Narciso Rodriguez may be a fashion designer by trade, but his name is not only synonymous with beautiful couture, it is also inextricably linked to the world of fragrance. Rodriguez’s debut fragrance, Narciso Rodriguez for Her (or ‘for Her) has proved to be a hugely popular perfume that evokes the muted colour palette and clean lines of his designs, resulting in a scent that it is ideally matched to the brand that it represents.
For Her’s success has meant that the perfume arm of Narciso Rodriguez has spent a great deal of time experimenting with the fragrance’s signature, resulting in a number of flankers that have been based on for Her, but add new twists or facets not present in the original. It has taken over 10 years for Rodriguez to launch an entirely new fragrance, not associated with for Her, and the pressure is on for it to be a success.
This new perfume is simply entitled NARCISO and is a perfect olfactory representation of Narciso Rodriguez’s signature colours; white, black and nude. Perfumer Aurelien Guichard has translated these shades into a fragrance that feels approachable yet luxurious, and clean yet full of depth. NARCISO is a perfume that feels complete from head to toe and it perfectly captures the essence of the modern woman who adores a simple and unassuming kind of luxury.
WIN the fragrance in our fragrance competition!
The Notes
Top: Gardenia and Bulgarian Rose
Heart: Musk and Amber
Base: Vetiver and Cedar
How Does it Smell?
NARCISO’s most prominent facets are a white musk accord and an abstract gardenia note. When paired, these notes create a huge stream of bright, white light that appears to fill the room in a remarkable act of diffusion. This dawn-like effect is surprisingly full of texture and in the initial stages, NARCISO feels milky and glossy, with an almost shimmering texture on top. Everything feels clean – not sanitary or clinical, but reflectively clean like a recently polished surface gleaming in the sun.
The gardenia at the heart of NARCISO doesn’t portray the sharp, pungent and almost cheesy facets of the flower in nature. Here, it is blended with the sweetness of rose to create a white floral accord that is lighter and airier than most. The result is a fleshier and more green take on the gardenia that is striking because it is so different and far removed from what one normally experiences with the flower.
Those musky notes become more prominent in NARCISO’s base, which is essentially a plush bed of fizzy, fluffy and silky musks with the sharpness of vetiver and the dryness of cedar thrown in for good measure. At this stage, the fragrance becomes much softer and the big volume of that diffusive opening subdues into a subtle skin scent that radiate and hums closely to the wearer. In the end, NARCISO leaves a supple trail of sugary musk and crystalline amber that really is a joy to wear.
NARCISO isn’t a bold perfume. It isn’t likely to draw attention for being shocking, striking or even particularly unusual. What it does do, is present the idea of a pastel shades and purity in a diffusive and enveloping manner. The result is a subtle and simple scent with a diffusive character – a fragrance that accurately captures the essence of Rodriguez’s colour palette and eye for clean lines. It may not be as groundbreaking as for Her, but boy is it really lovely.
Now Closed!
Congratulations to our winners Clare K, Bridge M and Annette T!
We have 3 Narciso Rodriguez Narciso 50ml Eau de Parfums (RRP £58) to give away to 3 lucky readers!
To enter, simply comment below and let us know your favourite fragrance note. The competition closes on Wednesday 17th September. Good luck!
No purchase necessary. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Contest begins 10th September 2014 and ends 17th September 2014. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on or about 17h September 2014. Two prize winners will receive the items stated above. If the winner doesn’t respond within 7 days, the competition will be redrawn. Prizes must be accepted as awarded; not redeemable in cash or credit.
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