Marc Jacobs ‘Decadence’ Review

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the packaging for Marc Jacobs’ latest fragrance release ‘Decadence’ is eye catching. 

Totally over the top and in my opinion, really rather fabulous, the bottle is fashioned after one of Marc’s signature handbags. Not a first for perfumes (the handbag-bottle reminds me of an Anna Sui fragrance I owned as a teenager) but what is new is the oversized gold chain and tassel attached to the lid of the bottle, complete with a faux-snakeskin finish and a deep emerald-tone glass. The packaging screams glam, and the detail makes it look and feel like a real, miniature handbag…

I’m willing to bet a lot of you have noticed the ad campaigns, or spotted the bottle in the shops already. I was instantly intrigued as soon as I caught sight of the bottle and it’s emerald velvet box. The opulent packaging is reflected in the price point, starting at £49 for 30ml, it’s on the more expensive end of the perfume spectrum.

Like I said before, the packaging will definitely be a love hate thing… and I have to say, I think the fragrance itself will be the same.

As you would expect, it’s a powerful scent. A rich, woody fragrance with top notes of plum, iris and saffron, a floral heart of rose and jasmine and a rich amber and vetiver base. It’s one of those fragrances that some will find overpowering but others will love. The entire aesthetic of the fragrance reminds me of Thierry Mugler’s Angel or Paco Robanne’s Lady Million. None of these perfumes were designed to be subtle, they intend to make a statement. I personally like this scent for the evening and have been wearing it a lot recently. I’m a big fan of Amber and the floral notes are well-balanced enough not to be overpowering or sickly like some of the other Marc Jacobs fragrances (Daisy, I’m looking at you!) The staying power is good, I still notice this scent on my clothes at the end of the night which is my test for a good perfume.

Marc Jacobs Decadence is out now, in 30ml (£49) 50ml (£69) and 100ml (£96) sizes.