An Interview with Dom De Vetta of Shay & Blue: Oud Alif (YouTube) Perfume Review + Moriarty In Marylebone Draw

shay & blue  oud alif

Oud Alif by Shay & Blue

Among my favourite discoveries of 2013 were the "richly decadent" perfumes of Shay & Blue. The Company was created by former VP of Chanel and global GM of Jo Malone, Dom de Vetta who after 22 years as an industry veteran "woke up and, as if out of nowhere, had an overwhelmingly strong vision to create a new perfume house that would marry great classic fragrance constructions with a contemporary modernity." I learned about Dom de Vetta and his collaboration with perfumer Julie Massé in his article for CaFleureBon's Creative Directors in Perfumery series.  We met in Shay & Blue's London Boutique located at 80 York Street, Old Marylebone, late last year.

jim moriarty sherlock holmes  sexy villain

James Moriarty (Andrew Scott) of BBC Sherlock Holmes

It was there that I discovered Oud Alif, a smouldering and greedy creation which rather than feeling like another mandatory disjointed expedition into the Middle East, takes  the classic idea of "English Gent"  into an unexpected and dark direction; think Jim Moriarty of Sherlock Holmes rather than Mr. Bates of  Downton Abbey. If you recall, I gave Oud Alif a Best Of Scent Award, as one of CaFleurebon Editors Contributors Top Ten Fragrances of 2013.

Alex Law, Contributor (MastersofStyle on Youtube)

Thanks to Dom De Vetta we have a worldwide draw for 100ml of Oud AlifTo be eligible to win, please leave a comment with what you found interesting about Alex's video review of Oud Alif and  brief tour inside Shay & Blue's boutique with Dom De Vetta. Please state the country you live in. Draw closes January 23, 2014.

For extra credit, for those who watch Sherlock Holmes and Downton Abbey, which character's fragrance would you want to wear? Moriarty or Mr. Bates?

 

Editor's Note:  For More on Dom De Vetta and Shay & Blue's perfume watch his YouTube Video here

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook Page Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

 

 

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88 comments

  • First of all I found the description of the scent very intriguing. The notes of the scent sound really amazing and the fact that its a concentrated version makes me dreaming about it! Its also very interestingf that they craft all their fragrances by hand and they hand mature the blends in vats for three months!

    I live in Germany!

  • Courtney Warren says:

    I love the way that he describes the scent and says that scenes from the devils advocate, in a perfume, would smell like Oud Alif.
    I am in the US!
    Thank you so much for such an awesome opportunity!

  • I found it interesting that the buttoned-up, bowtied Mr. de Vetta is the force behind this perfume! Piques my interest in the rest of the range. I also love how they’ve paid obvious attention to quality in the brand, from ingredients, to talent, to process, to packaging. Impressive! Thanks for the draw!

  • “dark chocolate whiskey liqueurs”.. sounds excellent! I can’t wait to try it. Interesting video with alluring description.
    I choose Moriarty) Perfume should be somber and risky in this case and i like it.
    From Russia with hope.

  • Once again MastersofStyle comes with another brilliant description of a fragrance. Would really love to obtain such a masterpiece! I am in the USA and this would be a real treat! Thank you for this great opportunity!

  • Dry, raw, bittersweet chocolate, Indian oud and leather. I love the description of the notes. And I’m intrigued by the idea of this as a sinister fragrance. It sounds stunning. I’m in the US.

  • Deniz Yildirim says:

    Your descriptions are very metaphorical, detailed and precise. Keep up the good work! Hope to try out this fragrance if I win. Cheers from London.

  • Interesting house…The attention to detail and care in craft makes me want the entire line. The Oud sounds foreboding and rich.

  • I like how the perfumes mature like a fine liquor before they’re bottled. I would definitely wear Moriarty’s fragrance! I’m in the US.

  • I really enjoyed his description of Shay & Blue’s approach to perfumery, comparing it to architecture, making classics more inviting. Even though I’d hate to admit it, I’d wear Moriarty’s fragrance =P

  • Andrew Mc Hardy says:

    I have to say i have been completely uninspired in 2013 with fragrance launches, i am Starting a Blog this year as i keep saying year after year i would, i would like to think my Blog will Be more dynamic and deep focusing on decadance and luxury with real grit and meaning, alexs videos are Inspirational for me. As for shay and blue the Store reminds me of Regal times When formulas such as 4711were made for royalty, with real care, unlike mass market of today

  • Alex’s review of ‘Oud Alif’ was fantastic! The notes he described seemed to take me away with a imaginary idea of what this fragrance could have to offer fragrance wise. The combination of agarwood (oud), dark chocolate, leather, saffron and patchouli give me sense of warmth,creaminess and muturity that might not be found in other fragrances. Having tried most of the notes listed in other fragrances, my mind tries to picture the possibilities of situations and circumstances that this fragrance could be worn in. The fact that this fragrance is for women and men opens the doors and windows to so many more special occasions that can be shared with this fragrance! My nose eagerly awaits what “Oud Alif” has to offer.

    I enjoy Mr. Bates because initially he is poorly treated by most of the staff due to the fact that he uses a cane (he was injured in the Boer War). Thomas Barrow and Sarah O’Brien make several attempts to get rid of him. Despite this, he is eventually able to earn the respect of much of the staff, such as Anna Smith and Mr Carson, who are impressed by his morals and work ethic, despite his disability. I always root for the under dog!

  • Marcopietro says:

    Great rewiew! The description is so evocative and it makes palpable the consistency of the fragrance. It sounds excellent!
    I need to learn more about this brand.
    I live in Italy.

  • Will Liapis says:

    The notes of oud, cocoa, leather, saffron and patchouli make this seem like it will be a beast of a fragrance. I’ve never heard of this house and I am interested in exploring their offerings. As per usual, Alex’s review offered wonderful insight into the workings of the house and what to expect from this fragrance.

    I live in the US

  • Those are some deep, rich notes. Perfect for languishing, astonishing and luring in. As in the Wolf of Wall Street reference, a fine fragrant representation of the Wall Street Culture. Would love to get a chance to dress my skin in this!

    Live in London

  • I found his description of the opening notes of the perfume very tempting! Dark chocolate and oud and saffron? That sounds amazing to me 🙂 I am in the US.

  • Alex’s reviews are always interesting! He sures knows how to turn a phrase; his descriptiveness is breathtaking.The contrast between Oud Alif’s description and the buttoned up look of the creator, bottle, and shop is quite interesting.

    Extra credit: I’d prefer to wear Moriarity’s fragrance. He’d be more adventurous but also be able to afford whatever he wants (ever the realist I am, even in idle musings). In the US. . .

  • Lawton Jeffcoat says:

    I was intrigued by the overall description of this dark mysterious oud and chocolate scent. I tend to be drawn towards darker essences and he mentioned smaug as a reference. His take on the perfume projects it to be a deep dark masculine sophisticated ensemble.

    He also introduced me to this whole new line. Via the video.

    Very good review I must say.

    I’m located in Florida/USA. And I would say Mr Bates would be my choice.

  • Oud and dark chocolate? umm, that sounds interesting! I like also the fact that they craft all their fragrances by hand. I’m in Spain.

  • I like Alex’s reviews in general, they are great. The manner he describes notes of Oud Alif, scent and the way you can feel while wearing this scent is unique (eg. you can wear a fragrance that makes you feel like a cross between Smaug and a golden gecko).
    I live in the US.
    And Moriarty, definitely Moriarty.

  • I love how they put great care into all their fragrance by taking the time to hand create them and letting them mature/age in vats for 3 months. I also love the bottles and the packaging details with the dome like bottles and striped ribboned bows. I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • The chocolate scotch description sounds delicious! I really liked how the described the architecture of the blend and showed some fun buildings that reflected it in a more physical sense. I also liked hearing from the perfumer himself.

    I live in the US

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    I love the idea of chocolate adding a creamy aspect to oud. And I love Dom’s bowtie. 🙂 I’m in the US, thank you Dom!

  • I agree that oud can become a little crude or really bitter like some of the Chinese herbal medicines I used to take as a child. Your description in the video, however, makes me think that this will be different!

    I live in the US. Thanks for the generous draw!

  • Wow The Video is marvellous! And how not to fall in love with these creations! Sold its soul to the devil?Great concept. The explanation of Contemporary modernity is what I love about this review. Also love the whole review! Thank you . and Moriaty is what I’d chose as well.. I’m in NewZealand

  • I always enjoy Alex reviews, and the combo of chocolate with oud sounds fantastic! And I would definitely wear whatever Moriarty wears, love that show! Thanks for another great review and article. I live in the US

  • By far, the most intriguing part was the statement regarding Oud Alif’s notes being “complementary rather than contrasting” whilst also dabbling in the realms of mysticism and corporate, this could be the ultimate fragrance (in my opinion and if pulled off properly). I am very keen to try it. I am based in the UK,
    p.s.- Moriarty is the one.

  • Shay and Blues are awesome in every single way. The video show just how much thought and care go into every fragrance they create. Now I love them even more. This fragrance sounds like a must have in my book. I love the dark fragrances and this sounds like no exception. I would love to win this one no doubt. Great partner for my Blood Oranges and Sicilian Limes. I’m in the USA.
    I would like to wear the fragrance of Thomas Barrow. Though he is twisted, I bet he has some great demanding fragrances.

  • The best part about Alex’s video was the way he described the fragrance; Faustian. How could you not be intrigued by his delivery? I love Les Exclusifs de Chanel Coromandel and since Dom de Vetta was one of two people behind Exclusifs, Oud Alif has to be as good as Alex has described it.

    I would definitely choose Moriarty’s scent. A lot of artisans have their own interpretations of what it might be, but it is always dark, dangerous, and mysterious.

    Please consider me for this giveaway. I am in the United States.

  • I love the company’s approach to perfumery – their choice of raw materials and the care they put into making the perfumes. Really interesting video. Thanks for making the video Alex!

    I definitely would love to wear Moriarty’s perfume. Something about An evil genius is alluring.

    Thanks for the draw. I’m in Canada.

  • I don’t believe fragrance can be sinister, but it can perhaps put you in touch with a bit of a sinister feeling……..and I like dark and some what scary scents. That makes me a Moriarty I guess. I’m in the US.

  • A fragrance that’s like a pact with the devil? Sign me up? I loved the peek into the shop: It looks like the inside of a Dutch genre painting — Van Eyck, perhaps, or Vermeer! What’s funny is that I quite literally was just finishing a square of 85% dark chocolate right as I hit the “play” arrow on Alex’s video! (I do so enjoy your video reviews, Alex — they’re so packed with life and information!) I like Bates, but I suspect I’m more of a Moriarty at heart. I live in the U.S. and am an oud lover who’s very, very excited to visit Shay & Blue in person!

  • Tylerr Mitchell says:

    Its like into an all new world never seen before, never seeing much as a kid just made the video so much more captivating.

  • I liked the description of the fragrance as a liqueur filled dark chocolate. Grabs the attention. I also like that Shay and Blue take the time to mature their scents.
    I don’t think there’s even a shadow of doubt when picking between smelling like Bates or Moriarty. Moriarty of course!
    I’m in Cyprus,
    ty

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    i was of the opinion that Shay & Blue goes for classic and relatively cleaner themes and from the video description, Oud Alif is probably their first dark and evil fragrance. I am from the US

  • A decadent oud with chocolate liqueur that sold itself to the devil. Oh my! I love the reference to Smaug and Gordon Gekko too and Al Pacino was brilliant in devils advocate. I am trying to associate him with oud alif rather than fleurs de rocaille in scent of a woman I am quite the fan of Sherlock Holmes and I much would rather smell moriarty than me bates. I really adore the bottles and the bright blue boxes.
    USA

  • Well aged scotch with chocolate. Yes! Sounds delicious. I would love to smell this on my husband. I am in the U.S. and thanks for the opportunity to win this devilish scent.s

  • USA
    I have seen S1 of both, have to say Moriarty probably smells much more appealing to me!

    My favorite part is Alex Law’s description of intense unsweet chocolate enrobing the naked, potentially raunchy oud. Also saffron makes everything better.
    And “borderline Faustian”

  • I might just have to sell my soul to the Devil…Ha ha! Just kidding folks.
    This sounds excellent. What a nice store. Such thought into the fragrances and presentation. I have yet to try Shay & Blue but it seems I must at some point.
    My character fragrance would be Dr. John Watson. Probably a Creed guy,

  • What a fantastic draw! I love the comparison of this fragrance with The Devil’s Advocate film. I’ve yet to try this line of fragrances and am unsure of their availability in the USA, but will certain look for them. I reside in the USA.
    Thank you….

  • I’m in the US. I would love to win a bottle of this the description in the review sounds right up my alley.

  • Alex is always interesting to listen to 🙂 because I like the way he describes things. He finds similarities between perfumes and characters like with Oud Alif and “the devil’s advocate … Al Patsino…. Jim Moriarty as Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Bates of Downton Abbey in order to best describe the dark nature of this perfume..
    I also loved the store the packaging and the bottles design. The perfume sounds very intriguing to smell on a man’s skin. I live in Greece.

  • From the USA
    How captivating the description of this powerful scent~~~you had me at ” bitter chocolate ” !
    Definately one to be worn by Moriarty, or my husband, for that matter…A man who is sexy and tenacious!
    Shay&Blue, your elegant store and packaging gives honor and decorum to your well thought out creations .
    Bravo!

  • Throwing in the Al Pacino role was enough for me to interested.
    I would wear a Moriarity perfume 🙂
    USA

  • Oud, dark chocolate, leather and saffron? That’s what sounded the most interesting to me in the video review. Nice branding, too. Thanks for the draw — I’m in Belgium.

  • “Mixing mysticism with corporate power”

    One very inventive metaphor from Masters of style.

    My country is U.A.E.

  • As usual I love the evocation of all those enigmatic villains in our shared cinematic culture! I will never forget Al Pacino in those snakeskin ‘shoes’ for that role, lol!

    I live in South Africa

  • This reminds me of Christopher Marlowe’s “Faustus” – ambitious, devious, and playing with powerful forces, just like his play’s main character.

    Love it.

    I could picture Gary Oldman pitching this scent.

  • European decadence got my attentions, immediately…
    Shay and Blue I have heard good things about, great to get a bit more insight. Great video, Alex. I am in the US

  • I’m in the USofA. When he said the bottle was like capturing the cinematography of Devil’s Advocate – THAT got my attention. How often does one hear scents being translated into films (say… that’s a great concept in itself.)

  • I quite enjoyed how he described chocolate. I usually don’t like choclate in perfumes but this sounds intriguing.

    LIve in the USA

  • Live in the United States. I liked how he described their approach to perfumery and such. Really cool house. Would love to check them out soon.

  • Alex has quite the way with words. Love how he describes perfumes.

    :). Live in the US. thanks for the drawing

  • I liked how Alex described how chocolate and oud work together. I had never thought it would work that well. But simply awesome.

  • Nice review once again Keep up the excellent work Alex! Was surprised by your interpretation and linkage to cinematography, sure it made interesting for me. Usually, my own interpretation are that of work of art, rather than specific characters. Oud is becoming one of my favorite notes but only if blended properly.

    USA

  • I live in the United States. USA! USA! USA!

    love the olympics and this perfume gets me in the mood!

  • Oud is getting a bit old for me. It’s just everywhere and has a sort of cloying mature. but I really look forward to checking out Shay and Blue

  • I live in the USA. I find Alex’s reviews all to be so polished and chock full of amazing information. He really knows perfume. I loved his comparison of the perfume to that of Faust and the film references that really put the perfume in a very relatable and particular spotlight for me.

  • Never heard of shay & blue so thanks to Alex for his introduction to this new brand for me. I love when brands and designers pay close attention to everything from the bottle’s design to the boutique itself. As Alex mentioned from paint on the walls to the pretty striped ribbons, the boutique allures richness and luxury.
    I was sold when he described the perfume as “Eurpeon decadance.”
    I enjoy oud fragrances there is always something new to discover with oud in anything.
    USA
    Thanks

  • I have been on a mission to try Oud Alif so this is WONDERFUL!! I always love how Alex describes things and the chocolate/oud combination is perfect for me.Moriarty all the way 🙂 I am in the U.S. Thank You for the chance to win something that I have been wanting so very much 🙂

  • I absolutely love Shay and Blue! I have Suffolk Lavender and Attropa Belladona and they are amazing on me! I love their boutique too, have been there and it is absolutely gorgeous as it is described in Alex’s video!

  • Nyal Dillimore says:

    I’m going to try one last time… Again apologies…
    Where to start… Lol first of all I have been desperately wanting to add an oud scent to my collection, the saffron will be a welcome bonus:)) I also like a saffron scent too 🙂
    Back to the review, I found it interesting that your scents are hand made and then matured for 3 months… Aged like a fine liquor, fascinating… How does this process effect the final product? Also, thought it was funny Dom had subtitles for his comments just because I found Alex’s accent hard to follow… Lol I loved his description of Oud Alif, it was informative and entertaining;) I love the colour of the bottle also, I think black bottles
    symbolise mystery and are very intriguing… I have no black bottles in my collection either… I would like to see the hue of the juice too, I can imagine it will be dark, forboding… Correct me if I’m wrong lol The fragrance itself? I imagine pure decadence:))

  • I like both videos – first mostly for seeing details of fragrance boutique in London, I like that simple interier a lot, plus simplicity in bottles, boxes, color schemes… – and then I like how Dom de Vetta introduces while line. I am pretty sure that Oud Alif is interesting scent – and combination of chocolate with out is something what I miss in my perfume wardrobe. Thank for draw! I am in Europe (Slovakia)

  • I liked hearing about the comparison between the fragrance and Devils Advocate! I also feel Mr Bates would have the better fragrance!

    I’m in Canada.