Six Scents Series Two 1 3.1 Phillip Lim: Collage

It kicks off with a sharp splash of Italian bergamot paired with crushed black pepper and white pepper. The initial blast feels cool and brisk, reminiscent of iced gin poured over fresh juniper berries. It cuts cleanly through the air without any sugary sweetness or harsh alcohol bite, establishing an energetic, modern tone within the first few minutes.

After fifteen minutes, the bright pepper sparkle softens as aromatic juniper berries and a creamy hint of magnolia emerge. Over the next two hours, the heart gives way to dry Virginian cedarwood shavings, earthy Indonesian patchouli, and faint incense smoke. The shift is smooth, changing from an icy citrus-spice cocktail into a quiet, comforting wood and resin base.

On skin, you will typically get 5 to 7 hours of total longevity, with the wood and incense remaining as a subtle skin scent after hour four. On fabrics like wool sweaters and cotton shirts, the cedar and aromatic juniper can easily linger for 10 to 12 hours, holding onto that crisp, freshly pressed shirt aroma all day long.

Projection is moderate, radiating roughly an arm's length for the first 90 minutes. It leaves a polite scent bubble that never invades personal space or dominates a room. After two hours, it pulls closer to sit within elbow reach, producing an airy trail of cedarwood and light incense that others will notice only when leaning in close.

This woody aromatic profile shines brightest during spring and summer, particularly in mild to warm temperatures between 60°F and 82°F (15°C to 28°C). The cool juniper and bergamot feel invigorating in the heat without turning cloying. It also handles crisp early autumn days nicely, though bitter winter cold can mute its delicate incense and pepper sparkle.

Yes, it is practically tailor-made for corporate offices, creative studios, and daily casual outings. Because it lacks heavy vanilla sweetness and projecting floral musk, it smells clean, smart, and completely respectful in close quarters. It also easily transitions into casual evening drinks or quiet dinner dates thanks to its sophisticated cedar and incense foundation.

Collage is balanced right down the middle as a true unisex fragrance. The aromatic juniper berries and dry Virginian cedarwood provide a classic clean wood structure that appeals to traditional masculine tastes, while the bright bergamot and delicate magnolia petal accord keep it fresh and airy enough for anyone to wear with effortless style.

Both perfumes use incense and aromatic woods, but Ouarzazate is warmer, heavier, and sweetened by dried fruits, clary sage, and green tea. Collage is noticeably crisper, cooler, and more minimalist, driven by sharp black pepper, bracing juniper, and dry Virginian cedar. Collage feels airier and more casual, whereas Ouarzazate has a denser, spicier tea-resinous body.

Collage was formulated as an Eau de Parfum and released in a strictly limited run of 2,000 individually numbered bottles. At retail, it offered great niche value considering its Givaudan formulation by Natalie Gracia-Cetto and charity contribution. Today, it is a rare collector piece, meaning secondary market prices reflect scarcity rather than everyday utility.

Collage layers beautifully with simple citrus colognes, ISO E Super woody bases, and sheer white musks. Adding a bright neroli or grapefruit spray amplifies its lively top notes for hot summer days, while layering over an unsweetened amber or sandalwood oil gives the Virginian cedar and incense extra depth and lasting warmth for cooler evenings.