The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
I Wanna Be Loved By You takes its name from Marilyn Monroe's breathy declaration in 'Blue Skies', a song about wanting, longing, being chosen. Benoît Bergia built the composition around that same impulse. The top note of plum sake, fermented, slightly umami, nothing like a straightforward fruit, signals from the first spray that this isn't playing by expected rules. It's named for the feeling of wanting to be seen, not just noticed. Bergia wanted a fragrance that could carry that vulnerability, that willingness to ask for affection without apology.
What makes this structure interesting is the bridge between top and base. Plum sake and wild berries pull sweet and bright, almost playful, but the apple tobacco in the heart introduces a smoky, slightly bitter dimension that redirects the trajectory. It's not a straight path from fruit to floral. Bergia uses the tobacco to create hesitation, a moment where the fragrance questions its own sweetness before committing to the deeper notes. The oud and osmanthus in the base then reward that patience, delivering warmth that doesn't feel like a default ending.
The evolution
The wild berries arrive first, bright, jammy, immediate. Then the plum sake slides in with its fermented edge, adding depth where another fragrance might just go sugary. The two together create an opening that feels both fruity and adult. This phase lasts easily an hour before the fruit begins to recede. The handoff to the heart is smooth but noticeable. The rose appears wrapped in amber, warm, honeyed, less delicate than you might expect. Apple tobacco arrives quietly, adding a smoky nuance that shifts the mood from romantic to something slightly more introspective. The tobacco doesn't dominate, but it changes the conversation. The base takes its time. Osmanthus emerges first, bringing that apricot-floral note that feels both familiar and unexpected in this context. The oud builds underneath, not aggressive, but present, a foundation that prevents the sweetness from ever feeling frivolous. Vetiver grounds everything. Hours in, this is what lingers: oud and osmanthus, close to the skin, intimate, warm. On fabric, it lasts even longer.
Cultural impact
The rose-vanilla-coffee archetype has a devoted following, I Wanna Be Loved By You sits squarely in that tradition while carving its own territory with the plum sake and apple tobacco pairing. Wearers who appreciate sweet, sensual fragrances respond well to it; those looking for something groundbreaking may find it familiar rather than revolutionary. The performance scores are strong across the board, with longevity and sillage earning consistent praise. It occupies a comfortable position in the sweet oriental category, not pushing boundaries, but executing with confidence.
