The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Jordi Fernández built Encens Suprême around a single idea: incense as an experience, not just an accent. The 2021 release sits in the Atelier Versace collection, a line that pushes boundaries. Fernández started with a smoky accord that carries depth, then layered coriander against it, a pairing that adds complexity without overwhelming the composition. The frankincense anchors the structure, bringing a resinous quality that evolves across the wear.
Encens Suprême takes a different angle. Instead of dry, austere incense, this fragrance explores a richer territory. The Boswellia frereana contributes a deep, resinous character that gives the composition its distinctive body. Cashmere Wood isn't a real wood, it's a synthetically constructed material that smells exactly like its name: soft, warm, enveloping. This material provides a bridge between the smoky elements and the amber base, creating cohesion across the fragrance's development. The combination showcases careful formulation, with each element supporting the others.
The evolution
The opening is all smoke and coriander, a grey-green haze that doesn't mess around. Thirty minutes in, the smoke settles and the frankincense proper arrives, resinous and slightly sweet. The cashmere wood starts to show itself here, wrapping around the smoke like a hand around a wrist. By hour two, you've lost the sharp edges entirely. What's left is amber and a warm, skin-like finish that stays close to the body but refuses to disappear. On most people, this lasts through the evening. On dry skin, the smoky phase extends, sometimes uncomfortably long. The drydown is where it earns its price tag.
Cultural impact
Encens Suprême occupies a distinctive position in the fragrance landscape. What it offers is a pronounced smoky character that sets it apart from more conventional releases. This particular quality appeals to those seeking something with real presence and gravitas. The fragrance has found its audience among enthusiasts who appreciate bold compositions and are drawn to the depth that smoke brings to a fragrance. It bridges the gap between approachable and avant-garde, making sophisticated scent experiences accessible without compromising on character.
