Fleur du Mal

Fleur du Mal by Dries Van Noten offers a delicate, powdery suede opening with a soft peach and jasmine flourish, evolving into a creamy, slightly sweet floral base with amber and musky depth. The scent transforms subtly throughout the day—starting fresh and fruity, then settling into a refined, vintage-inspired leather-suede finish that feels more airy and delicate than traditionally animalic. It is best described as elegant, feminine-leaning, and gender-neutral, with a refined quietness in its projection and longevity, rarely exceeding moderate sillage. A few users note it fades quickly, especially on sensitive skin or when not layered, despite its unique appeal. The scent displays unexpected transparency and balance—unlike many contemporary fruity florals—it avoids cloying sweetness and instead embraces a more restrained, atmospheric complexity. While many appreciate its subtle uniqueness and personal connection to vintage aesthetics, a consistent theme is dissatisfaction with the price relative to performance. Nevertheless, it remains the standout for several who find its quiet elegance and distinctive structure worth exploring, especially if one values subtle transformation and minimal impact.