mb02
by Biehl Parfumkunstwerke

When we think about Mark Buxton what comes to mind is the tremendous work he did for Comme Des Garcons. His talent when composing trendsetter fragrances such as CDG2, CDG2Man, CDG Original Perfume or White was incredible and together with Bertrand Duchafour and Antoine Lie he collaborated to build the identity of one of the most innovative houses of the last couple of decades.

With that in mind, MB02 results a pleasant but not very inspired composition that while showing many of the Buxton's hallmarks, at the same time it's nowhere close to his better works. A transparent, moderately sweet, non-intrusive benzoin/violet concoction slightly enriched by subtle floral patterns. Smells nice, but it's overall forgettable.

6th January, 2012.

Slightly spicy floral from the carnation. I do get a bit of musk at the opening along with bergamot. Slightly green feel. Elegant. Good sillage.

21st April, 2010.

Upon first applying, I did not like it. Started off as a strange liquid soapy deal. That's all well in the past as the first five minutes is all just a hoax.

As this Mark Buxton ccreation slides into the basenotes, it reminds me of Dior Homme. Dior Homme is infamous (to me) for having an overdose of iris giving off a "mom's cosmetic bag" smell. Here, the iris is subdued just enough to be pleasant and let the other notes take over. It becomes a much better (longevity and projection wise) scent than say, Canali for Men which also shares the iris and spices accords.

A mix of light spices, florals and a citrus (which I think is what the top/beginning was so jumbled) dries into a great blend. Soft, woodsy, and calming. Light enough for the summer.

17th April, 2010.

mb02 is a lovely, if not fleeting, floral that smells very much like equal parts Apres L'Ondee and YSL Paris, with a nice dash of crushed pepper. Definitely worth exploring.

13rd May, 2009.

Mb 02 is another ethereal scent created by Mark Buxton for the biehl parfumkunstwerke line. Whereas mb01 is all floral gorgeousness, mb 02 is a little more sporty but still very elegant. Mb 02 has Mark Buxton’s trademark etherealness and is very much in keeping with his style of creating perfumes that stay close to the skin. From the top note I get lovely warm notes of bergamot and neroli which are charmingly leavened with violet. The violet then goes on to work very nicely with the fir balm to create a cheerful yet calming scent. I am not much of an iris fan but the small amount added is just enough to give the perfume gravity without launching a rooty “ashtray” accord that can sometimes accompany iris. In fact, mb 02 reminds me a bit of Armani Prive’s delicately exquisite iris masterpiece, Pierre de Lune.

However, the best comparison I can think of is that mb 02 is to mb 01, what Diorella is to Diorama. And those of you who know those Dior classics will know exactly what I mean. Well done, Mark Buxton!

Here are the notes of biehl parfumkunstwerke’s mb 02, courtesy of The Perfumed Court: violet, bergamot, tagetes, basil, carnation, violet, iris, labdanum, sandalwood, musk, fir balm, benzoe siam.

12nd August, 2008.