Maison Margiela: Soul of the Forest
Part of the Maison Margiela Replica collection, Soul of the Forest is a scent that lives up to its name. This isn’t a cartoon forest of pine and campfires it is something lusher, deeper, and more serene. Earthy but clean, resinous yet still fresh, it brings to mind quiet, shadowy spaces where moss creeps over bark and light filters in green.
Projection: Soft to moderate.
It wears close, like damp earth underfoot, present, but not overpowering.
Longevity: 6–7 hours.
The scent remains relatively linear, with subtle shifts from green brightness to a warmer, spiced base.
The Notes
Top: Blackcurrant buds, pimento leaves, green notes
Heart: Balsam fir, maple sap, Atlas cedar
Base: Incense, patchouli, labdanum
The opening is brisk and green with a rush of herbaceous notes, damp moss, and forest air. There’s a distinct cedarwood note that gives structure from the outset, dry and aromatic, but softened by something almost balsamic.
As it develops, Soul of the Forest reveals its fruitier side. A quiet thread of dark berries adds contrast to the woods, giving the scent a soft brightness that keeps it from leaning too dry.
The incense note weaves in slowly grounding the composition with a spiritual, meditative feel.
It’s a subtle scent, which for some may feel underwhelming. If you’re used to bold statements or sweet, loud compositions, this may read as too gentle, a background hum rather than a lead melody. The incense and berry elements never fully bloom, which might leave fans of richer woods or deeper resins wanting more.
Who is this for?
This is for nature-lovers and those who want to smell like they’ve stepped out of a green sanctuary. Clean, grounded, and just a little wild. For those who crave the scent of forest air, dappled light, and resin-soaked bark, with none of the fire or spice, Soul of the Forest offers a quiet kind of magic.
Final Thoughts
Soul of the Forest is earthy elegance. It skips the drama and instead offers stillness — an unspoiled clearing in the woods. The balance of cedar, herbs, resin and fruit is handled with quiet precision. It may not shout, but it stays with you, like the memory of leaves underfoot and cool air on skin.
