The Exception No 1
“The Exception No 1 by M”
The Quick Read
Warmly received so far — a citrus, woody composition with a aromatic undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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The Exception No. 1 by M. Micallef is a composition that balances the brightness of citrus with the warmth of spices and earthy undertones. Perfumer Geoffrey Nejman has crafted a fragrance that opens with zesty notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and bitter orange, creating an invigorating freshness. This bright beginning gives way to a heart of vetiver and cedar, which add a woody depth and a subtle earthiness. The base notes of pepper, cacao pod, and benzoin bring a rich warmth that is both comforting and intriguing.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Top
Opening
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply two sprays to your pulse points, as the citrus top notes are bright but fleeting. The woody and spicy base notes will develop over time, so it's best used during cooler hours when you want a fragrance that evolves with you.
Geoffrey Nejman
Founding perfumer · 40 fragrances

Geoffrey Nejman, formerly a businessman, co-founded the perfume house M. Micallef with his wife Martine Micallef in Grasse in 1996, pioneering a hand-decorated 'Art et Parfum' concept in which each bottle is finished with crystals, gold, and platinum in their own workshops.
Also created
Designer M. Micallef
More from M. Micallef
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
A brisk walk through an urban park where the crisp air meets the warm scent of freshly ground coffee from a nearby café.
Fig. 01 — The Exception No 1, M. Micallef
Where to buy.
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