Atkinson's Oud Save The King Fragrance Review

Atkinson's Oud Save The King Fragrance Review
Atkinson's is one of my favourite fragrance houses. It's a house that I've researched the history of in detail. A true rags to riches story, a fragrance house that not only engenders the 19th Century change in the social status of the lowly, two a penny, perfumer but also the changes seen throughout the perfume industry in the 20th and 21st centuries. There will be a video on the history of Atkinson's later in the year!

You'd never guess I'm a historian, would you?

Oud Save The King is part of Atkinson's Oud Collection, launched in 2013 to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the Atkinson's brand. The perfumer is Amandine Clerc-Marie who has created fragrances such as
Mugler's Aura...Oh dear!...and La Nuit Tresor and Santal Kardamon for Lancôme .

Oud Save The King is partnered with Oud Save The Queen but
like all Atkinson's fragrances, they are fragrances for both men and women. Both fragrances are inspired by the relationship between Crown Prince Mohammed Ali Ibrahim of Egypt and American actress and director Mabel Normand. In the case of Oud Save The King there is a nod to Mabel's favourite Earl Grey Tea, the Crown Prince's alleged love of all things 'British' and his status as Crown Prince of Egypt.

The presentation is ostentatious. Gold 100 ml flacons, with a black and a gold label bearing Atkinson's name and coat of arms. The top is magnetic, fits securely and features the Atkinson's arms on the top surface with a basket weave knurling around the edges.

Oud Save The King is classed as an oriental woody and contains two accords. The first in the top and the second in the base.

In the top we have an Earl Grey Tea & Bergamot Accord. It's sharp and crisp with a delicate citrus peel. It's also smokey. Earl Grey with a touch of lap-sang souchong.

The Top Notes are quickly replaced by a smooth Leather Suede that billows from the heart. I'm reminded of my first leather briefcase or my first pair of John Lobb shoes. The leather note lasts, and last, and lasts until...eventually...a beautiful, creamy Iris, with just a touch of powder begins to peep through.

Just as I was beginning to think this was a leather and Iris fragrance...Sandalwood glides into position
The whole fragrance is like some complicated piece of origami, each note folding and unfolding until finally...the fragrance becomes a luxurious whole...and the oud accord blossoms into existence. Each note now fits elegantly woven into place with a light and refined oud.

On my skin, projection is excellent a good two arms lengths, six feet imperial or over a metre and a half continental, on first spray. After an hour of the fragrance going through its pyramid of notes, there's still a considerable projection of over an arm's length. In its final stages Oud Save The King is softer but still projecting well. It takes a good eight hours before this becomes a skin scent.

Sillage, again, is excellent. This fragrance is a head turner and in a good way! People were actively looking for who smelled so good as I walked by!

Longevity, yet again on my skin, was excellent. I got a good eight to ten hours before the opportunity for a wash and brush up and change of shirt presented itself. Oud Save The King was still very much present on my clothing the following day.

A word of caution for those that like to marinade...
Oud and Body Odour is not a good combination no matter the fragrance. You may not be able to smell it, the rest of us can! Eww!

Oud Save The King is like having three fragrances rolled into one, each a high-quality fragrance. First, the creamy leather suede, followed by the smooth sandalwood and finally an opulent, masculine...although I do know women who wear Oud Save The King beautifully...it is a masculine, yet elegant and luxurious oriental oud fragrance.

I've run out of space, I'll see you soon!