Moonlight Patchouli keeps it sensual and mysterious
For those who like their perfume with a side of intrigue
When you see an Alhambra pendant, you instantly know it’s from Van Cleef & Arpels. The four-leaf clover has become a quiet symbol of luck and sophistication, worn by those who love timeless elegance. But beyond the shimmer of its fine jewelry, the maison has another world worth discovering — one that’s bottled instead of bejeweled.
Back in 2009, Van Cleef & Arpels launched its Collection Extraordinaire, a line of haute fragrances built around a single precious ingredient. It’s their way of turning nature’s raw beauty into something poetic and collectible.
Among the standouts is Moonlight Patchouli, first released in 2016, a scent that plays with contrast — light and dark, soft and strong, earthy and floral. The opening feels luminous with a hint of bergamot and the spicy sparkle of pink peppercorn. Then the mood shifts as a bouquet of rose and iris blooms at the center, adding a powdery, almost vintage touch that feels like the scent of a favorite lipstick tucked in a suede clutch.
As it settles, the base turns deeper and more textured. That’s where the patchouli comes in. It’s rich, slightly boozy, and just a little mysterious blending beautifully with smooth suede to create a fragrance that feels like a second skin. It’s the kind of scent that lingers quietly, drawing people in without trying too hard.
Though it’s named after moonlight, this perfume isn’t just for evenings. It works just as beautifully on a cool, drizzly morning, wrapping around you like a soft suede jacket. It’s elegant but never too formal, and completely genderless.
Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or treating yourself, Moonlight Patchouli is one of those scents that speaks volumes about taste without saying a word. It’s mysterious, romantic, and perfectly polished.
Van Cleef & Arpels Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfum (75ml, P11,650) is available at Rustan’s and Rustans.com
