A Wren Says

I have seen multiple news sources covering the story that Shiseido has been granted the license to product Max Mara fragrances. My thought was, “Wait, they make fragrance?” The brand known for the Teddy coat and luxury outerwear generally, they make fragrances?

As of now there is no fragrance on their website. But looking deep into the interwebs, there are some products. Instead of just giving you the news that everyone else already has, let’s dive into the past fragrances and make guesses about the future. Disclaimer, these descriptions are based on Fragrantica entries on the product and not the Max Mara site. It might be slightly off.

• 2004
  • Max Mara
    • Fragrance type: Floral woody musk
    • Top notes: Ginger, citrus
    • Middle notes: Magnolia, lily, musk and orchid
    • Base note: Sugar cane.
• 2007
  • Gold touch-
    • Fragrance type: Floral
    • Top notes: Pink pepper, spices, lemon, bergamot
    • Middle notes: Vetiver, cedar, jasmine
    • Base notes: Guaiac wood, white musk
  • Silk Touch:
    • Fragrance type: Fruity floral
    • Top notes: Barberry and cherry blossom;
    • Middle notes: Silkwood blossom, jasmine;
    • Base notes: Musk, cedar
• 2008
  • Le Parfum-
    • Fragrance type:  Floral woody musk
    • Top notes: Pink pepper, nutmeg, plum
    • Middle notes: Freesia, gardenia, Moroccan rose, jasmine, Tiare flower
    • Base notes: Musk, Lime (Linden) Blossom, sandalwood and Brazilian rosewood
  • Kashmina Touch:
    • Fragrance type: Floral woody musk
    • Top notes: Amaretto, Amalfi lemon
    • Middle notes: Bitter orange, floral notes
    • Base notes: Cashmere wood, cedar, musk.
• 2009
  • Le Parfum Zeste and Musc 2009.
    • Fragrance type: Amber floral
    • Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin orange
    • Middle notes: Pepper, freesia, nutmeg, magnolia;
    • Base notes: Musk, cedar.

Going just by history, there is a strong chance that the upcoming fragrances will be floral woody musks, featuring cedar, musk and white florals. But given the last fragrance release was about 15 years ago, I am erring on the side of there being something brand new to match the updated tastes of the new Max Mara woman.

Looking into the notes of Kashmina Touch, I would love it if the new offering was an ode to their Italian roots done in a way to signal the heritage of the brand and yet subtle to honor the rise in a more minimal aesthetic. But the brand is timeless, with quality that appeals across generations of women who seek quality and craftmanship. That is something that I hope they are able to bottle up.

What scent do you think transcends time and generational differences?