widian
5 favourites
Few niche brands have managed to merge the rich perfume heritage of the United Arab Emirates with modern French perfumery as successfully as Widian. With its crossover approach, the brand has carved out a strong position in a narrow market and has become particularly appreciated by Gents’ customers. Selecting individual favourites is no easy task, but here are five standout creations.
Key Insights
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Widian is an exclusive perfume house that blends oriental and European influences into luxurious scent compositions with strong character.
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The article highlights five favourites from different collections – ranging from the subtly complex Black IV to the rich and aromatic Gold II Sahara.
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Each fragrance has its own personality, from elegant and discreet unisex styles to exotic spice and pronounced presence, making them suitable for various occasions and preferences.
WIDIAN BLACK IV PARFUM
Widian’s so-called “Black Collection” – numbered I–V – is the brand’s dark, soft series, consisting of unisex fragrances that are discreet and suitable for work, yet clearly different from much else on the market. The lower the number, the lighter and softer the character. The Black Collection also most clearly reflects the brand’s core idea: a journey along the Silk Road where East meets West.
Black I, the most minimal and restrained of the line, has become a classic, but here we highlight number four – Black IV – where the composition grows more complex, with fruity and spicy nuances. We have crossed the border from the Orient into Europe and arrived in a small village in southern France, with market stalls and aromas of plum, blackcurrant and floral bouquets, rounded off with touches of woods and leather. Still subtle and non-intrusive, yet ideal for those seeking personality and a bit more depth.
WIDIAN LIWA PARFUM
The deep red “Velvet Collection” consists of three fragrances with aromatic, spicy and oriental character, where the incense so typical of the Arab world begins to make a clear imprint on the brand’s DNA. The floral Delma stands apart from the other two, but the spiciest is undoubtedly the popular Liwa, named after a famous oasis surrounded by date palms and flowering plants, bathed in incense, spicy saffron and vetiver. An exotic creation by perfumer José Fernandez, appreciated by both men and women.
WIDIAN GOLD II SAHARA PARFUM
In the luxurious Gold II Sahara (previously simply called Gold II), the precious spice saffron takes centre stage. Together with its more animalic counterpart Al Wasl, it is likely the brand’s most oriental fragrance, with a distinctly Arabian character. Complex balancing elements such as orange blossom, orange and rose are present, yet it is undeniably the dry, spicy facets of saffron and the resin elemi that dominate. Despite this, the scent remains soft and inviting enough to be worn even on a warm summer day without becoming heavy or cloying – arguably one of the most versatile saffron fragrances available today.
WIDIAN LONDON PARFUM
We then arrive at what has become Widian’s flagship fragrance – the evening scent from the blue Sapphire Collection, named after the city of London. Its companion New York also deserves attention, but what makes London so unique and beloved by both men and women is its brilliant fusion of smoky cypress, leather, musk and fruit. Notes evoke images of a Chesterfield armchair, cigarette smoke and raspberry, with a subtle hint of anise in the background. Wear this characterful powerhouse for a party or night out – performance is not to be underestimated (one spray is enough!) – and you are guaranteed to turn heads, in the best possible way. An urban fragrance to challenge the nightlife and a true pleasure to wear.
rose arabia – ginger
Ginger is a fragrance from Widian’s Rose Arabia collection that immediately feels clean and refreshing. It opens with sparkling notes of ginger, lemon and bergamot, balanced by paradisone. The heart develops into a soft floral accord with magnolia, violet and hedione, before resting on woody notes of sandalwood and patchouli. The result is a mature fragrance with freshness and elegance – perfect for those seeking a balanced yet distinctive presence.
