Let’s Pretend

Let’s Pretend plays with illusion, seduction and the beauty of a reality that may never have fully existed. Etat Libre d’Orange does not create a traditional gourmand or classic woody fragrance here, but rather a scent that feels like a contemporary arthouse film: warm light, soft shadows, velvety textures and emotions constantly shifting between fantasy and reality.

From the very beginning, the fragrance creates a striking contrast between spicy warmth and radiant freshness. Saffron immediately introduces golden velvety depth while mandarin adds bright Mediterranean lightness. Pink pepper brings movement and tension to the composition without harshness.

At the heart, the fragrance becomes softer and more sensual. Peach creates ripe velvety fruitiness while osmanthus introduces subtle leathery floral nuances that perfectly reflect the aesthetic of Etat Libre d’Orange. Jasmine sambac adds warm floral elegance while remaining transparent and refined.

The base ultimately defines the atmosphere of Let’s Pretend. Georgywood and Akigalawood create a modern dry woody structure while styrax and benzoin add warm amber-like sensuality. Cedarwood keeps everything elegant, smooth and beautifully balanced.

The result is a fragrance that continuously moves between softness and depth, modernity and nostalgia, skin and fabric. Never excessively loud, yet deeply present in mood and character.

Perfumer
Nisrine Bouazzaoui Grillié

Fragrance family
Fruity Woody / Amber

Official notes
Saffron, Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Peach, Osmanthus, Jasmine Sambac, Cedarwood, Akigalawood, Georgywood, Styrax, Benzoin

Description of the notes
Saffron opens the fragrance with golden spicy warmth while mandarin brings radiant freshness. Pink pepper adds vibrant elegance without sharpness. Peach creates soft velvety fruitiness while osmanthus introduces subtle leathery florals. Jasmine sambac adds transparent sensuality. In the base, Akigalawood and Georgywood provide modern dry woods while styrax and benzoin create warmth, depth and amber softness.

What makes Let’s Pretend so special?
While many modern woody fragrances become heavy or overly dark, Let’s Pretend maintains remarkable transparency and elegance. The combination of fruit, saffron and modern wood molecules creates a fragrance that feels artistic yet highly wearable.

The result is a contemporary niche fragrance with real emotional atmosphere.

What does the ParfuMaria team think of this fragrance?
For us, Let’s Pretend radiates modern artistic luxury. Warm, elegant and cinematic with a beautiful balance between velvety peach, saffron and dry woods. The combination of osmanthus and modern woody notes gives this fragrance a very distinctive signature.