Elle

Elle is a woody floral from the Italian house Xerjoff, released in 2007, in which wood and flowers carry equal weight and a warm amber layer sits underneath. Smaller touches of resin, leather and citrus give it shape rather than sweetness.

The notes are not split into a formal pyramid, but the materials tell the story. Citrus and green, sappy galbanum give a brisk start, and African orange blossom adds a clean, slightly honeyed brightness. Iris brings a cool, powdery softness at the centre. Underneath, patchouli and birch supply an earthy, faintly smoky leather tone, while opoponax, benzoin and amber warm everything into a resinous, gently sweet glow finished with musk.

Xerjoff presents Elle as a feminine scent, and its mix of powder, resin and leather reads as composed and grown-up rather than playful. The amber and resin base points naturally towards cooler days and evenings, and it suits someone who likes a floral with real structure behind it.

Elle — for women fragrance by Xerjoff (released 2007). Notes: African Orange Flower, Amber, Benzoin, Birch, Citruses, Galbanum, Iris, Musk, Opoponax, Orange Blossom, Patchouli, Woodsy Notes, Woody Notes. — Parfica open fragrance database