The Best Alternative To Chanel Perfumes
A Anastasia Novosad

Perfumes Like Chanel? Meet Jul et Mad's Chic Scents

Aug 2, 2025

Jul et Mad’s Modern Echoes of Chanel Elegance

My mom is a lifelong Chanel loyalist. She swears by her Coco Mademoiselle and won’t budge—not even a spritz of something new. But being the perfume addict that I am, I took it as a personal mission to find her something she’d love just as much. That’s how I stumbled upon Jul et Mad. This brand was born from the real-life love story of Julien and Madalina Blanchard, who met in Paris and turned their romance into perfume. Each scent in their collection feels like a chapter in their story—and just maybe, a new page for my mom too.

Stilettos on Lex perfume

Jul et Mad Stilettos on Lex: A Velvet Twist on Coco Mademoiselle

Coco Mademoiselle has always been the perfect balance of fresh and sensual on my mom’s skin, so I was curious how Stilettos on Lex would compare. On me, it opened with juicy pear and a syrupy plum liqueur that felt indulgent yet airy. Then came a floral heart—lily of the valley, heliotrope, iris—that added this gorgeous powdery veil. In the base, a warm blend of patchouli, vanilla and musk hugged my skin for the night. It’s softer and more gourmand than Coco, like slipping into heels after ballet flats—familiar, but with a glamorous, evening-ready twist.

 

Stairway to Heaven perfume

Jul et Mad Stairway to Heaven: Chanel No. 5, Reinvented

On my skin, Stairway to Heaven starts with a fizzy aldehydic sparkle, just like Chanel No. 5, but brighter and juicier thanks to sweet orange and bergamot. As it unfolds, there’s this soft bloom of rose and iris butter that makes me think of freshly powdered skin. But here’s where it gets wild—instead of settling into vintage creaminess, it veers into ambroxan, cashmeran, and even a touch of incense and gunpowder. It’s clean, yes, but also mysterious and genderless. If Chanel No. 5 is a vintage slip dress, Stairway to Heaven is a minimalist white suit with unexpected detail.

 

Jul et Mad Callisto (3)

Jul et Mad Callisto: The Luxe Comfort of Chanel 1957, Amplified

Callisto felt instantly intimate, like wrapping myself in warm cashmere. The aldehydes and neroli at the top were airy and uplifting, but then the heart softened into this plush mix of heliotrope, iris, and tonka bean—sweet, powdery, and just a bit nutty. Compared to the translucent elegance of Chanel 1957, Callisto feels more textured, more enveloping. The vanilla and benzoin base gave it this cozy golden warmth, while a hint of pink pepper added a playful sparkle. It’s what I’d wear for a soft night in, or a day when I need to feel quietly luxurious and grounded.


What makes Jul et Mad so cool to me isn’t just that they echo Channel’s sophistication—it’s that they reinterpret it with soul. Behind every bottle is a poetic story, and each scent is handcrafted with high-quality, rare ingredients. They collaborate with some of the most renowned noses—Cécile Zarokian, Dorothée Piot, Luca Maffei—ensuring every fragrance feels thoughtful and refined. This isn’t just “niche for the sake of being niche.” It’s perfume without compromise. So if you’re a Chanel lover curious for a modern twist, Jul et Mad might be your next fragrant chapter. My mom’s finally convinced—and honestly, so am I.

Informed perspective from Dmitrii

Jul et Mad is one of those rare niche brands that truly gets it right. Every scent feels like a story—because it is. The founders turned their own love story into a perfume line, and you can feel that intimacy in the compositions. They work with top perfumers like Cécile Zarokian, using really rare, luxurious materials. What I love is how modern and textured everything. It's a niche done with soul, not just concept. Absolutely worth exploring.

FAQ

Is Stairway to Heaven by Jul et Mad suitable for daily wear?

Yes, Stairway to Heaven is good for everyday use. It starts with aldehydes, bergamot, and orange. Then there is Bulgarian rose, orris butter, red berries, heliotrope. The end is white musk, vanilla, patchouli and incense. It smells modern and nice.

What is the longevity and sillage of Stilettos on Lex?

These shoes on Lex last a long time, about 8 to 10 hours. The smell is not too strong, so you can smell it but it is not too much.

Are these fragrances unisex?

Yes, all three fragrances are crafted to be unisex.

Can I sample Jul et Mad fragrances before purchasing a full bottle?

Yes, we offer sample sizes or decants of these fragrances, allowing customers to experience the scents before committing to a full bottle. This approach enables individuals to explore the fragrances' evolution on their skin and determine personal preferences.

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