The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Shaman is a fragrance by The Anarchist built around a meeting of floral brightness, aromatic herbs, spice, sandalwood, and vetiver. The title suggests ritual, instinct, and inward power, but the scent itself needs no costume to feel ceremonial. Jasmine sambac opens with a lush floral presence while cumin introduces a dark, savory warmth. Thyme and geranium bring herbal and lightly leafy qualities, sharpening the contrast between the polished flower and the more earthy materials. As the fragrance develops, sandalwood gives the composition a creamy, woody softness, while vetiver deepens the finish with a dry, rooted character. The result is a balance of sensual bloom, aromatic greenery, spice, and grounded wood rather than a one-dimensional display of smoke or darkness.
The interesting part is how jasmine sambac is held against cumin, thyme, and geranium. The jasmine gives the composition an immediate floral softness, while cumin pushes it toward warmth and spice. Thyme adds a cool herbal edge, and geranium contributes a green, rose-like aromatic quality that keeps the heart from becoming too sweet. Those contrasts make the middle feel layered rather than static: fresh herbs and bright floral facets meet a darker, earthier current.
The evolution
The opening begins with jasmine sambac and cumin, creating a contrast between luminous floral softness and warm, savory spice. Thyme and geranium quickly complicate the first impression, adding herbal brightness, a green edge, and a softly rosy aromatic facet. This early phase feels like flowers, leaves, and spice sharing the same space rather than a simple sweet floral launch. As the heart settles, sandalwood begins to smooth the composition, giving it a rounder and more skin-friendly woody posture. The floral character remains present, but it is increasingly framed by the darker herbal and earthy qualities established at the start. In the later stages, vetiver takes on greater importance, lending the drydown a dry, grounded finish that contrasts with the jasmine's softness. The shift is from aromatic brightness to a quieter, more balanced woody profile.
Cultural impact
Shaman takes its title from a role associated with spiritual practice, instinct, and an outward relationship with forces larger than the individual. The name gives the fragrance a mystical frame without tying it to one documented historical figure or event. Its character follows that same balance between presence and interpretation. Jasmine sambac brings a lush, cultivated floral quality, cumin introduces warmth and spice, thyme and geranium add an herbal dimension, and sandalwood and vetiver anchor the composition in softer wood and dry earth. The result is ritual suggested through mood rather than costume.
The House
The AnarchistToskovat is a Ukrainian independent fragrance house founded by David, a perfumer based in Ukraine. The brand gained attention for its provocative approach to scent creation, producing a collection of distinctive fragrances including Punk, Code Noir, Shaman, Slavic Soul, Venus, 88, and Anarchist A. The house emerged in 2022 and quickly established a presence at major niche fragrance events, including presentations at NOAH and Milan. Toskovat represents a voice from Eastern Europe in the global niche fragrance conversation, bringing a distinct perspective shaped by its Ukrainian origins. The brand operates as a founder-led house, with David serving as both creator and nose behind the collection. Each fragrance in the lineup tells a specific story, often through unexpected note combinations that challenge conventional perfumery expectations.
The Creator
Hüseyin ErdoğmuşIn the studio Erdoğmuş favors a methodical layering process: he builds a base from high‑purity essential oils, adds a heart of carefully selected absolutes, and finishes with a precise splash of synthetics that enhance longevity without masking the natural character. Rose, jas…
