I rarely get into the whole background of fragrances but because no one is really talking about this one I only felt a small bit to be appropriate: Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz created a bespoke collection separate from their widely known Malin+Goetz line. The collection is inspired by Amsterdam’s famed flower market. The fragrances come in simple white boxes with notes listed on the outside. The bottles are very simple with a white label on the front listing the name of the fragrance and the company name. All fragrances are EDP concentration (even though they perform like EDT… more on that later). You can find these fragrances in the Malin+Goetz store, online at the main website and at retailers like Barneys.
Now getting into 1614:
Notes: Top: Black pepper, Bergamot, and Neroli; Middle: Sambac Jasmine, Sweet Clover, Rose Water and Orange Blossom; Base: Teakwood, Sandalwood, and Musk.
Projection: There is little to no projection/sillage with this one. I get 3-5 inches max. The perfect choice when you want to smell good without having the whole room staring at you, or if you are getting close to someone and only want them to know.
Longevity: I don’t get a whole lot of wear time out of this one but I don’t mind because I switch fragrances multiple times throughout the day.
Uniqueness: This fragrance is interesting, I haven’t smelled anything like it before. It’s light, airy feminine, fresh, powdery, warm and spicy. A complex fragrance in disguise with new discoveries upon each wear.
Projection: There is little to no projection with this one. This sits very close to the skin once it dries down. I get 3-5 inches max off my skin.
Versatility: A lack of projection is sometimes a good thing, especially when it comes to floral scents. Because this one sits so close to the skin you can literally wear it anywhere, anytime. This one is best for warmer months as it lacks body/depth to hold it’s own in colder temps.
Price/Value: 100 mls will run you $195. If you live in a place with 4 seasons, you will most likely reach for this one in the warmer months. The longevity is not great with this. You do get a lot of juice, but you will have to re-touch this often. It performs like an Atelier Cologne fragrance. Price per ml, you may be better off with a discounted bottle of Atelier Cologne.
Overall: I find myself reaching for this often after my evening shower. It makes a wonderful bedtime scent. Of the three I purchased this is in my top two, the other in the top is Nieuw Amsterdam, William is a beautiful scent but I have to be in the mood for it. I get a lot of wear out of this one. I do switch my fragrances often during the day so the longevity isn’t that big of a deal for me. Unfortunately, I do not see a lot of places where you can get a decant of this so you will either have to make it out to a Malin+Goetz or Barneys and try it out or buy it blind.
Have you tried anything from this bespoke line?
Atelier Bloem 1614
Pros
- Good fragrance for work as it doesn't project at all.
- Effortless fragrance that can be worn on any occasion.
Cons
- Fragrance does not last long.
- Is expensive- you do get a lot of juice for the price but you have to re-apply frequently so you go through it fast.
- Runs on the femme side so some men may feel uncomfortable wearing this one.
- Hard to find testers of this one.