pretend' reflects a playful imagination that explores transformation through clothing, makeup, and fragrance. Rather than serving as a mask to hide one's true self, Etat Libre d’Orange views this transformation as a discovery of another aspect of one’s identity, presented as an 'invisible costume' that helps individuals choose who they wish to be each day.
This concept of 'illusion and transformation' extends to the packaging design. The silver label on the bottle initially appears as a smooth mirror but reveals subtle holographic effects and the brand’s iconic Cocarde logo when the product is moved or viewed from different angles. This creates a continuously changing appearance that embodies new expressions with each moment.
The metallic outer packaging also acts like a slightly distorted mirror, reflecting the surroundings and the user. The silhouette changes with viewing angle and movement, emphasizing the idea of discovery through interaction, thus extending the playful and self-expressive message inherent in the name 'Pretend.'
Created by perfumer Nisrine Grillie, this fragrance reveals diverse expressions as it transitions on the skin. Initial notes feature bright and transparent mandarin essence combined with lively pink pepper. Saffron adds a gentle warmth, reminiscent of the impactful, vibrant moments at the beginning of a performance.
In the heart of the scent, peach takes center stage. The fragrance evokes the rich, velvety juiciness of a ripe peach accentuated by the sweetness and subtle leather nuances of osmanthus flower absolute. This is further enhanced with the delicate floral touch of jasmine sambac absolute, creating a balance that is both glamorous and sophisticated. The base notes leave a warm and deep trail, centered around cedar, styrax, and benzoin, completing the final scenes of the fragrance.
According to Etat Libre d’Orange, 'Pretend' is not merely about mimicking another persona. It encourages individuals to express themselves a bit bolder, sometimes elegantly, or more freely, becoming the protagonist of their life’s stage. As users wear the fragrance, another side of themselves may finally emerge.
