186 Decadence

No. 186 follows the same juicy plum-and-saffron opening that makes Marc Jacobs Decadence instantly recognisable, moving through a rose and jasmine heart towards a woody amber base. The rose-plum combination is well matched and gives the opening real richness, but the original's distinctive leather-and-liquor undertone, which sits beneath the fruit and rose, is largely absent here - this version stays more purely fruity-floral-amber rather than developing that boozy, slightly animalic depth. The amber and vetiver base is pleasant and warm but thinner and quicker to fade than Marc Jacobs' longer-lasting, syrupy finish. It works well as an evening scent for those who want the general plum-rose-amber family without the heavier, more polarising leather note, though fans of the original's full richness will notice the gap in complexity within the first hour.