Tender Defiance by Maison Martin Margiela
Men Women 2026
Main accords
Description
Tender Defiance: Maison Martin Margiela's New Woody Oriental Fragrance Maison Martin Margiela introduces Tender Defiance,a woody oriental fragrance for women and men. Launched in 2026,this new scent comes from perfumer Dominique Ropion. It opens with anise, moves into a heart of balsam fir and licorice,and settles on an amber base. The result is a fresh, slightly sweet,and aromatic composition. Tender…
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When to wear it (votes)
- Winter 10%
- Spring 33%
- Summer 40%
- Autumn 17%
- Day 55%
- Night 45%
Key notes
-
Top
Anise
-
Heart
Balsam Fir
-
Base
amber
Community
44 votes
- Positive 80%
- Negative 11%
- Neutral 9.1%
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I want it
221 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
44 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Summer
30 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Day
22 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Tender Defiance
Tender Defiance: Maison Martin Margiela's New Woody Oriental Fragrance
Maison Martin Margiela introduces Tender Defiance,a woody oriental fragrance for women and men. Launched in 2026,this new scent comes from perfumer Dominique Ropion.
It opens with anise, moves into a heart of balsam fir and licorice,and settles on an amber base. The result is a fresh, slightly sweet,and aromatic composition.
Tender Defianceis characterized by soft spicy, woody,and balsamic accords,with a fresh opening. The anise top note adds a cool, lightly spiced edge,while balsam fir brings a resinous,coniferous depth tothe heart.
Licorice in the middle contributes a dark, vegetal sweetness that echoes the anise. The amber base wraps everything in warm, lasting comfort, anchoring the fragrance in the oriental woody family.
Dominique Ropion has crafted a balanced scent that feels both distinctive and wearable. The fir note evokes forest air, while licorice and amber keep the drydown smooth and slightly mysterious.
Designed for women and men, Tender Defianceworks particularly well in cooler weather and transitional seasons. It has enough presence to feel substantial, yet the fresh top notes keep it from becoming heavy.
Early ratings put the fragrance at 4.18 out of 5 based on 44 reviews, signalinga warm reception. It's a promising addition to the maison's lineup.
People who enjoy woody oriental fragrances with a fresh, sweet edge,and who want a unisex scent that is expressive but not overwhelming.
Tender Defianceis a refined, well-balanced launch from Maison Martin Margiela. Its blend of anise, balsam fir, licorice,and amber makes for a complex yet approachable fragrance,ideal for anyone seeking something distinctive with everyday ease.
Spices Woods and mosses Musk, amber and animalic
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
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How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Very long-lasting
16 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Room-filling
16 votes
Character
Leading answer Balanced
17 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
16 votes
Community reviews
0 reviews
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