Myriad's Enigma: A Deep Dive into Louis Vuitton's Ode to the Centifolia Rose
Unveiling the Luxurious Tapestry of Oud and Rose in a Modern Masterpiece
Louis Vuitton's deliberate and highly successful re-entry into high perfumery in 2016, under the masterful hand of Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, marked a significant moment for the luxury conglomerate. For decades, the esteemed Maison had largely confined its olfactory expressions to a select few, but the contemporary era demanded a more expansive and refined statement. Myriad, launched in 2024, represents a pivotal evolution within this renewed commitment, further solidifying Louis Vuitton's position not merely as a fashion house, but as a formidable force in haute parfumerie, where artistry and exceptional raw materials converge. This latest Extrait de Parfum arrives as a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of olfactory excellence, building upon a legacy of innovation and exquisite craftsmanship.
Positioned at the apex of Louis Vuitton's fragrance offerings, Myriad distinguishes itself within a highly competitive luxury market segment. It exists alongside revered creations such as Ombre Nomade and Les Sables Roses, yet it carves its own distinct niche by focusing on a nuanced interpretation of the timeless oud-rose accord. Unlike many of its contemporaries that often lean into a singular, pronounced narrative, Myriad presents a more kaleidoscopic vision, a "myriad" of facets that reveal themselves with graceful deliberation. This positioning appeals to the discerning connoisseur who seeks not merely a scent, but an olfactory journey, an exclusive experience reserved for those who appreciate the subtle complexities and profound depths of truly exceptional perfumery.
The conceptual genesis of Myriad lies in a profound reverence for the Centifolia rose, often hailed as the "rose of a hundred petals" and a jewel of Grasse. Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, with his intimate knowledge of the region's flora, sought to capture the multifaceted character of this iconic bloom, elevating it beyond traditional interpretations. The inspiration extends to the historical Silk Road, where precious ingredients like saffron and oud were traded, suggesting a journey of discovery and the harmonious interplay of East and West. By integrating the rare Oud Assam, a material renowned for its intricate woody-animalic nuances, alongside the warm embrace of cocoa and the subtle sophistication of ambrette, Myriad transcends a simple floral-woody composition, blossoming into a rich narrative of contrasts and harmonies.
While a relatively recent debut, Myriad has already begun to cultivate a formidable reputation within the exclusive circles of fragrance aficionados. Its arrival was met with considerable anticipation, given Louis Vuitton's consistent delivery of high-quality, impactful scents. Early impressions commend its masterful blending, the exquisite quality of its raw materials, and its remarkable longevity, characteristic of an Extrait de Parfum. It is swiftly being recognized as a sophisticated, elegant, and deeply resonant fragrance that redefines the oud-rose genre, moving beyond the often-heavy or overtly medicinal renditions to offer a more refined, captivating, and utterly luxurious experience. Its cultural impact is steadily growing, setting a new benchmark for opulent floral-woody compositions in contemporary luxury perfumery.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, a scion of Grasse perfumery, whose lineage traces back five generations of perfumers. Born and raised amidst the jasmine and rose fields, his innate understanding of natural raw materials is unparalleled. Before joining Louis Vuitton as its in-house Master Perfumer in 2012, he composed an impressive portfolio of iconic fragrances for various houses, including L'Eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, and Dior Addict. His tenure at Louis Vuitton has been marked by a consistent creation of sophisticated, evocative scents that resonate deeply with the brand's identity, such as Ombre Nomade, Imagination, and Spell On You.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial impression of Myriad is a luminous, almost crystalline burst of saffron, immediately intertwined with the vibrant, fresh facets of Centifolia Rose. This is not the jammy, heavy rose, but rather a dewy, slightly green, and utterly natural rendition, as if one has just crushed a hundred petals between their fingers. The saffron imparts a silken, subtly spicy warmth, setting a sophisticated prelude without overwhelming the delicate floral heart.
As the initial freshness begins to settle, the profound depth of the Centifolia Rose Absolute emerges, richer and more velvety, seamlessly blending with the majestic, complex character of Oud Assam. This oud is not aggressively animalic or medicinal; instead, it is finely polished, woody, and slightly smoky, providing a dark, luxurious backdrop to the rose. A surprising and utterly captivating note of cocoa then surfaces, offering a dry, unsweetened gourmand nuance that adds an intriguing, almost bitter-chocolatey depth, preventing the composition from becoming overtly floral or traditionally oriental.
The true mastery of Myriad reveals itself in its languid drydown. The oud and rose remain, having softened into a harmonious, inseparable embrace, their edges blurred by the creamy, sophisticated warmth of ambrette (musk mallow). This note imparts a subtle, clean muskiness with a hint of powdery sweetness, reminiscent of warm skin. The white musks further enhance this ethereal softness, creating a long-lasting, intimate aura that is both comforting and endlessly alluring, leaving a refined, elegant whisper on the skin for many hours.
Performance Dashboard
As an Extrait de Parfum, Myriad exhibits exceptional longevity, often persisting for 10-12 hours on skin and considerably longer on fabric, a testament to its high concentration of precious oils.
The projection is robust yet refined; it creates a noticeable, luxurious bubble around the wearer for the initial 3-4 hours, gradually softening to a more intimate but still perceptible aura.
Myriad leaves a beautiful, elegant sillage that is both distinctive and well-controlled. It is a scent that announces one's presence with grace, leaving a sophisticated trail without being overwhelming or intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Myriad frequently garners significant compliments, particularly from those who appreciate refined and distinctive scents. Its unique balance of rose and oud, softened by cocoa and musk, makes it universally appealing without being common. One often receives inquiries about the captivating aroma.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exquisitely blended, harmonious oud-rose composition
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and refined sillage
- ✅ High-quality, natural-smelling raw materials
- ✅ Sophisticated and elegant, suitable for grand occasions
- ✅ Unique interpretation of a classic genre, with intriguing cocoa nuance
- ✅ Versatile enough for both men and women who appreciate depth
- ❌ The premium price point may be prohibitive for some
- ❌ Oud can be a polarizing note for untrained noses
- ❌ Not an everyday casual scent for everyone
- ❌ Limited availability to Louis Vuitton boutiques and online store
Price & Value
“For the discerning individual who seeks unparalleled quality, artistic complexity, and exceptional performance in an oud-rose fragrance, Myriad represents a justifiable investment. Its exquisite craftsmanship and use of rare materials elevate it beyond mere scent to a veritable olfactory jewel, offering significant value to the true connoisseur.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a recent launch (2024), there are currently no known batch variations or reformulations reported for Louis Vuitton Myriad. One can expect consistent quality across current productions.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Individuals aged 30 and above
- Those who appreciate complex, sophisticated rose and oud compositions
- Connoisseurs of high perfumery
- Confident and discerning personalities
- Individuals seeking a signature scent for formal or evening wear
- Those who value exceptional quality and exclusivity
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Younger audiences seeking overtly sweet or fresh fragrances
- Individuals sensitive to strong woody or animalic nuances
- Everyday casual wear in warm climates
- Those on a strict budget for fragrances
The Family
Another celebrated oud-centric Extrait in the collection, renowned for its intense, smoky character.
A more direct oud-rose comparison within the brand's high-end line, featuring a brighter, spicier rose.
A sophisticated woody-patchouli offering with a dark, mysterious allure, sharing the same luxury concentration.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a prominent oud-rose core, though Myriad is often perceived as smoother and less animalic, with a distinct cocoa nuance.
A benchmark for opulent rose fragrances, offering a similar grandiosity but with more spice and patchouli, whereas Myriad introduces oud and cocoa as central players.
For its high-quality, authentic oud and rose composition, though 'The Night' leans far more intensely animalic and raw, making Myriad a more approachable luxury.
While different in overall profile due to the citrus, the underlying robust oud-rose DNA can resonate with those who enjoy the strength and character of Myriad's core.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited for its strong oud-rose profile with a sweet, spicy edge, offering a similar opulent vibe at a fraction of the cost.
Provides a dark, resinous oud and rose experience with a touch of sweetness, appealing to those who enjoy the depth of Myriad.
While primarily known as a Creed Aventus alternative, some users find its intense, dark, and woody-spicy facets with hints of rose offer a similar heavy, luxurious presence.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its rich, velvety rose and oud interpretation, exuding similar luxury and depth.
While different in notes, the audacious elegance, animalic warmth, and masterful blending appeal to those who appreciate Myriad's complexity and boldness.
Another sophisticated oud-rose blend with a prominent woody and resinous character, offering a similar refined oriental experience.
For its soft, luxurious, and subtly sweet leathery-vanillic warmth, appealing to those who seek opulent and enveloping scents.
More from Louis Vuitton
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A light spritz of a pure vanilla extrait to enhance its gourmand facets and add a creamy sweetness.
- A sheer amber or frankincense oil to deepen its resinous warmth and mystical aura.
- A minimalist white musk enhancer to amplify its clean, sophisticated drydown and extend longevity.
🏆 Final Verdict
Louis Vuitton Myriad is not merely a fragrance; it is an olfactory masterpiece, a profound declaration of artistry in the realm of haute parfumerie. For those who seek to transcend the ephemeral and embrace the truly enduring, this Extrait de Parfum offers an experience unlike any other. Its exquisite construction, spearheaded by the venerable Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, showcases a Centifolia rose of unparalleled beauty, intertwined with an oud that is both commanding and utterly refined, never overwhelming. The intriguing whisper of cocoa and the serene embrace of ambrette elevate Myriad beyond a traditional oud-rose, crafting a narrative of sophisticated contrasts and harmonious depth.
Purchasing Myriad is an investment in an exclusive sensory journey, a commitment to a scent that speaks volumes of one's discerning taste and appreciation for the finest raw materials. Its exceptional longevity ensures that its luxurious presence lingers gracefully, making every application a lasting impression. This is a fragrance for moments of significance, for individuals who command attention with an understated elegance, and for those who understand that true luxury lies in the intricate details and the profound emotions a scent can evoke. Myriad is an invitation to adorn oneself with a tapestry of precious essences, a testament to Louis Vuitton's unwavering dedication to crafting dreams into tangible, fragrant realities. It is, unequivocally, a cherished addition to any serious collection.