Serge Noire (for women and men)

pimentosugars

Oh. My. God.

Can someone tell me, what happens at night at Castle Lutens in Gothylvania? When the moon shines bright over the mountains, and a far off she-wolf howls in the snow, the Master rises from his crypt, feeds the vampires, translates his oldest copy of the Necronomicon into latin...then goes and settles in his favourite leather (I hope it's leather; some kind of hide at any rate) armchair, waiting for me to arrive while he drinks the darkest claret. When I get there, his favourite niece asking her wicked uncle a favour, he'll give me excellent advice, especially if it's about corrupting cardinals or sewing cadavers together to create life. And all the time, he's wearing Serge Noire!

Lutens as always challenges me, makes me think and dream. I love this incredible incense-laden camphor/clove combo, thick and dark and (to my mind) incredibly masculine. I have not dared it on my skin yet, because I am a little woman and this perfume is in danger of entering a room streets before I do! I tested it on a piece of paper which I then put in my jacket pocket. The smell permeated pocket, jacket, and me for hours like old school medicine. It's lovely. Now all I have to do is convince the men in my life to try it. Someone somewhere must be able to wear this gloriously gothic creation!

PR

it smelled to me of the contryside's damp ground and soil, some campfire near and strange grass mixed with herbs. Warm-ish softness with dampness and something spicy/herbal trying to sneak out from the underneath.
Can't say if I'm getting it wrong, but it reminds me of some L'Occitane en Provence's gents' perfume, eau de Vetiver, perhaps.
I don't know where I would wear it,actually I do prefer not to wear this anywhere, but those who like it shouldn't be getting short of ideas, because this is an unobtrusive fragrance and if you like it near your skin, why not

Just thought of the word that it triggered and it was 'lurking'

andyray

I adore Serge Lutens fragrances: each edition tells its unique olfactory story underwritten by the hallmark Lutenesque signature of authenticity, quality and, importantly, a sense of mystery.
This new edition, Serge Noire, is no exception to the collection.

It is spectacularly potent and works beautifully in late november now that the weather has become colder. (I would suggest for most people it would be wholly inappropriate to wear to work and, or in the heat of summer).

This heady fragrance opens with massive impact and almost instantaneously the full face of the theme envelopes and seduces - literally. ( Of more recent fragrances, it puts me in mind of French Lover from the Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums and designed by the legendary Pierre Bourdon).

There's a dominant woody/ burnt wood, musky, resiny, melange of interdependent facets that manage to create an experience reminiscent of 'dark', 'masculine' perfumes worn by the mature, wealthy, sophisticate enjoying a saturday night out in London's West End, or in an old-fashioned gentlemen's club. Intuitively, Serge Noire feels like a fragrance for special occassions.

Yet, in contrast to the city, there remains something invigorating in the resinous qualities involved,
and one's senses are drawn towards the woody forest, rather like the romance promised and associated with the crisp, bright autumn foliage in a Douglas Sirks' film.

This theme continues with depth, drama, and conviction, though as its dominance eases somewhat, one is enticed by the subtle revelation of vanilla that, by softening and sweetening this masterpiece, shows us a brushstroke of genius, as the fragrance shifts emphasis towards the 'feminine'. To paraphrase another fan/commentator: the 'duality' is complete.

Serge Noire is one of the best creations from the Serge Lutens house and, metaphysically, its audacious olfactory opulence flies in the face of our prevailing economically impoverished times. I love it! andyray

Maryel

There are few slightly negative reviews here... but I just *LOVE* this scent! :) It's dark, intense, sweet and mysterious. True, it can be overpowering but use only the smallest amounts, and only for cold weather. I'm wearing a sample today, but I know already this is one I must have for my collection. It enters my soul and gives me a feeling of inner strength. It might be better suited for a man to wear, but I believe I could temper its intensity with a little non-fragranced lotion and a warm vanilla base fragrance.

Jalutschka

I got a sample of this one today and still smell it on my wrist. No prizes for guessing that this creation is really black...just as the name tells you. It is black with muted gray, mysterious - bringing to mind the smoky reflections of a bonefire. A very individualistic scent, mesmerising in a certain way - but I hardly ever feel that dark and gloomy and the stuff gives me a slight "frisson", is a bit creepy. A fascinating composition - but is it really wearable? I once listened to music by Schönberg in my drawing room and a friend of mine came in. He said: "What a music. Very good for a funeral." This perfume would be very apt for the occasion, too.

zenzero

The name of perfume is Serge NoirE, with "e" at the end, which is - obviously - refered to a brend "SergE Lutens".
It is described as "gray oriental". The fragrance includes notes of patchouli, cinnamon, amber and black woods.

Vickalena

I have the opposite impression - to me this scent is absolute strange scent.

After first spray it is a pure incense. But not this holy smoky incense of Russian Orthodox Church, that surrounds you with blue sweet cloud and lifts up you spirit... This is some toxic substance, that is almost intolerable!

But I've been very brave today and waited long hour for the perfume to open. After about 40 min it became softer, with some slight sweet note, and after an hour or a bit more it disappeared from my skin without leaving a memory...

Even if the perfume would be long lasting, WHERE would one wear it????

mihailo_vukoicic

wearing this scent is a religious feeling. I expected SO much and I kinda doubted it was gonna be able to rise to the occasion, but it did. dualistic: dark, yet sparkly. comforting and disturbing.
a dream/nightmare come true.