Nostos by Etat Libre D'Orange

Leathery Oriental Fragrance for Men & Women

Nostos, the Greek word for return, captures the longing for what is eternally out of reach—a timeless yearning for home, memory, and the impossible. Rooted in nostalgia, this fragrance is more than a scent; it is an ode to the complex heroism and humanity of Achilles, a symbol of beauty, duality, and destiny.

Achilles, the totem of Nostos, embodies the duality of existence: divine through his mother, Thetis, and human through his father, Peleus. This dual essence is reflected in the fragrance, where bold and penetrating musks represent his warrior spirit, while the softness of rose reveals his vulnerability. Like the Trojan War he helped shape, Achilles is both violent and beautiful, a hero torn by his longing for an impossible return.

The scent opens with the sacred and fiery essence of Incense, brightened by the zest of Mandarin and the golden warmth of Saffron. At its heart, the perfume blooms with the femininity of Turkish Rose and Jasmine, balanced by the primal strength of Oud, mirroring Achilles’ dual nature as both a fearsome warrior and a fragile human.

The base notes ground the composition with the smooth richness of Sandalwood, the deep complexity of Georgie Wood, the warmth of Amber, and the sensual allure of Musk and Suede. Together, they create a fragrance that defies time, transcends fate, and celebrates the beauty of imperfection.