The early exploration writing of Philip Sava bent the limits of post-modern fiction, revealing fantastical worlds that fooled many into believing they were real. Sava’s kaleidoscopic collections drew upon true experiences from his exotic travels but were infused with a hallucinatory inventiveness that set his work apart. Though Sava had associates all over the world, he spent his time living in solitude on a ranch in Madagascar. When interrogated by the press he notoriously answered, “Who needs love when you have cognac?” An unconventional vanilla that is both predictably satisfying and surprising, Memoirs of a Trespasser is constructed like a collage or stained glass, each note resounding uniquely within the tapestry of the whole. Madagascan vanilla is ivory, cream and suddenly sepia, a sumptuous lactic texture that runs abruptly into a cool, brown maple bittersweetness. As pure as a vanilla-flavored sweet yet as refreshing as the pearled interior of a vanilla bean, Madagascan vanilla is versatile and omnipresent throughout the scent, minerals before melting into glass. Through this base of vanilla, Guaiac wood emerges, a golden-mustard brown that pulses with a cool, solid heat. Myrrh is a murky verdant substance, the sodder or backing paper of this montage, which ties things together. As myrrh permeates throughout, its verdant smolder highlights the shimmering outline of bronze-chocolate benzoin. Benzoin is a rare substance, a sparkling sweetness that is as equally crisp as it is indulgent. Ambrette seeds, traced by smudges of potent myrrh, release their comforting musk, and furnish this fragrance with a three dimensional unity. Oak barrels function almost like a general gouache, or, like the sunlight that slowly moves through this beautiful array of colors. A vision composed of many pieces, Memoirs of a Trespasser is full of little moments, seized here and there, ultimately reconciling into one object; though unlikely, this scent proves the existence of each elements’ separate stories through their narrative compatibility. Elegant and unlikely, Memoirs of a Trespasser is a surprising, soothing treasure.
When to wear: A true adventure scent, wear Memoirs of a Trespasser when traveling, and again when you’re back home to conjure comforting memories.
Notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Myrrh, Benzoin Resin, Ambrette Seeds and Oak Barrels.
Please Note: All full sized bottles of niche fragrance priced $95 or over will receive a complimentary sample of the same fragrance. Use this “Fragrance Insurance” for a few days before opening the full size bottle, as we are not able to accept returns on fragrances that have been opened or used. If you decide you don’t love the fragrance after using the Fragrance Insurance sample, you’re welcome to return your unopened and unused full-size fragrance within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.