As a fragrance enthusiast, there is nothing that excites me more than the emergence of a new fragrance house. Therefore, when I cast my eyes upon Spanish house Wilgermain I couldn’t wait to explore their creations. Wilgermain combines the essence of two city districts, the progressive forward-thinking vibe of New York’s Williamsburgh and the chic sophistication of Paris’s left bank. Using his industry expertise founder Francisco Gratacós sought to create a luxury niche fragrance brand that was accessible to everyone. Having worked with many esteemed fragrance brands in the past such as Ramon Monegal, Carner and Eight & Bob to name but a few, Francisco combined forces with friend and world-renowned perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux. With almost 30 years of experience in the world of perfumery and known for his bold and unique creations, Rodrigo has produced some astounding fragrances for the likes of Tom Ford, Arquiste and John Varvatos. Out of this special relationship, Wilgermain emerged in 2020 with the initial launch of six genderless fragrances; Aquafortis, Passion Victim, More is More, Radianza, Inconfessable and Possession. Full of excitement and anticipation I worked my way through a small discovery set exploring the whole range and without hesitation Possession was the one that gripped my senses. Francisco’s precise brief for this fragrance was perhaps the most challenging for the perfumer, but after numerous attempts, that strong yet balanced composition Francisco desired was finally perfected. Out of sheer relief, Rodrigo spoke the words “Te Peseo” as if to say “I own you and I finally have what you want”, and that was the moment Possession was born.
On opening its simple white box it reveals a stunningly elegant bottle, one in which you instantly feel the quality in your grasp. The sturdy Italian glass bottle polished and hand-finished to a high standard exudes a timeless, modern yet luxurious feel allowing you to view the exclusive elixir inside. Crowned with an impressive golden Zamak-5 cap, the hexagon shape is said to resemble the bolts and screws of both the Brooklyn Bridge and the Eiffel Tower. Its sturdy and well-made design adds a contemporary elegance with a hint of industrial prowess perfectly completing the overall presentation. Observing the fragrance name I initially thought that Possession was going to be broody, dark and alluring but I couldn’t be further from the truth. On the initial spray this fragrance opens up with an undeniable freshness but one that veers away from those commonly used citric notes. It’s a beautifully delicate freshness, conjuring up images of billowing white petals in a summer breeze casting their redolence to the nearest nose. An invigorating note of clean-cut cucumber in the background caresses the senses, its light airy and green nuances perpetuating that delicate veil of freshness. Emerging from that freshness is a deluge of the richest and mouth-watering fruitiness. It’s almost as if you have carved into a pineapple’s robust prickly exterior revealing its glistening golden flesh. Its sticky juices glisten in the light, trickling over your skin and imbuing it with its tantalising sweetness.
Before you begin to imagine a full-on summer cocktail, a myriad of florals begin to protrude from its juicy pulp altering the dynamic and direction. Flutterings of subtle Pink Roses and Orange Flowers weave their magic across the skin. These florals faintly drift back and forth, as if you are both experiencing them from afar then pressing your nose against the very flowers themselves, the dewy green freshness of its petals filling the nostrils. The floaty sparkling profusion at the beginning of the fragrance starts to transcend into the most refined aroma, with those captivating florals merging with woods, musk and Amber. A delicate warmth and depth begin to ensue, and it’s this moment where your senses feel like they have been possessed themselves. The smell is so divine that I literally couldn’t remove my nose from my wrist, continually waving it in front of me so I could experience it again and again. There seems to be this flurry of sophisticated sweetness providing a constant addictive quality to the fragrance but one that is certainly not overindulgent or cloying. Instead, it is sensual and elegant, a soft resinous cloud that envelopes you like a cashmere scarf against your neck. The one thing I adore about this fragrance is that there is a continuous flirtation between boldness and delicacy, a zephyr of undulating notes that keeps your interest whilst coming together in a stunning harmonious balance. It’s one of those fragrances that transcends seasonality, an effortless scent that can be worn at any moment throughout the year and at any time of the day. With a background in Psychology, Francisco certainly understands the power of fragrance and with a perfumer like Rodrigo by his side, I can only imagine that they will continue to make some spectacular fragrances in the future to positively ignite those olfactory connections. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of Wilgermain, and within its range, there are certainly a few other gems that I can’t wait to delve into.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation 4/5
Sillage 4/5
Projection 4/5
Longevity 4/5
Available in 100ml exclusively at Harrods and Wilgermain.
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