The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Urban Safari A Jungle Story by Alviero Martini arrived in 2012 with a travel-minded fragrance concept built around sensory impressions of different places. The jungle here is not rendered as a tropical postcard. Its scenery comes through aromatic herbs, olive wood, moss, warm spice, and a measured floral heart, giving the composition the feeling of moving through dense greenery without chasing sweetness. Karine Bezard signed the scent, placing freshness and structure in dialogue with a woody base. The result suits a man who wants exploration with composure, a little mystery, and none of the obvious vacation shorthand.
The unusual part is how neatly the composition keeps opposites in step. Calabrian bergamot and lavender bring daylight and clarity into cinnamon, nutmeg, violet, and rose. Jasmine and black tea add brightness beside olive tree and basil, then sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla, myrtle, and moss settle the whole thing into something earthy and polished. That gives the jungle story texture rather than volume, with each layer changing the temperature of the next and the floral, spicy, green, and woody notes finding a distinct point of balance.
The evolution
Bergamot, cinnamon, nutmeg, rose, violet, and lavender form the aromatic opening. It feels lifted and bright, but the spice keeps the citrus from becoming simple or overly sweet. As the composition moves inward, jasmine brings a clean floral character, while black tea, basil, and olive tree make it greener and more tactile. The base completes the structure: sandalwood gives it a smooth wooden center, Madagascar vanilla adds low creaminess, and myrtle and moss contribute a darker, leafy quality. The progression moves from brightness and floral contrast toward spice, greenery, and a polished woody foundation.
Cultural impact
Urban Safari A Jungle Story expresses its jungle theme through scent rather than literal scenery. Bergamot and lavender provide brightness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, rose, violet, and jasmine add spice and floral depth. Black tea, basil, and olive tree connect the composition to herbs and greenery, and sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla, myrtle, and moss give it an earthy foundation. Its interest lies in this contrast: fresh citrus beside warm spice, clean flowers beside darker vegetation, and smooth wood beneath the more aromatic notes.
The House
Alviero MartiniAlviero Martini is an Italian fashion house that translates its love of travel into both leather accessories and a modest line of niche fragrances. The brand’s signature cartographic motif appears on bags, shoes and the bottles of its scents, which were released between 2005 and 2012. Each fragrance evokes a specific place – from the urban pulse of a city to the wild pulse of a jungle – and is built in partnership with the fragrance house IFF. The result is a cohesive portfolio that feels like a passport of scent, anchored by the same meticulous Italian design that defines the label’s accessories.
The Creator
Karine BezardHer signature lies in layered fruit constructions, faceted, three-dimensional arrangements that pop and crackle rather than recede politely into the background. She favors boldness over restraint: vibrant top notes that announce themselves, supported by unexpected juxtapositio…
