The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
The name Al Fares translates roughly from Arabic as 'the knight' or 'the horseman', and the scent was built to earn that title. Anthony Abdul Karim Marmin designed this for someone who arrives without announcement. Not performative luxury. Not borrowed confidence. The real thing, earned. Oud Al Fares is Maison Anthony Marmin's answer to anyone who wants depth without apology, a fragrance that assumes its wearer already knows who they are.
What distinguishes this composition is the tree bark, not a supporting element but a full counterweight to the oud itself. Moyale's wild bark brings texture that most woody fragrances sand away, leaving something raw and slightly animalic beneath the surface. The bark carries a bitter, almost medicinal quality that cuts through the sweetness often associated with oud fragrances, creating an honest earthiness that feels unprocessed. Vanilla doesn't soften it so much as add warmth to its edges, tempering the harshness without erasing it.
The evolution
The bergamot and mandarin orange hit first, citrus bright, almost impatient. The top notes arrive with immediate clarity, a sparkling introduction that gives way as the heart develops. Soon the bark announces itself, and the composition shifts with it. The vanilla rounds the bark's edges without removing them, adding a creamy warmth that makes the texture feel less aggressive. As the fragrance settles, the Indonesian oud takes fuller command. The bark doesn't disappear, it settles, becomes part of the oud's structure rather than competing with it. On fabric, the oud remains dominant, projecting its resinous character with strength. On skin, it breathes differently, a warm, resinous base that persists without overwhelming, offering that long-lasting presence the composition is known for.
Cultural impact
In the landscape of contemporary Arabian perfumery, independent houses bring different approaches to traditional materials. Oud Al Fares fits within a house philosophy that maintains the rough edges of raw materials, preserving their natural character rather than smoothing them into submission. The fragrance appeals to wearers who want oud that behaves like oud, deep, resinous, long-lasting, without the safety net of dilution or softness. Those drawn to this composition tend to appreciate authenticity in their fragrances, valuing a scent that makes no apologies for its intensity or regional roots.























