Opera Mate is a sweet, Gourmand, Leathery scent created for Men and Women in 2024 by perfumer Christelle Laprade.
Review
This scent is warm and sweet. The opening almost feels like a super bougie, sophisticated, grown up Vanilla Brown Sugar type of scent with Roasted Chestnut, Labdanum, Creme Brulee and Caramel. Suede and Sandalwood gives a rich depth to this scent, that gives it sophistication and elegance. It’s sweet and warm with a subtle spice element to it, and it develops into something inviting and intimate. It’s a Gourmand scent for sure, but you won’t necessarily be smelling like dessert. It feels like being in a cozy wine bar where some sort of chocolate aroma infuses the air. It’s simply divine. It’s not quite casual, but can be worn any time, place, or occasion, and its warmth makes it best suited for Fall, Winter, and Spring. It has a slightly similar vibe to Sissa, also from Mind Games, blended with Montale’s Chocolate Greedy.
Inspiration
Opera Mate takes inspiration from “the most famous Chess game ever played.” It pays homage to the ‘Opera Game’ played in 1858 at an Opera house in Paris, during a performance. It is a game that is referenced to discuss rapid movements, piece coordination, and attack execution.
Notes
This scent opens with a sweet blend of Roasted Chestnut, Creme Brulee, and Caramel. Grapefruit Zest keeps things fresh, while Labdanum brings a slightly Leathery depth. Davana adds its own natural fruitiness, without smelling like fruits. Suede furthers the depth of Labdanum, bringing a velvety quality to the scent, which pairs perfectly with the creamy nuance of the Sandalwood. Vetiver can be felt faintly in the dry down of the scent, grounding things without taking away from the overall Gourmand vibes.
Top Notes: Roasted Chestnut, Grapefruit Zest, Labdanum
Heart Notes: Creme Brulee, Davana, Vetiver
Base Notes: Suede, Caramel, Santal
