Sycomore Eau de Parfum

This perfume eclipses Encre Noir in terms of its distinctive woodsy and smoky character.

This is an exceptional cypress fragrance with a noticeable foundation of earthy vetiver. It's truly beautiful and reminiscent of Nathalie Lorson's Lalique Encre Noire. While it's not drastically different from Sycomore, it has been refined and polished to create a high-end version. The question remains: is it worth the significantly higher price tag compared to Encre Noire or Sycomore? Before 2015, I would have recommended Sycomore for perfume enthusiasts and Encre Noir for the average consumer. However, after 2015 with the release of Encre Noire à l'Extreme, I would suggest opting for ENE due to its uncanny similarity to Sycomore, with a slightly better performance on my skin. The difference between ENE and Sycomore is akin to listening to music on Spotify versus a CD - while there may be a subtle distinction initially, it becomes imperceptible over time.

The opening 15 minutes of this scent are absolutely divine. There's remarkable depth between the sandalwood trending spicy, and the bright yet bold vetiver, which I find quite captivating. I've never been a fan of aldehydes, but here they're used skillfully, adding a lively boost. However, around the 30-minute mark, Sycomore steps down from its impressive start to join the ranks of more "relatable" vetivers. While I appreciate the modesty, I wish it could have maintained its exceptional quality for a bit longer. As the other woods and spices fade away, the vetiver becomes more earthy, smoky, and rubbery, which is enjoyable in its own right, although not as impressive as I had hoped.

Vetiver perfumes can be a bit one-dimensional at times, in my opinion. While Sycomore from Chanel's Les Exclusifs line isn't bad, I think it's fair to say that vetiver doesn't always make for an exciting central note - often it works better as a supporting character instead. That being said, the fragrance is actually very good within its own parameters, although the batches do seem to vary. For those on a budget who appreciate vetiver, there are plenty of alternative options available.

This perfume is an absolute delight! 💐 A true masterpiece from Chanel that exudes elegance and sophistication. While some may describe it as unisex, I find its feminine charm to be undeniable. Its strength allows for wearability throughout the day, making it perfect for office hours without any complaints 😊. The luxurious, sharp, and woody notes create a truly unique scent experience. Among my collection of fragrances, including Sycomore, Ombre Leather, and Wrappings, I consider this one to be particularly exceptional! 🙌 Highly recommended, no question!