The new, elegant LYNKED SERIES collection was released by Dubai-based brand, Afnan, at the end of 2025.
It includes two fragrances, Lynked Forever and Lynked Freedom, which stand out for their elegant design – the collection's stoppers are adorned with large, flat, curb chains. Apparently, this refers to eternal, unbreakable bonds and the continuous repetitions of the life cycle, expressed through the symbols of the ring and chain.
Strength and elegance are expressed in the jewelled balance of gold and black: Lynked Forever and Lynked Freedom radiate glowing femininity and robust masculinity.
The Lynked Freedom fragrance was created by Imran Fazlani, the artistic director and CEO of Afnan, who also happens to have a perfumer's education. He's certainly learned a lot over the years, although I believe his most important skill is accurately identifying potential bestsellers among formulas and selecting the best bottle designs. Lynked Freedom is created using the templates of the most sought-after luxury perfume hits—modern aromatic fougères.
Which ones come to your mind? Possibly, Y and MYSLF by Yves Saint-Laurent, The Most Wanted by Azzaro, Sauvage by Dior—they're all here. A vibrant lavender-spicy opening, a transparent geranium heart with crisp clary sage and Coranol, a strong, dry coumarin trail with a hint of vanilla and coconut sweetness—I'd note that the calm base of Lynked Freedom is without the obvious amberwoody mass. The trail's longevity is slightly shorter due to that, but at least it's less irritatingly monotonous. As a signature scent for a young person who's unfamiliar with niche perfumes and exclusives, and generally uninterested in perfumery, it's an ideal choice.
Top notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit and Sage;
Middle notes: Cardamom, Lavender and Juniper berries;
Base notes: Oriental notes, Caramel and Vetiver.
The golden, feminine half of the duo, Lynked Forever, was created by Symrise perfumer, Jean-Louis Sieuzac. The composition pits three opposing themes: the transparent freshness of a sea breeze, the feminine glow of exotic white flowers in a creamy sandalwood sunscreen, and a dry base of white musks and gray amberwoods. It's all about the sea, sun, and blooming tropics—and in an office-ready version too. It's easy to guess which theme will ultimately emerge victorious.
But there's still a surprise: the fresh breeze of Coranol (which, apparently, along with geranium and coconut, is the unifying thread of the Lynked Series collection) competes against the dry, mineral-sandy amberwood trail right to the very end. Given my tolerance for dry ambers, I happily wore it on the coldest Siberian days and easily imagined the tropics, the sea, and blooming frangipani just nine hours away.
Top notes: Mandarin and Berries;
Middle notes: Gardenia, Ylang-ylang and Tuberose;
Base notes: Coconut, Musk, Dry Wood and Sandalwood.
Lynked Forever and Lynked Freedom by Afnan are available on the brand's official website and via 26 national online stores, in Eau de Parfum concentration, 100 ml bottles, priced at USD $50.
