The playful, colorful bottle designs are what initially drew my attention to the creations of the French fragrance line, Maison Matine. After trying several on both paper and skin, I became fascinated by Lost in Translation because its character is unlike anything I have tried before.
Maison Matine celebrates freedom, diversity, and mischief through fragrances that are unusual, vibrant, and visually cheerful through collaboration between perfumers and graphic designers.
Lost in Translation brings together contrasting notes and accords that evoke a post-apocalyptic world that might seem natural and familiar at first.
The incipit is clear and crystalline like cool water. This light blue, translucent vibe is accompanied by the bitter, piney aroma of juniper, and a cottony sweetness. A mineral vein seems to run through the composition, revealing an assertive and original character. The overall crisp vibe calls to mind the scent of a chilly morning as smoke, frost, wet rocks, and dried leaves intermingle in the air. I also get the familiar aroma of pencil lead and shavings, and a hint of spicy black tea.
A more haunting sensation hides behind this seemingly idyllic aspect. The mineral tinge becomes more metallic, suggesting a sinister setting like the remains of a world that was burned down by a supernatural force (could it be the woman with the flaming hair depicted on the bottle?).
While the clean notes evoke a familiar serenity, the mix of patchouli, leather, and tobacco suggests the bleak, grey aftermath after an explosion in an epochal scene.
Even later in the fragrance’s life, I get the sensation of cool wood, stone, and charcoal (not as much scalding lava or lapilli) surrounded by a sweet and smokey mist – could this be an unknown poisonous cloud?
Lost in Translation has been a refreshing and unique companion on multiple occasions during this oppressive summer and I especially enjoy its elegant, chypre-like dry down.
Its notes are listed as they appear on the brand’s website:
Top notes: clean accords, violet leaves, juniper,
Middle notes: rosewood, black pepper, white tea,
Base notes: patchouli, drywood, tobacco, leather, cloudy musks.
A note from the brand:
“All landmarks disappear, This is the first day of the rest of your life“.
Maison Matine was founded in 2019 by Marie Kellou and Arthur Ponroy. The perfumes are made in France (Paris and Chartres) using sustainable ingredients and recycled and recyclable packaging materials.
Lost in Translation was created by perfumer Laurent Marrone in collaboration with artist Honorine Perriné who designed the whimsical illustration of the apocalyptic world. The fragrance is available in 50 ml and 15 ml bottles.
The fragrance was reviewed from a 50 ml bottle I purchased personally.
The photo is my own.
