Angel

Angel by Thierry Mugler is a truly iconic and groundbreaking fragrance, often credited with pioneering the "gourmand" fragrance category. Launched in 1992, it's a scent that evokes a sense of cosmic wonder and delicious indulgence, making it both polarizing and beloved.

Fragrance Family: Angel is an Oriental Vanilla (or Amber Vanilla) fragrance.

Key Olfactory Revelations and Notes:

Angel is known for its complex and unique composition, built around distinct olfactory facets. The original creation by perfumers Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chiris was revolutionary for its time.

• Top Notes: The opening is bright and invigorating, often described as the "celestial" or "airy" facet.

  • Bergamot: A radiant, tangy citrus that provides a fresh, almost uplifting sensation.

  • Mandarin Orange, Pineapple, Melon, Coconut: These fruits add a juicy, sweet, and somewhat tropical opening.

  • Cassis (Blackcurrant): Adds a slightly tart, dark berry nuance.

• Heart Notes: This is where the gourmand elements begin to take center stage, representing a "delicious" or "sensual" facet.

  • Cotton Candy: A signature sweet, airy, and sugary note that was innovative for its use in perfumery.

  • Honey: Adds a rich, syrupy sweetness.

  • Red Berries, Blackberry, Plum, Apricot: These fruits contribute to the luscious, jammy character.

  • Jasmine, Orchid, Rose, Lily-of-the-Valley: While not overtly floral in the traditional sense, these add a touch of sophisticated sweetness and complexity.

  • Nutmeg, Caraway: These spices add a subtle warmth and complexity.

• Base Notes: The foundation is deep, sensual, and enduring, representing the "sensual" or "earthy" facet.

  • Patchouli: This is arguably the most dominant note. It's not a clean, green patchouli, but rather an earthy, dark, and sometimes slightly smoky or mentholated version, which provides a grounding counterpoint to the sweetness.

  • Chocolate (often dark or bitter chocolate): Adds a rich, decadent, and comforting gourmand aroma.

  • Caramel: Contributes to the caramelized, sugary sweetness.

  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, creamy, and classic oriental sweetness.

  • Tonka Bean: Adds a vanillic, almond-like warmth.

  • Amber and Musk: These provide depth, sensuality, and longevity to the base.

Overall Impression: Angel is a powerful, sweet, and complex fragrance. It's a true statement scent that is known for its:

• Polarizing Nature: People tend to either love it or strongly dislike it. Its intense sweetness combined with earthy patchouli can be overwhelming for some.

• Exceptional Longevity and Sillage: Angel is renowned for lasting a very long time on the skin and projecting strongly, meaning a little goes a long way.

• Gourmand Pioneer: It redefined what a perfume could smell like, paving the way for many other sweet, edible-smelling fragrances.

• Cosmic/Celestial Theme: The name and the iconic star-shaped bottle (often in a celestial blue) evoke a sense of wonder and the fantastical.

The Iconic Bottle: The star-shaped bottle, designed by Manfred Thierry Mugler himself, is an artistic masterpiece and a trademark of the brand. It's designed to be a refillable talisman, reflecting Mugler's commitment to sustainability.

Variations: Over the years, Thierry Mugler (now simply Mugler) has released numerous flankers and variations of Angel, including:

• Angel Eau de Toilette: A lighter, fresher interpretation.

• Angel Nova: A more modern, fruity-floral take with raspberry and rose.

• Angel Elixir: A floral interpretation with white flowers.

• Angel Muse: A more modern gourmand with hazelnut cream and grapefruit.

Angel remains a significant fragrance in the perfume world, celebrated for its audacious originality and enduring impact.