Some fragrances transport you to a place, and Malfa Walls by Obvious does just that—offering an olfactory journey to the heart of the Mediterranean. With the brilliant Julien Rasquinet as its creator, it’s no surprise that this scent feels as though it has captured a warm, sun-drenched day in Sicily. But beneath the citrus and herbs lies something deeper, more mysterious, like the hidden alleys of an ancient coastal town.
From the very first spray, Malfa Walls bursts with life. The thyme, Sicilian mandarin, Sicilian orange, and blackcurrant notes come together in a sparkling, zesty opening that feels fresh and invigorating. It’s a bright citrus bouquet, but it doesn’t fall into the usual trap of being simply light or fleeting. There’s a herbal edge from the thyme that adds complexity, balancing the juiciness of the fruits with a subtle earthiness. It’s as if you’re walking through a sunlit citrus grove with the sea breeze rustling the herbs nearby.
As the scent develops, the heart notes emerge—frankincense and sage—adding an unexpected layer of warmth and depth. The frankincense gives Malfa Walls a slightly smoky, resinous quality, while the sage brings a touch of coolness, almost like a whisper of wind in the late afternoon. This interplay between warmth and freshness creates a dynamic middle stage, grounding the initial burst of citrus with something more introspective. It feels like the scent is shifting from day to evening, as the sun sets over the horizon, casting long shadows over the Sicilian coast.
But it’s in the base where Malfa Walls truly shows its soul. Leather, oud, and juniper weave together to create a rich, almost rugged dry down. The leather is smooth, not overpowering, blending beautifully with the smoky, woody elegance of oud. There’s a hint of juniper that adds a sharp, slightly piney touch, keeping the base from becoming too heavy. It’s a finish that lingers, earthy and sophisticated, like the worn leather of a beloved jacket, or the aged wood of a boat anchored on the shore.
For me, Malfa Walls feels like an escape to the Mediterranean—a place where the days are bright and fragrant, but the nights hold a certain mystery. It’s a fragrance that starts out light and vibrant but slowly reveals its deeper, more complex layers. Perfect for someone who craves both freshness and depth, this scent reminds me that even the most radiant places have their shadows.
Whether worn on a warm summer evening or to bring a touch of sunshine to a cooler day, Malfa Walls feels timeless, evoking both the beauty of nature and the intrigue of faraway lands.
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