by Stéphane Humbert Lucas 777
Venom Incarnat unfolds as a vivid, deeply personal interpretation of sweet berry gourmands, embracing a synthetic yet hyper-real strawberry note that evokes candy, syrup, and wild berry juice. The fragrance balances a cohesive fusion of fruity sweetness—caramel, vanilla, and red berries—with a subdued leather, woody, and spicy base. While the top notes of blackberry, strawberry, and caramel lead with a puckeringly sweet, youthful burst, the dry down reveals more depth, where patchouli, cinnamon, and tonka usher in a gauzy, foresty warmth with subtle animalic leather. Most agree it leans feminine, though its sillage and projection suit day-to-night wear. The longevity is moderate, with a notable fade after several hours. It’s an elegant, character-driven scent rendered with precision, recalling both quintessential gourmands like Mula Mula and the smoky, cerebral complexity of La Capitale, yet presents its own distinct identity. Some find the strawberry note unrealistically synthetic, while others praise its authenticity and nuance. The bottle itself is a conversation starter, capturing vivid ephemeral aesthetics.