In his now iconic olfactory creations, the perfumer Serge Lutens has for over 20 years been producing strong alcohols with Proustian accents. From “Féminité du bois”, to “Ambre sultan” and “La fille de Berlin”, each perfume tells their own exceptional story and has their own unique signature. But a breeze that makes the sun feel like a warm and intensely sensual caress on your skin is a rare thing. A scent that warms you and makes you wander through the deserts of Arabia near an oasis. And then came Chergui in 2001. With its unique combination of notes, Chergui is the perfect fragrance for any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply want to feel your best every day, Chergui will enhance your presence and leave a lasting impression.

In the world of perfume, a breeze (or wind) is usually associated with a sensation that cools and refreshes. Think: ocean, cloudless sky and beach. So important on summer days. Almost every brand - to name a few: Calvin Klein, Davidoff, Givenchy, Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake - has been launching these summery variants for the past decade or so. And every year they manage to give a slightly different, summer-fresh interpretation to a popular fragrance. This fragrance takes the desert heat one step further. Chergui captures you from the start - no cooling oasis nearby. The fragrance is named after the 'famous' wind that blows across the inhospitable Moroccan mountains and deserts. Where this hot dry Eastern wind delivers up its final reward sap, resin and elixir – to be orchestrated into a redolent, candied fragrance by the alchemist, Serge Lutens. Only, and this is the first time I've said this about a Lutens fragrance: the intensity of Chergui could have been a bit stronger for me, precisely because the scent is so good.

Experience the Captivating Scent of Chergui

A perfume line created by Serge Lutens in his own image. Minimalist, straight lined, angular and uncompromising, each of these bottles with their refined style reflects the exacting nature and character of their creator. A sobriety which enhances the richness and sumptuousness of the perfumes, whose scents and colours are as numerous and as nuanced as precious stones and our personalities. After I already own two other fragrances from Serge Lutens, I have now treated myself to the Chergui "blind". The description and the comments just wouldn't let go of me, I just HAVE to have it. Serge Lutens' Chergui is a niche composition mixed from high quality components and targeted at the consumer who does not want to smell like every fourth guest in the room. Artisan scents, such as this one, offer a heartening change from designer products. They are created by perfumeries that are dedicated to this area rather than larger haute-couteur houses. However, some of these artisanal businesses have now been engulfed by large enterprises. A Symphony for the Nose I'm sure the scent can't help it. After all the light citrus freshness in the summer heat, on this long-awaited somewhat cooler day I felt like a fragrance with substance. Obviously I stumbled into a scent here that doesn't suit me at all. A fire fanned by the wind, a desert in flames. As if bursting from the earth, Chergui, a desert wind, creates an effect that involves suction more than blowing, carrying plants, insects and twigs along in an inescapable ascent. Its full, persistent gusts crystallize shrubs, bushes and berries, which proceed to scorch, shrivel up and pay a final ransom in saps, resins and juices. Night falls on a stillsmoldering memory, making way for the fragrant, ambery and candied aromas by the alchemist that is Chergui."Serge Lutens

Somehow Mr. Lutens actually captured Morocco - my husband was sniffing all the time and noticed that it smelled like Guelmin (the last place on the edge of the desert). The pronounced exotic spiciness of this combination tingles the nose with a pungent array of precious notes absolutely designed to attract attention. The EdP is characterised by a note of rose. As this fades away, it uncovers the base of sandalwood, amber, tobacco, honey, iris, incense and musk. If you're into discovering this scent-profile, Dunhill Pursuit Eau de Toilette (50ml) Dunhill Pursuit might be to your liking too. Serge Lutens Fragrances: Pricing It's another typical Lutens', that is: lightly candied and with a deep layer of spices and milky resins. About the scent: I get a strong charge of spices and sweetish tobacco, along with the clary sage & the sweetness probably from the honey. It wasn't until I read that hay was listed that I smelled again & if you know the smell well (I sort of grew up on my grandparents farm) you recognize it. Frankincense & sandalwood are recognizable. Chergui is an intoxicating blend of rich tobacco, delicate iris, and smoky incense, creating a harmonious symphony of scents that will envelop you in an aura of mystery. The heart notes of sweet honey and romantic rose add a touch of sensuality, while the base notes of warm amber, earthy oakmoss, and creamy sandalwood provide depth and longevity to the fragrance.

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five days ago I smelled him sample and I really liked him! After I have worn him two days, it was clear: I MUST have. And now, he stands in front of me and I'm happy like a little child, so I'll wear it again today, although the weather does not fit absolutely, because here it is 28 degrees and sun. For me, he fits absolutely in the cooler season & thus for the upcoming autumn / winter more than perfect. One of my favourite memories is a trip to the desert. There we lay on carpets in a Berber tent, drank Moroccan tea and enjoyed life. But still: Meanwhile, I'm reminded of the final scene of the movie Morocco (1930), where Marlene Dietrich decides to leave her comfortable life behind and go into the desert to follow her legionnaire lover (Gary Cooper)... that a fragrance can evoke all this.