If you were to ask me if there was one perfume line that I think is so spectacular I’d happily own each and every fragrance within the collection, I would answer ‘Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle’ without skipping a beat. Malle’s line feels so carefully curated and it spans each and every corner of olfaction, making for a perfectly formed collection that is essentially the ultimate fragrance wardrobe. I have tried each and every one of them, and they would all be very welcome on my skin any day of the week.

A confession: I just fibbed to you. Up until recently I had tried every single Frederic Malle fragrance bar one: Outrageous! Created by none other than the legendary, nay the iconic, nay the perfume Queen, Sophia Grojsman (Paris, Tresor and all of the best 80s scents), Outrageous! was originally launched in 2007 as a Barneys exclusive, housed within slightly different packaging. Being a Brit I never managed to get my hands on a sample of this elusive beauty, but luckily for me, and for you, Frederic Malle is relaunching Outrageous (now sans exclamation point) as part of his impeccable collection. Brilliant, that’s one last tick off the list then!

Outrageous takes inspiration from the Caipirinha cocktail (try pronouncing that after you’ve had a pitcher of the Brazilian booze, its quite a hoot). Malle worked with Sophia Grojsman, a perfumer he had long admired to create this unusual scent which feels very much like a hidden treasure within Frederic Malle’s line. Outrageous now joins the likes of Cologne Bigarade, Eau de Magnolia and Cologne Indélébile as one of Malle’s thoroughly modern colognes however, this one has a really unusual and intriguing twist…

The Notes

Bergamot, Tangerine, Green Apple, Cinnamon, Musk and Ambroxan

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How Does it Smell?

When you sniff a fragrance from Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle you know that it has been made by a top-notch perfumer and with the very best ingredients, both natural and synthetic. They often have a symphonic effect or in the very least, a bold olfactory profile. In this respect, Outrageous is no exception but what sets it apart from the majority of Malle’s portfolio is the fact that it doesn’t smell in the least bit natural. Where the likes of Carnal Flower and Portrait of a Lady boast record breaking amounts of natural materials (tuberose and rose absolute, respectively) Outrageous plays another game entirely, one that is frivolous, fun and fabulous.

Outrageous opens crisp and dewy with lime and a bold apple note that gives the impression of a crate of vivid, verdant Granny Smiths sprayed with water. Straight away theres a contrast that stops it all from becoming a bit ‘Be Delicious’ (no offence, DKNY). This contrast comes in the form of a dash of dry cinnamon, which adds a savoury heat but also a strange, metallic sheen that makes Outrageous feel like a fruit cocktail served in stainless steel, or robotic fruit (it depends where your mind goes, I guess!). The effect is strange but also compelling and it feels remarkably out of sync with Sophia Grojsman’s full-bodied style, which certainly makes for an interesting sniff!

Underneath those cyber-apples is what Frederic Malle liked to call “clean sex appeal”. It’s a whirlwind of musk and soft woods that pull the fruit, spices and metal apart, throws them high into the air and watches with joy as the float slowly back to Earth. Outrageous really is a real surprise, not only because its wider launch has come out of the blue, but because it feels like a break from tradition in terms of style for both Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle and perfumer Sophia Grojsman. I find it really interesting to wear due to the fact that it is so unexpected in every way, and whilst it may be rather odd, Outrageous is as modern and innovate as one has learned to expect with Malle. What’s more, it’s a whole heap of fun and we like it when Freddie has fun!

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Availability

Outrageous is available in 10ml (£26) and 100ml (£130) Eau de Toilette.

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Disclaimer

Sample, notes and quotes via Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle. Images are my own.