Metal

Metal by the French house Elementals, released in 2018, is a white floral with a sharp, smoky, spiced edge. Everyone who describes it calls it floral, and about half also find it spicy, musky or leathery.

Coriander, fennel and cardamom give the opening a green, aniseed-tinged spice that is cool rather than warm. The heart is a dense white bouquet: tuberose, jasmine and lily, including Casablanca lily, bring a creamy, heady, slightly indolic richness. Against them sits birch and birch tar, which add a smoky, tarry, leather-like darkness that gives the scent its name and keeps the flowers from feeling pretty. White musk and musk soften the drydown into something smoother and closer to the skin.

Metal is worn by anyone. Its contrast of lush flowers and smoke suits autumn and evening wear, and it will appeal to someone who likes tuberose but wants it with an edge rather than in a conventional bouquet.

Metal — unisex fragrance by Elementals (released 2018). Notes: Birch, Birch Tar, Cardamom, Casablanca Lily, Coriander, Fennel, Jasmine, Lily, Musk, Tuberose, White Musk. — Parfica open fragrance database