FRAGRANCE | Whispers of Christmas with Fille en Aiguilles EDP by Serge Lutens

Fille en Aiguilles is yet another Serge Lutens fragrance that I love, like it's almost inconceivable to hate on it. It's a scent a lot of people online are relating to Christmas, and I agree. There's a certain warmth to it. It's snugly and comforting, perfect for cold weather although personally I think that it also works in warmer temperatures, provided it's not too hot and humid.

The fragrance opens with a beautiful pine note. It's a little sharp and almost camphorous, something that I find very relaxing. There is none of that distracting citrus and floral combo that has become typical of most openings. Not that it's a bad thing; it's just refreshing to encounter something that deviates from the norm.

As the pine weaves its magic, hints of smokiness and sweetness bubble under—but not for long. Shortly after, the incense unfurls its gorgeously rich smokiness, swirling with a fruity sweetness and a tiny dose of spiciness. The smokiness is on the heavy side, at least initially, but I don't find it dark. I mean, it's a Christmas scent! How can it be dark?

Although with a different scent profile, it calls to mind Margiela's Replica By the Fireplace for some reason. I'm thinking it's the smokiness and the Christmas vibe they each project. Despite its linearity, Fille en Aiguilles is such a happy scent for me, one that's really worth sampling. However, while it can last from morning till early to mid-afternoon, it can only afford mere whispers for the most part. It's at its strongest for only about an hour and then it's a steep downhill tumble from there. It's probably my only gripe with this fragrance.