Monarch
A floral of red berries and black tea, rose and jasmine, with oud, leather and resins beneath, inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Monarch is inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The brand describes its composition in terms of aloofness, strength and quiet power, and links that mood to Boadicea, the Iceni queen who challenged Roman rule after her husband's death.
The top pairs bergamot, red berries and grapefruit with black tea, artemisia and cypress, so ripe, tart fruit meets a dry, slightly bitter green edge. In the heart, heady rose and jasmine sit beside the lighter, peppery feel of freesia and the creamy smoothness of lily of the valley, which the brand identifies as the late Queen's favourite flower. Pink pepper, cardamom and cinnamon keep the bouquet crisp rather than sugary.
The base gathers cedarwood, leather, vanilla, tonka bean, incense, labdanum, patchouli, oakmoss and Cambodian oud. Resin and wood give warmth, while earthy patchouli and supple leather add texture. The brand describes Monarch as wearing close to the skin, giving the full floral a restrained outline alongside the leather and resins.
