The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
HAUNTED represents a departure from fragrances that announce themselves loudly upon application. The brief was to create something that feels like it was present in a space before you entered it, a scent that exists as a lingering residue rather than a projection into the room. The work involved exploring combinations of fresh herbs and resinous woods, searching for that quality of a scent that seems to have been there longer than you have. The goal wasn't about complexity for its own sake but about creating a feeling of familiarity in an unfamiliar space. Each iteration brought the composition closer to that elusive quality of something that feels timeless rather than newly applied, as if it belongs to the environment itself rather than arriving with the wearer.
What makes HAUNTED unusual is the floral heart that refuses to announce itself. Tuberose and ylang-ylang are typically assertive materials, known for their ability to dominate a composition with their presence. In this formulation, these materials have been handled in a way that allows them to exist within the overall structure rather than standing apart from it. The iris contributes qualities that help blend the florals into the surrounding notes rather than separating them. The flowers are present in the composition, woven into the overall architecture rather than performing as soloists.
The evolution
The opening begins with citrus and herbs, featuring yuzu, lavender, and basil. This creates a sharp, aromatic burst that gradually shifts as the fragrance develops and the incense elements begin to emerge. Frankincense smoke threads through the herbal green, creating a continuous experience rather than a dramatic shift between phases. As the fragrance develops further, the heart comes into focus, bringing warm amber and myrrh forward. The ylang-ylang adds a creamy, tropical quality that complements the other elements without standing apart. This middle phase develops and evolves on the skin, showing how the different notes interact and influence each other over time. The drydown then settles into sandalwood, hay, and tonka, creating a warm and slightly resinous finish that remains close to the skin.
Cultural impact
HAUNTED embodies a philosophy of restraint in a fragrance landscape where many compositions aim for immediate impact and broad appeal. The herbal-citrus-incense structure offers a contemporary interpretation that speaks to those seeking something different from conventional woody-oriental compositions. It provides an alternative approach to fragrance wearing that prioritizes subtlety and depth over loudness, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate more nuanced olfactory experiences.
The House
Clandestine LaboratoriesClandestine Laboratories is a New York City-based artisanal fragrance house founded by self-taught perfumer Mark Sage in January 2010. The brand operates as an underground, auteur-oriented perfume house, with all fragrances hand-blended in small batches by Sage himself. The catalog spans roughly a dozen scents, including Assam (2012), The Boy (2022), and Covert (2024). Operating without traditional retail distribution, the brand relies on word-of-mouth referrals and direct customer relationships. Sage approaches perfumery as an experimental art form, creating fragrances that often incorporate unexpected material combinations and challenge genre conventions. The house cultivates a devoted following among fragrance enthusiasts who appreciate its unconventional approach and handmade production model.
The Creator
Mark SageFrom what limited public information exists, Sage works with unexpected material combinations. Reviewers have noted a soapy quality in his fragrances—not the straightforward "right after the shower" variety but something more complex, less expected.
