Complex
“Complex by Boadicea the Victorious is a Leather fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a amber, leather composition with a smoky undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2017 by Boadicea the Victorious, Complex was crafted by perfumer John Stephen and is a gender-neutral fragrance that embodies British elegance and incomparable quality. The composition opens with a fresh spicy accord of sage and basil, leading to the aromatic warmth of olibanum and violet. Leather and agarwood (oud) create a smoky, balsamic base, while musk adds an animalic depth. This intricate blend of notes makes Complex a fragrance that is both complex and compelling.
Composition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply Complex sparingly to let its complex layers unfold gradually. The smoky base notes develop over time, so a light application allows for a more nuanced experience throughout the day.
John Stephen
Founding perfumer · 16 fragrances
John Stephen, born in rural England, studied chemistry at the University of Bath before turning his family's failed perfumery venture into The Cotswold Perfumery in Bourton-on-the-Water. In 1999 he was commissioned to create two fragrances for Queen Elizabeth II, and he is known for creating fragrances for Czech & Speake and the entire first line of Boadicea The Victorious, for which he still oversees quality control and production. He is one of only six independent perfumers in the UK.
Also created
Designer Boadicea the Victorious
More from Boadicea the Victorious
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
A dimly lit study where the rich aroma of aged leather intermingles with the subtle spiciness of fresh herbs, creating an atmosphere that is both warm and enigmatic.
Fig. 01 — Complex, Boadicea the Victorious
Where to buy.
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