Views from a Paris window   +  Thierry Mugler

Alien Perfume

A girl sitting next to me recently was wearing Alien perfume by Thierry Mugler. It was an incredibly good smell, with one, almost chemical, note standing out. Possibly one of those smells that's truly enjoyable on other people, but half an hour is about enough for me.

It was Thierry Mugler's earlier fragrance, Angel from 1992, that initially made him a household name. In particular, confident, outgoing people, who want to stand out seem to identify with Mugler's fragrances. This is born out by a comment from Janey Holliday, one of my guest bloggers, back in March,

"Of all the girls I know, who wear Angel, they have all been quite like me: outgoing, passionate, ambitious, confident, positive, happy.."

My guess is that Alien perfume also appeals to confident people, who like to stand out from the crowd. The name, the distinctive and unusual aroma, the packaging — the whole image creates a talking point. A girl (or boy) who wears Alien perfume enjoys being noticed.

In Katie Puckrick's review of Alien she says that it's the most requested review she's ever had. And the genius perfumers behind this scented sensation? Dominique Ropion and Laurent Bruyere. Dominic Ropion is famous for creating fragrances including Frederic Malle's Carnal Flower and Geranium pour Monsieur, and most recently Acqua di Gioia.

According to OsMoz, the notes for Alien perfume are Sambac Jasmine, Cashmeran, Solar Not and White Amber. So what other fragrances is Alien perfume similar to? Its potency and individuality remind me of Dior's Dune. Dune has similar staying power and clarity and shares the amber base.