Or/18 A. N. Other
Fragrance Story
OR/18 by A. N. Other is a Oriental fragrance for women and men. OR/18 was launched in 2018. The nose behind this fragrance is David Apel. Top notes are Sugar, Lemon, Star Anise and Blood Orange; middle notes are cannabis, Night Blooming Jasmine and Myrrh; base notes are Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Driftwood.
Composition Profile
About the Perfumer
David Apel
David Apel is a senior perfumer at Givaudan with a background in chemistry and a career spanning over two decades. His style balances clean, modern structures with unexpected contrasts, often blending fresh and woody accords. Notable works include the crisp energy of Alfred Dunhill Driven and the serene floral balance of Banana Republic Morning Jasmine.
Fragrance Notes
Character Profile
The Alchemist Archetype: Portrait of Or/18 A. N. Other
Essence
This is the Alchemist archetype, a figure of transformation and hidden knowledge. They are a seeker of the extraordinary, blending the mundane with the mystical to create something entirely new. The fragrance mirrors this with its daring fusion of bright, sugary citrus and the dark, rebellious note of cannabis. The heart of Night Blooming Jasmine and Myrrh adds a sacred, nocturnal depth, while the base of Vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Driftwood grounds the creation in a warm, earthy wisdom. It is a potion of contradictions, perfectly balanced.
Style & Aesthetic
The Alchemist's style is eclectic and intentional, a curated chaos of textures and eras. They might pair a vintage velvet jacket with modern, clean-cut trousers, or wear a single, unusual piece of jewelry that sparks conversation. Their aesthetic is drawn to the occult, the botanical, and the industrial-think apothecary bottles, dried herbs, and raw metals. They are not concerned with trends but with the energy and story behind each object. Their presence is intriguing, a puzzle that invites closer inspection.
Philosophy & Values
The Alchemist values transformation, curiosity, and the pursuit of hidden truths. They believe that everything-a person, a situation, a raw ingredient-contains the potential for something greater. Their philosophy is one of constant experimentation and refinement. They are driven by a desire to understand the underlying principles of the world, to decode its mysteries, and to apply that knowledge to create beauty and meaning. Failure is just data, a step closer to the perfect formula.
Relationships
In relationships, the Alchemist is a catalyst. They are drawn to people who are complex, unconventional, and open to growth. They inspire change in others, often helping them see their own hidden potential. However, they can be elusive, needing space for their solitary experiments and inner work. They seek a partner who is a fellow explorer of the psyche, someone who understands that the deepest connections are forged in the crucible of shared discovery and mutual transformation.
Lifestyle
The Alchemist's life is a laboratory. Their home is filled with books on esoteric subjects, jars of dried botanicals, and a dedicated space for their craft-be it perfumery, painting, or writing. Their daily rituals are sacred: a morning meditation, the precise brewing of a rare tea, an evening walk to observe the moon. They are drawn to night markets, botanical gardens, and antique shops. Their life is a continuous process of distillation, seeking the essence of every experience.
Shadow
The Alchemist's shadow is the danger of obsession and detachment. Their relentless pursuit of transformation can lead them to become cold and analytical, treating people and emotions as mere ingredients to be manipulated. They may become so lost in their own inner world that they neglect the tangible needs of those around them. The shadow Alchemist can be manipulative, secretive, and emotionally unavailable, mistaking aloofness for depth. The fragrance's intoxicating, almost dangerous sweetness warns of this potential for imbalance.
Conclusion
Or/18 is the scent of the Alchemist at work. It is a complex, daring blend that defies easy categorization, much like the archetype itself. To wear it is to embrace the process of becoming, to find beauty in the strange, and to trust in the power of transformation. It is a fragrance for those who are not content with the surface, who seek to alchemize the ordinary into the extraordinary, and who understand that true magic lies in the blend.