First Impressions – Synthetic Jungle, Frederic Malle

Well, it’s finally here. The long wait is over. Rose & Cuir was the house’s last release, and it was a slow burner on me. It took me several samples before I warmed to it. It seems Synthetic Jungle may be the same. I’ve tested it twice now, and I’m still on the fence. I like the scent, it’s expertly made and comes with all the panache one would expect from the French niche house. However, I’m struggling to reconcile where the perfume would fit in my fragrance wardrobe.

Synthetic Jungle is green. The opening blast of galbanum and herbal notes is bracing and sharp. If I were to compare it to anything in the Frederic Malle range, it would be a cross between Rose & Cuir and French Lover. However, it’s less woody than French Lover and much greener than Rose, so it’s different enough from both of those scents to fill a void in their range. But, other perfume references come to mind, with Synthetic Jungle’s green floral backbone a definite nod to 70’s green classics such as Chanel No.19 and Estee Lauder’s Private Collection.

The floral heart of jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang is loud and long-lasting. But, despite being loud, the floral component still has a fresh, steamy quality to it. Perhaps more evocative of a greenhouse or florist rather than a jungle. So, maybe the name is a little misleading. The mosses and patchouli in the base hold everything together, ensuring the tenacity of the green dampness of the top holds till the end.

I have many green scents, though. Wander Through the Parks by Miller Harris is one I’ve enjoyed wearing this spring. I often favour minty green scents like YSL Live Jazz and Herba Fresca from Guerlain over floral compositions like Synthetic Jungle. Still, it’s a thumbs up on this one. Anne Filipo expertly crafts it. Whether it ends up in my collection will require further sampling.

Have you tried Synthetic Jungle? What did you make of it?

Note: Bottle image courtesy of Fragrantica.