The story behind Without Saying Much eau de parfum

With Without Saying Much eau de parfum, SOPHIA MAE introduces a fragrance where mystery meets sophistication. A modern interpretation of oud, in which spicy freshness and smoky wood notes merge into a soft, musky finish. But how did the idea for this perfume take shape, and what did the journey toward its final creation look like? For this journal post, we spoke with Rosalie van Pinxteren, product development manager at SOPHIA MAE, about the creative process behind this distinctive fragrance.

THE INSPIRATION

The idea for Without Saying Much arose from a desire to create a perfume with the rich intensity of oud but in a lighter and more modern form.

“We wanted a fragrance with the warmth and depth of oud, without it becoming too heavy or overpowering,” Rosalie says. “Many oud perfumes are very intense, and we aimed for something more airy. That's really reflected in this fragrance: it has that warm wood base, but remains fresh and clean.”

The result is a refined balance between warmth, lightness and depth. A fragrance with character, but also very clean and modern, with a subtle harmony between strength and softness.

THE AMBIANCE

Smoky, cinematic and timeless. The visuals for the campaign are shot in black-and-white visuals, capturing the feeling of nostalgic film moments, where tension and elegance blend effortlessly.

“We wanted to bring back that feeling of an old film,” Rosalie says. “A touch of tension, a hint of mystery. That’s what makes it intriguing, just like the fragrance itself.”

This atmosphere mirrors the character of the fragrance. Without Saying Much is subtle yet expressive, leaving space for interpretation while still making a clear impression. It invites you into its world rather than demanding attention, creating a sense of quiet allure that stays with you.

THE CREATION PROCESS

The development of the fragrance centered on finding the right balance. Early versions felt too heavy, with the woods and oud taking over. That changed when the perfumer presented a new sample in which everything finally aligned.

“In the beginning, we had a version that was just too heavy,” Rosalie explains. “We put the project aside for a while, until the perfumer returned with a new sample. When we smelled it, we knew right away: yes, this is it.”

The composition was created in collaboration with the perfumers of a French family-owned house, where craftsmanship and passion are passed down from generation to generation.

“During the process, we increased the concentration of the perfume, which made the fragrance fuller and richer without losing its airy character,” Rosalie continues. “We learned how small adjustments, sometimes as little as 0.1%, can make a huge difference in the scent. It truly is a craft.”

THE FRAGRANCE EXPERIENCE

Without Saying Much opens with a subtle woody accord in which the character of oud blends with light, clean notes. The fragrance is warm, modern and balanced – elegant in its simplicity.

“It has really become an everyday fragrance,” Rosalie says. “It’s not heavy, so you can wear it anytime. And if you want more intensity, it layers beautifully, for example with Arctic Spice eau de parfum. That spicy element works very well together.”

Without Saying Much eau de parfum is versatile: subtle enough for daytime, refined enough for evening. A perfume that doesn’t seek attention yet leaves a lasting impression through its mysterious, sensual character. A fragrance that stays soft on the skin and embodies the art of understated elegance.

Want to explore more scents? Discover our full perfume collection.