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*Picture from Fragrantica.
Sycomore is one of those distinguishable works of art that, like the Mona Lisa, is recognizable in itself but not always congruent with the creator’s body of work. It doesn’t seem entirely like a Chanel, and it took me a while to figure out why. It has the same distinguished, understated air that Pour Monsieur does, although less affable. In fact, even though it’s easy to appreciate, Sycomore is a difficult personality at its core. I should add here that, while it’s categorized as a women’s fragrance, I see it as inherently male.
It opens with Chanel’s signature iris and a good dollop of citrus. The citrus quickly tucks itself into the other notes, creating a subdued but noticeable effect like the basic contentment seen beneath the veneer of someone who kvetches for fun. Besides the citurs are bergamot (I know it’s in everything but I just smelled bergamot essential oil: it’s amazing. Its ubiquity is for good reason.), violet, and a good dollop of vetiver, the man’s fragrance staple, that holds from start to finish.
Sycomore gets woodier further into the fragrance, with sandalwood and cedarwood blending seamlessly together with a heavy addition of sage. To me, Sycomore smells somewhat urinous. The presence of so many wood notes reminds me of the expertly-calibrated S-ex, Chinatown), but Sycomore just comes across as stubborn.
Note: It is entirely possible I’m judging male fragrances by how I feel about the kind of man I picture wearing them. If this is so, then I’d be floored if I ever come across anything more appealing than Habit Rouge.
Perfumers: Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake
Price Range: Moderately Expensive
Recommended Occasion: Any
Release Year: 2008
My Rating: 7.5
