I don’t normally make predictions. But having worn Montblanc Signature for the last month or so, the German luxury goods company has a big hit on its hands with this new EDP.
I won’t waste much time on the inspiration for Montblanc Signature – “the woman who is the author of her own life”. It doesn’t really tell us anything about the fragrance.
It was created by a duo of top perfumers. Guillaume Flavigny is known for creations such as Elizabeth Arden White Tea, Balmain Ambre Gris and Comme des Garcons Black. Nathalie Gracia-Cetto has produced Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky, Rochas Moustache and Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, among others. Both know how to create commercially successful scents, and it shows in Montblanc Signature.
SO WHAT DOES MONTBLANC SIGNATURE SMELL LIKE?
It opens with the sweet and juicy citrus hues of clementine, followed by a bouquet of peony, ylang-ylang and magnolia notes. The latter’s prominence builds on the intro’s fresh and luxurious vibe. It doesn’t take long for the fragrance’s main element – white musk – to come through. Luxurious yet clean, it works in tandem with a big dose of vanilla and benzoin.
Montblanc Signature is a fairly straightforward composition – one in which you can actually smell the seven listed notes. It’s effective all the same. The brand is known for its crowd-pleasers and this new pillar will undoubtedly become a favourite. Slightly reminiscent of another brand’s musk perfumes, but with its own spin on the theme, hallelujah, it doesn’t shout generic from the get-go.
It was conceptualised and executed before our current Covid-19 world, but interestingly captures what perfumer Frank Voelkl said in a recent interview on this blog about the biggest fragrance trends this decade: “Consumers have an increased desire for comfort, safety and feeling clean.”
Montblanc Signature EDP, R880 for 30ml, R1 055 for 50ml and R1 315 for 90ml, is available at Dis-Chem.
Did you take those pictures of the bottle?! If yes, then just Wow! Exquisite!
Without this post I would have never even thought of trying this perfume. Now, if I ever get into a store that carries perfumes (and we’re allowed to test them), I will definitely give it a try.
Hello Undina, yip, I did take the pics. Big thank you! It’s definitely worth a try in the future.
Great post Rich. Will give this one a sample when I see it.
Thank you, Daniel. It’s well worth looking out for.
Base on your review I might blind purchase it since I am still at a lock-down situation. Many thanks! Do you know the package difference between 30ml and 50ml? I prefer the ink bottle shape more than the 100ml long bottle.
Hello, and thanks for your query. That’s brave of you to consider blind-buying, as lovely as this one is. Where are you based? I prefer that bottle too. The 30ml is the long bottle, and the 50ml and 90ml come in the ink bottle shape. Please let me know what you decide on.
I received this product as a Christmas gift. And all I can say is WOW!! I have never smelled a fragrance so exotic and musky at the same time!!
Hello Rinsie, what a great Christmas gift! I’m sure you must smell wonderful wearing it. It’s such a standout scent.
It’s smells grate, but it doesn’t persist
Hello Natalia, good to hear from you. That’s a pity it doesn’t perform as well for you.
I am so sad- I just read your great piece on vegan frgragrqnces, so I looked up my new crush, Montblanc Signature, and it says they test on animals 💔 Is there a way to know if their ingredients contain animal by products as well- I.e. the sperm whale ingredient you mentioned in your other piece? Thank you so much!
Hello, dear Anne. Thanks for the compliment. This is tricky territory. Some brands may not be specifically vegan, but it doesn’t mean they test on animals just because they use animal by-products, for example, beeswax, which doesn’t necessarily involve cruelty. Ambergris, the sperm whale ingredient, is very expensive and is only used in a few perfumes. It doesn’t involve cruelty. If I was you, I would get in touch with Montblanc.