The Mariner's Rhyme, from Francesca Bianchi was released in 2024. The perfumer behind this creation is Francesca Bianchi. It has the top notes of Bergamot, Elemi, Grapefruit, and Lavender, middle notes of Iris, Orange Blossom, and Ozonic Notes, and base notes of Amber, Oakmoss, Olibanum (Frankincense), and Patchouli.
The Mariner’s Rhyme is perhaps the fragrance which detaches most from Francesca’s usual signature style, yet still retains her enigmatic charm deep within. This is an intensely marine and aquatic scent, with so much depth it feels like staring into the bottomless abyss of the ocean. Ambergris dominates, this provides the bulk of its characteristic salty and marine feel, elevated by the ozonic notes listed. Grapefruit lifts this into the sky with its bright and juicy facets, reminiscent of how the sun sparkles against the rushing waves of the sea. As it develops, the scent is then grounded and pulled back in by the dense thickness of orris, oakmoss and incense which perpetuates the idea of the dark ocean depths. It’s a fantastic creation. If you’re a lover of marine and aquatic fragrances this is a must try in my opinion. I’m conflicted whether or not I want a bottle as it’s not my usual style at all, and yet something keeps pulling me in. I imagine I’ll cave at some point and buy a 30ml.
It's definitely evocative of something to do with water, but it's not the sea, it's the changing rooms/toilets in a municipal swimming pool. I don't hate the perfume, but it's too close to the toilets for me to seriously consider wearing it.
The Mariner’s Rhyme is perhaps the fragrance which detaches most from Francesca’s usual signature style, yet still retains her enigmatic charm deep within. This is an intensely marine and aquatic scent, with so much depth it feels like staring into the bottomless abyss of the ocean. Ambergris dominates, this provides the bulk of its characteristic salty and marine feel, elevated by the ozonic notes listed. Grapefruit lifts this into the sky with its bright and juicy facets, reminiscent of how the sun sparkles against the rushing waves of the sea. As it develops, the scent is then grounded and pulled back in by the dense thickness of orris, oakmoss and incense which perpetuates the idea of the dark ocean depths. It’s a fantastic creation. If you’re a lover of marine and aquatic fragrances this is a must try in my opinion. I’m conflicted whether or not I want a bottle as it’s not my usual style at all, and yet something keeps pulling me in. I imagine I’ll cave at some point and buy a 30ml.