Under The Stars is yet another boring and unimaginative fragrance from Margiela (surprise surprise), but I can see they tried to take a small step outside the box. Yes it smells like leather, but it’s obnoxiously peppery to the point it’s bordering unpleasant. The leather itself is the most prominent note, being fairly smooth and dry with a strong masculine appeal. However, the overly synthetic oud accord doesn’t add much value I find, combine that with an overdose of black pepper and you’re left with something quite messy. Sure it’s pleasant enough, it’s alright at best. But for the prices Margiela is asking for these days, absolutely not. I’m not the biggest fan of this house anyway but there are far better offerings from them.
Night time in the desert. You're crouched in front of a burning fire, wrapped in a goatskin blanket, drinking coffee. A camel has just taken a dump alongside you but you have an allergy to camels and it has dulled your sense of smell.
Agreeable, mildly woody, mildly leathery, mildy spiced scent that wafts away pleasantly in the background without being either offensive or intoxicating. There's a note of oud, artificial, I'm certain, but a closer approximation of the real thing than a lot of artificial ouds on offer. There are much worse offerings in this style out there, but much better too. I'll happily use up the little sample bottle I have, then will probably never think of it again.