Taklamakan is an intriguing dry, woody amber that splits opinion. Some find it a masterpiece of warmth and sophistication, while others are underwhelmed by its perceived performance or suggest it leans too close to existing designer scents. A real Marmite fragrance, but certainly worth trying if you're into unique resinous woods.

Anne Flipo's 2020 contribution to Van Cleef's Collection Extraordinaire: a sweet, creamy white-oud built around a date-and-almond opening, an incense-rose heart, and a vanilla-musk-oud drydown. Often called Oud Ispahan's polished cousin at a friendlier price point.