First off, you gotta understand: “clone” isn’t always a dirty word. Sometimes, it’s just… clever. Like, the Montaigne Coco by Maison Alhambra? Apparently, it’s a *dead* ringer for Coco Vanille by Mancera. I saw someone saying it’s a “brutal inspiration,” which, LOL, is a bit dramatic. But the point is, if you’re into that whole coconut-peach-tiare flower vibe (and I *totally* am, by the way), it could be a winner. Definitely sounds like a summer scent, though. Maybe not the best for frosty weather, based on the first review I saw. Makes sense, right? That warm, tropical thing going on.
Then there’s the whole Gris Montaigne thing. Apparently, Ecole Montaigne de Cotonou (who knew they were in the fragrance game?) has a C17 that’s supposedly a *perfect* clone. Like, “identique,” as they say in France. I mean, “as similar as a clone” is a pretty bold statement. The Reddit crowd seems to be backing this up too, someone even said their dupe was better than the OG! What?! Scandalous! I haven’t personally sniffed it, so take it with a grain of salt. But it’s interesting, isn’t it? The whole idea that you can get a better version of something for less. Crazy.
And then… Montaigne Vanille by Maison Alhambra? That’s another beast altogether. Lemon and Turkish Rose? Intriguing. It’s interesting how Maison Alhambra seems to be popping up a lot in this whole “clone” world. Are they just *really* good at this, or are they just really good at marketing? Maybe both?
Honestly, I’m kinda rambling now. But the overall point is this: the clone game is a *game*. It’s a gamble. You might find a hidden gem, a total steal that smells just like the real deal (or even better!). Or you might end up with something that smells like… well, let’s just say “disappointment” has a smell.
