The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
In 2015, Carlos Benaïm crafted Polo Supreme Oud, taking on oud as a resinous, smoky heart note in perfumery. Rather than chase raw intensity, Benaïm paired precious spices with Indian oud, grounding it in guaiac wood and vetiver. The result felt like oud reimagined: bold, yet refined, complex without becoming heavy. It's a fragrance that brings together richness and restraint, the kind of contrast that makes you pause and rediscover something familiar in a new way.
The composition hinges on that tension between sharp, bright opening and deep, smoky heart. Cinnamon and pink pepper arrive first, a quick pulse of spice that cuts through the air before the oud settles in and takes over. Indian oud brings its resinous, woody depth to the center stage, shifting the energy from crisp to enveloping. Guaiac wood and vetiver then carry the fragrance through its long drydown, providing the structure that lets the smoky heart breathe without overwhelming.
The evolution
The opening hits with pink pepper and cinnamon, bright, clean heat that sharpens the air before it starts to settle. Then the heart arrives. Indian oud, smoky and resinous, becomes the defining presence. The drydown belongs to guaiac wood and vetiver, a warm, woody base that holds close to the skin. Guaiac wood provides depth and body, while vetiver adds an earthy, slightly bitter edge that grounds the entire composition. Together they create a foundation that feels solid and lasting, the kind of base that invites you to lean in closer.
Cultural impact
Ralph Lauren released this in 2015, entering a fragrance landscape where oud had become a significant presence. They approached it differently, making it approachable while keeping the exotic character intact. The composition leans into warmth and smoke rather than raw power, creating something that feels refined without being intimidating. It's a fragrance that speaks to those curious about oud but cautious about diving in too deep.
