Oakmoss

Oakmoss (Quercia di Muschio) is deceptively named, because, despite the clear presence of oakmoss, this scent is far more about vetiver than moss. Still, the genius of the fragrance – for us – lies in the fact that Dominique Dubrana has obviously mined the areas of convergence between these two materials to emerge with a creature that has a foot in both worlds. Thus, the marine-like inkiness of the oakmoss connects with the rooty earthiness of vetiver via the crunch of sea salt and a shadowy ‘forest floor’ gloom. In the background, a dry, minimally smoky sandalwood provides a palette against which the notes of earth, grass, root, and lichen can really pop.

Strangely, for a scent so heavily inspired by the elements of earth, grass, moss, and wood, Oakmoss is far more elegant and ‘pulled together’ than the kind of scent you’d throw on for a hike in the woods. In fact, its crisp, tailored lines make it a perfect candidate for formal office wear. But however you choose to use it, the fact remains that Oakmoss is a riveting distillation of everything rooty, wet, and green in the forest. We find it to be soul-restoring and exciting in equal measure.