Lamar.

Lamar arrived in 2020 as the second chapter of Gissah’s story‑driven collection, conceived under Bashar Al‑Ameer’s direction to capture the tension between fresh wilderness and deep desert night. The name, echoing the Arabic word for ‘story’, was chosen to suggest a narrative that begins with bright pine and peppery spice before unfolding into richer, more intimate accords. By marrying a crisp, aromatic opening with a warm, animalic heart, the fragrance aims to transport the wearer from a sun‑lit clearing into an evening of whispered conversations.

What’s striking is the juxtaposition of pine’s green clarity with the smoky depth of juniper and clove, a combination rarely paired in oriental compositions. Gissah’s decision to anchor the heart with gurjun balsam, a resin seldom heard outside niche circles, adds a subtle, balsamic richness that bridges the bright top and the dark base, making the transition feel seamless yet surprising.

At first spray, the pine and orange blossom burst forward, instantly cutting through the peppery heat like a cool breeze through a pine grove. Within minutes, the clove and juniper settle, letting the bright neroli soften the edge as the heart awakens. Amber and cinnamon melt together, while gurjun balsam spreads a warm, slightly sweet resinous veil, and rose offers a fleeting floral lift that never overpowers. Vetiver grounds the composition, adding an earthy undercurrent that prepares the skin for the final act. As the fragrance dries, the leather accord emerges, rich and tactile, followed by oud’s deep, smoky wood that lingers like incense in a dimly lit lounge. Vanilla softens the intensity, and musk provides a clean, animalic finish that clings to the skin for the remaining hours, leaving a subtle, sophisticated trail that whispers long after the initial spice has faded.

Lamar emerged at a time when the Middle Eastern perfume market was seeking to blend traditional spice palettes with contemporary Western sensibilities. Its launch in 2020 coincided with a growing appreciation for unisex scents that could bridge gendered expectations, allowing both men and women to explore a shared aromatic narrative. By incorporating familiar notes like black pepper and clove alongside pine and neroli, the perfume resonated with younger consumers eager for authenticity and cultural depth. Over the subsequent years, Lamar has been featured in artistic installations and fashion collaborations that celebrate storytelling through scent, reinforcing Gissah’s reputation for narrative‑driven creations.