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Serge Lutens De Profundis fragrance
Serge Lutens

Serge Lutens De Profundis

EDP Unisex · 2011 · by Christopher Sheldrake
6.2 /10

Serge Lutens De Profundis scores 7/10 for longevity and performs best in Mild conditions.

Best in Mild 7/10 longevity
From USD 250–300From EUR 230–276From GBP 198–237From PKR 65,000–80,000From AED 900–1,100From INR 20,750–24,900From SAR 938–1,125
7 Longevity
6 Sillage
5 Versatility
7 Value
6.4 Climate Avg

Fragrance Notes

Floral Earthy Green Flory
Fragrance Note PyramidTOP NOTES0–30 min1Chrysanthe…2Green NotesHEART NOTES30–120 min1Violet2Soil tinct…3PlumBASE NOTES2h+1Ash2Incense3Oak Tree
Top Notes — first impression, 0–30 min

Heart Notes — the core, 30 min – 2 hrs

Base Notes — the foundation, 2 hrs+
Accord ProfileFloralEarthyGreenFlorySmokyACCORDPROFILE

Occasions & Seasons

Best For
Formal Solitary Intellectual Pursuits
Seasons
Spring Autumn

Climate Performance

Avg 6.4 / 10
Extreme Heat
4/10
Average
45°C and above
Riyadh, Jacobabad, Kuwait City, Phoenix
Hot & Humid
4/10
Average
Around 35°C with high humidity
Dubai, Karachi, Mumbai, Miami
Warm & Dry
7/10
Good
Around 30°C with low humidity
Lahore, Delhi, Muscat, Los Angeles
Mild
10/10
Excellent
Around 20°C
Islamabad, Bangalore, London, San Francisco
Cold
7/10
Good
Below 10°C
Murree, Shimla, Moscow, New York

Expert Analysis

What Makes It Unique

A dark, poetic, gothic masterpiece built on chrysanthemums, wet graveyard soil, and incense.

Pakistan & GCC Perspective

Brings out a uniquely haunting earthy dampness during humid monsoon seasons.

How It Compares

Versus Guerlain L'Heure Bleue

The Controversy

Its thematic connection to grief, death, and funerals makes it a challenging wear for many.

Why Serge Lutens De Profundis Has a Following

Certain fragrances build reputations quietly, through consistent word of mouth rather than advertising spend. Serge Lutens De Profundis is that kind of fragrance — an EDP from Serge Lutens with a Floral, Earthy, Green, Flory, Smoky composition that has earned serious advocates in fragrance communities worldwide. Here is why, in scores rather than superlatives.

A dark, poetic, gothic masterpiece built on chrysanthemums, wet graveyard soil, and incense.

The Scent: Notes, Structure & Dry-Down

Serge Lutens De Profundis opens with Chrysanthemum and Green Notes — the first impression as it hits the skin. Once that burns off, usually inside the first half hour, the heart turns to Violet, Soil tincture and Plum. What lingers on skin and clothing hours later is the base: Ash, Incense and Oak Tree.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads Floral, Earthy, Green, Flory, Smoky — the kind of profile that rewards a second and third wearing.

Longevity & Projection: Serge Lutens De Profundis on the Clock

Longevity (7/10): Serge Lutens De Profundis delivers strong longevity for EDP. On most skin types expect 5–8 hours. A midday touch-up is rarely necessary but can extend the experience on special occasions.

Sillage (6/10): Serge Lutens De Profundis projects at a social distance, noticeable without overwhelming. Application to pulse points — wrists, neck, and behind the ears — maximises projection without overwhelming the room.

Versatility (5/10): Serge Lutens De Profundis is suited to a specific context, with a clearly defined personality that not all occasions can accommodate. It thrives in its intended context but may feel mismatched further outside that sweet spot.

Value (7/10): Pricing at around $250 feels appropriate for what you get — neither a bargain nor an overreach.

Climate Performance: Where Serge Lutens De Profundis Works Best

Of the five climate zones we score, Serge Lutens De Profundis does best in mild (Islamabad, San Francisco) at 10/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is hot & humid (Dubai, Miami) at 4/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

Brings out a uniquely haunting earthy dampness during humid monsoon seasons.

Its average across all five zones is 6.4/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

When to Wear Serge Lutens De Profundis

Serge Lutens De Profundis is best suited to Formal, Solitary, Intellectual Pursuits. Its projection is calibrated for the occasions listed — confident enough to register, controlled enough to remain appropriate in close quarters.

Seasonally, Serge Lutens De Profundis performs best in Spring, Autumn. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

Versus Guerlain L'Heure Bleue

What Serge Lutens De Profundis Costs — and Whether It Is Worth It

Internationally, Serge Lutens De Profundis sits at $250–$300. That places it firmly in luxury territory — a considered purchase competing with the top tier of niche and designer-exclusive releases.

Regional pricing: PKR 65,000–80,000 in Pakistan, AED 900–1,100 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: Serge Lutens Boutique. GCC/UAE: Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale's. Pakistan: Private Niche Importers.

Verdict

Serge Lutens De Profundis earns its premium through genuine distinction rather than marketing mythology — a fragrance that rewards the wearer rather than impressing bystanders.

An overall 6.2/10 puts Serge Lutens De Profundis in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

Its thematic connection to grief, death, and funerals makes it a challenging wear for many.

Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Serge Lutens De Profundis last?

Serge Lutens De Profundis has a longevity score of 7/10. On average skin, expect 5–8 hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is Serge Lutens De Profundis worth the price?

At around $250, Serge Lutens De Profundis by Serge Lutens is fairly priced for what it delivers. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a strong value proposition.

What does Serge Lutens De Profundis smell like?

Serge Lutens De Profundis is characterised by Floral, Earthy, Green, Flory, Smoky accords. Opening with Chrysanthemum and Green Notes, the heart revolves around Violet and Soil tincture, settling into a base of Ash and Incense.

Is Serge Lutens De Profundis good for hot or humid weather?

Serge Lutens De Profundis was not designed for extreme heat (score: 4/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

Is Serge Lutens De Profundis for men or women?

Serge Lutens De Profundis is marketed as a Unisex fragrance. In practice, its character is better defined by its composition than by any marketing category.