Scentrack
DJ
Shadow – Six Days
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| Source: YSL |
I truly believe I understand the idea
behind the concept of Opium pour Homme. The year is 1995, and the world was
under heavy aquatic Calone attack. The classic perfume genres like fougere or
chypre were almost out of fashion. To save a fougere, it was needed to reinvent
it once again. In the time of need, one must abandon every unnecessary luxury. Master
Cavallier offloaded the redundant genre’s burden and used completely unexpected
materials. Opium pour Homme was born, the legendary stripped down fougere. To
my nose one of the best creations for men under the YSL name, together with
Rive Gauche pour Homme and M7 (interestingly all authored or co-authored by
Jacques Cavallier).
Oriental and spicy. Sweet and sharp.
Rough yet wobbly and elusive. Classic yet modern by the exceptionally chosen
materials. Rich, but airy.
Opium pour Homme opens with light anise
and sweet black currant. The sweetness of black currant is masterfully juxtaposed
to spices of Eastern cuisine in the heart. Black pepper, fiery ginger (galanga)
and jasmine took me to the stillness of the Far East. The cedar of the base
gives the needed firm, but hidden woody component. This woody aspect is
perfectly overlapped with a touch of syrupy Tolu balsam and phantasmagoric,
transparent vanilla.
A gorgeous creation. A classical structure
obtained by very unusual components. An amalgam of France and Orient.
Twenty two years after creation, it
still smells modern and fresh. Like dream one cannot catch or mirage one cannot
touch.
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| Source: YSL |
Longevity / Projection
Very good (8-10 hours) / Average
Suggested wearing
Autumn and winter / Evenings and
nighttime
Alternatives
YSL Opium pour Homme EdP – a stronger
take on the same theme
The Vagabond Prince Enchanted Forest – the
black currant heaven
Amouage Jubilation XXV – drier black
currant/resinous Oriental composition
Boucheron Jaipur pour Homme – just a similar
neoclassic vibe
Pros
Classic yet modern
Refined
Completely timeless
Cons
Too mature or spicy for some
Rating
8.5/10
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