Trench

The choice of notes in Trench reflects a specific philosophy about what a trench coat fragrance should be. Rather than evoking wool, leather, or rain as one might expect, Amandine Clerc-Marie focused on the garment's lining, its interior softness against the exterior protection. Bergamot and mandarin orange represent the crisp London air the trench was designed for. Fig, with its Mediterranean associations, adds unexpected warmth. Neroli and orris root speak to the refinement of the woman beneath the coat, while cedarwood and musk ground everything in something grounded and wearable. The fragrance becomes less about what you see and more about what you feel when someone comes close enough to notice.

The evolution

Trench begins with bergamot and mandarin orange, two citrus notes that could have gone sharp and simple. Instead, fig arrives within minutes to reshape the opening, adding milky green facets that soften the brightness into something almost creamy. This is the first movement of a fragrance that consistently chooses gentleness over power. As the citrus fades, neroli emerges as the heart's dominant voice. Orange blossom in its purest form, neroli brings both sweetness and a clean, soapy quality that keeps the composition feeling airy. Orris root plays a supporting role, its powdery iris character adding a vintage elegance that connects back to the trench coat's heritage. The drydown is where cedarwood earns its place, providing the woody backbone that prevents the fragrance from dissolving into pure softness. Musk and ambrette extend this stage significantly, creating a drydown that feels like a second skin rather than a separate composition.