The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Liebe emerged in 2018 as the third chapter of Babylon Berlin's interwar trilogy, a scent that translates the city's restless love affairs into perfume. The name, the German word for love, was chosen to echo the passionate undercurrents of 1920s Berlin cafes and speakeasies. Drawing on archival advertisements from the era, the brand sought to recreate the sensation of a chance encounter in a smoky jazz club, where conversation flowed as freely as the gin and where attraction needed no introduction. The perfumer approached Liebe with this narrative in mind, constructing a fragrance that moves through multiple emotional registers, much like the relationships it depicts.
The note selection for Liebe reflects a philosophy of contrast. Fruit and florals might seem like a familiar combination, but the inclusion of blackcurrant adds an unexpected tartness that elevates the sweetness of peach and keeps the opening from feeling predictable. Similarly, magnolia serves as a bridge ingredient, less common than gardenia or tube rose, that adds intrigue without sacrificing wearability. The drydown trio of sandalwood, amber, and musk was chosen to ensure the fragrance would last through an evening without requiring reapplication, reflecting the practical realities of 1920s Berlin life where a single encounter could last until dawn.
The evolution
The opening of Liebe feels like walking into a well-lit fruiting orchard at dusk, where blackcurrant bushes heavy with tart berries frame a view of the city in the distance. Mandarin orange adds a spark of energy, and peach brings a softness that suggests vulnerability beneath the confident exterior. As the fragrance evolves, rose emerges like a rose worn behind the ear, Intimate and deliberate, while jasmine adds a nocturnal quality that hints at late-night confessions. Magnolia provides the transition, its clean floral character bridging the gap between the bright opening and the warm base. The drydown settles into sandalwood and amber, ingredients that evoke both the warmth of a shared coat in autumn and the amber glow of a speakeasy bar.
Cultural impact
Since its 2018 launch, Liebe has been praised for balancing bright fruit with a refined floral‑amber base, appealing to wearers who seek a scent that feels both modern and rooted in Berlin’s historic vibe. It often appears in discussions about fragrances that capture city narratives, and its unisex nature makes it a favorite among those looking for a versatile, story‑driven perfume.
