The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
In 2010, An0ther Magazine approached Le Labo to create an exclusive scent. Sarah of Colette, the Parisian concept store known for championing unconventional art and fragrance, helped broker the connection. Perfumer Nathalie Lorson built Another 13 around a foundation of musks and woody accords, creating something that defied typical fragrance categories. The result was a fragrance that felt personal from the start, one that would reward the wearer who chose it over something louder. The blend opens with a subtle, fleeting brightness before settling into a warm, enveloping musk character. As it develops, the woody undertones emerge, creating a skin-like presence that feels intimate and lived-in rather than projected outward.
What makes Another 13 distinctive is its reliance on modern musks. Iso E Super and Cetalox provide a woody, almost transparent base that doesn't project aggressively. Helvetolide and Ambrettolide add warmth without animalic heaviness, clean musks that read as skin, not perfume. The ambrette (musk mallow) seed brings a nutty, slightly sweet quality. This combination creates a fragrance that sits close to the body, evolving quietly over hours rather than announcing itself across a room. The musks blend together seamlessly, creating a second-skin effect that feels natural and effortless.
The evolution
The opening is brief, a flash of citrus and pear that refreshes without dominating. The heart reveals itself through jasmine and ambrette, adding a subtle floral warmth that keeps the composition from feeling flat. The drydown is where Another 13 lives. Iso E Super and Cetalox create a woody, skin-like presence that lingers for hours without ever becoming heavy. The musks, Helvetolide and Ambrettolide, settle into the skin, creating warmth that feels intimate rather than performative. The initial brightness fades and the drydown lasts long after, with the fragrance evolving quietly over time. The composition develops gradually, with the musks emerging to create a quiet, persistent presence that stays close to the body throughout the wear.
Cultural impact
Another 13 arrived in 2010, commissioned by An0ther Magazine. The partnership created a dialogue between fashion and fragrance worlds. For Le Labo, this collaboration marked a step toward broader recognition within the niche perfumery community. The scent itself embodies this intersection, with its understated character appealing to those who value subtlety over spectacle. The fragrance's quiet confidence resonated with audiences who appreciated the editorial approach, drawing attention from readers who sought something beyond mainstream offerings.
