Maison d’Etto is a line whose fascinating fragrance collection I’ve had the pleasure to try after winning a discovery set from the artistic perfumery magazine Cafleurebon.
It was launched in 2019 by Brianna Lipovsky, equestrienne, entrepreneur, and perfume lover who decided to start this luxury brand to bring together her passion for horses with that for scent.
Each artisanal, gender-neutral fragrance is named after a horse that deeply influenced Brianna’s life, reminding her of precious, loving instants. The overall brand was indeed inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, but also by creative freedom and the connection to one’s self and to nature. These inspirations are encapsulated by “Etto”, word that combines Ethics and Motto (created by writer and polo player Courtney Maum).
Maison d’Etto’s inspiring stories made my fragrant journey exciting and unique. The creations are not only crafted by highly talented perfumers using the most refined raw materials, but also offer an olfactory experience of moving beauty and innate class.
Macanudo
In this fragrance inspired by a polo pony with a beautiful shiny coat and playful demeanor, crisp and cool green notes are combined with dry, warm hay and sharp vetiver.
The blend recreates the olfactory experience of grass and damp soil as Macanudo gallops through the meadows on a dewy, sunny morning.
This is a masterful blend of contrasting effects: bright and dark, cool and warm, dry and damp. The vetiver seems to coat the jonquils to convey a sort of “crystal flower” effect, creating a luminosity that envelopes my skin for hours.
Notes: Fresh Grass, Bergamot (top); Hay, Jonquille, Wet Earth (heart); Hatian Vetiver, Tonka Bean (base)
Nose: McKenzie Reilly
Durban Jane
This fragrance was named and inspired by Durban Jane, a highly intelligent and trustworthy horse Brianna developed a strong, calming bond with.
A spicy opening unfolds into a comforting heart of delicate orange flowers, buttery orris, and warm resins. Later, the fragrance settles into a base of woods that interweave with almond-like ambrette.
Over time, the fragrance becomes sweeter, and also more intimate and enveloping on my skin; a soft suede glove, a cozy cashmere cape.
Notes: Pink Pepper, Ambrette (top); Orange Flower, Orris, Labdanum (heart); Cedarwood, Sandalwood (base)
Nose: Celine Barrel
Rotano
In this creation dedicated to an energetic, award-winning race horse, a bold and brazen opening quickly reveals an assertive leather accord that calls to mind saddles, reins, boots.
Earthy, mineral accents, perhaps brought by cypriol and myrrh, are revealed as the fragrance evolves, adding a “salty air” effect.
Over time, the leather softens into suede, which nicely blends with subtly smoked woods for a long lasting embrace.
Powerful, yet elegant and refined like the horse that carries its name, Rotano is my favorite creation from the line.
Notes: Cypriol, Halo Musk (top); Stallion Accord, Suede, Myrrh (heart); Olibanum, Cedarwood Heart (base)
Nose: Carlos Benaim
Karat EG
Karat Eg is named after a graceful, confident horse Brianna rode just once.
Defined by the brand as a modern chypre, the fragrance is centered on a clear and crystalline rose that delicately blooms on my skin soon after spraying.
Patchouli and carrot seeds add earthy and musky accents to the scent, while amber adds depth.
I envision this to be worn by an effortlessly chic person you might have met only once but you still formed an instant bond with; someone you don’t easily forget, just like Brianna couldn’t forget Karat EG.
Notes: Fresh Earth (top); Turkish Rose, Carrot Heart (heart); Patchouli Heart, Amber (base)
Nose: Carlos Benaim
Canaan
Canaan was a lively, charming, patient horse that always turned on Brianna’s competitive spirit.
The star of this fragrance is a sweet and creamy tuberose laced with earthy cardamom and piquant pimiento leaf. Neroli enlivens the composition cutting through its opulent heart like a ray of light.
The tuberose never predominates; it’s a little shy but still alluring, as it takes turns with the cardamom to show on my skin. The dry down is sweet, rich, round.
A smooth but spicy fragrance that perfectly reflects the passionate and resilient character of the horse it’s dedicated to.
Notes: Cardamom, Pimento Leaf (top); Tuberose Absolute, Neroli (heart); Woody Notes, Tonka, Oud (base)
Nose: Celine Barrel
Visit Maison d’Etto’s website here.
I reviewed each fragrance from a discovery set I won from Cafleurebon.
Photos: My own
Good one