Is Fragrance World Ace a dupe of Maison Margiela By the Fireplace?
By the Fireplace EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| U | Gender | U |
| 2015 | Year | 2022 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Ace EDP
By the Fireplace and Ace are near-identical takes on a smoky, sweet, woody accord. The key difference lies in price and performance. By the Fireplace offers a more refined, nuanced blend and stronger projection, while Ace provides a similar experience at a fraction of the cost. However, Ace may require some maceration to reach its full potential and has weaker longevity. If budget is a concern, Ace is a great stand-in. If you want the original's superior quality and performance, By the Fireplace is the better choice.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want the original with better performance and refinement.
- You value a more complex and nuanced fragrance profile.
- You prefer proven longevity and projection.
- You don't mind paying more for a higher-quality scent.
- You want a budget-friendly alternative.
- You are happy to wait for it to mature.
- You want a very similar scent profile at a lower price.
- You prioritize affordability over longevity.
- You like to experiment with maceration.
A modern cult classic that captures the essence of crackling wood and toasted sweetness. Hugely comforting and atmospheric, By the Fireplace is an enveloping, smoky gourmand that balances nostalgia with sophistication.
This is your go-to for a cosy, woody vanilla vibe, delivering serious marshmallow-by-the-fire cosiness for a fraction of the price of its inspiration. Just be warned: it might need a good few months to truly 'brew' to its full potential, and don't expect it to last for ages.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
With its smoky, sweet, and warm balsamic tones, By the Fireplace thrives in cold weather, wrapping the wearer in a cozy aura. The heavy, woody and gourmand aspects can feel cloying in heat but shine in fall and especially winter.
Occasions
Its moderate projection and comforting, inviting profile suit dates and casual outings, while the smoky sweetness works for formal events with personality. The scent is too enveloping and gourmand for sport or high-activity scenarios, and may be too distinctive for conservative offices.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its warm, intimate, and sweet profile makes it perfect for date nights and casual autumn/winter wear. The moderate-to-weak performance and cosy scent mean it's less suited for formal events, sports, or a professional office environment where a more subtle or invigorating scent might be preferred.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Clove, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
By the Fireplace EDT
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International (3)
Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands. How import charges work
Ace EDP
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International (1)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work
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International (3)
Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands. How import charges work
International (1)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work