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Wednesday 26 November 2014

8 88 by Comme Des Garçons - Fragrance Review

The scent of gold?... 


Notes: Safraleine, Pepperwood, Curcuma,
Coriander, Geranium, Amber, Incense, Patchouli

Strength: Eau De Parfum
Gender label: Unisex
Perfumer: Antoine Lie


Comme Des Garçons 8 88 is undoubtedly one of the most unusual perfumes I've ever gotten my nose on. I use the word "unusual" in the most positive way possible. I knew that, when I first encountered this, I had to own it and make it my signature scent. 
Like anybody who is thinking about buying a new fragrance should, I tested this out multiple times before finally making my purchase. These tests only made me want it more. I've had my 100ml bottle for almost a year now and I still love it just as much as I did upon first sniff. 

I think you can probably guess where this review is going, but here's my take on this fragrance. 
Now, my "the scent of gold" heading isn't me trying to sound like a pompous so-and-so because I love this scent so much. I'm referencing Comme Des Garçons' concept and marketing campaign that went behind this fragrance. 
CDG commissioned the perfumer, Antoine Lie, to create a scent that would evoke what the smell of gold would be like, if gold had a fragrance.  

I must admit, maybe it is just the marketing (or the gold bottle) but this scent does make me think of gold. However, it only does that in the opening for me. Once it starts to reach it's drydown, it makes me think of a sweet incense stick burning away in my home.  

Marketing and artistic concepts aside, the opening of this actually smells like mustard and spices, with a slightly floral undertone. The opening is very metallic, which links in nicely with the "gold" concept. I realise that probably doesn't sound very appealing, but there's just something about this that I find fascinating. I've always found myself drawn to things that are challenging.

As it dries, it becomes much sweeter. The amber+patchouli combo starts to poke through, making this scent much warmer and cozy. 

There is a smokiness underlying throughout 8 88's life, which comes through most in the drydown. The drydown is probably the most pleasant part of the scent, referring back to my comparison with a sweet incense stick burning away at home. 

This scent isn't for everyone, but if you like your fragrance to be a little unorthodox, then I highly recommend this. 

In terms of wear-ability, I find 8 88 to be extremely versatile. The only time I wouldn't choose to wear this is during a boiling heatwave, but I think it's great for (almost) any time of year and any occasion. 8 88 is noticeable, but never too strong. It smells very rich, so it's perfect for formal occasions. It's avant-garde nature means that this should just be worn whenever you feel like wearing it!

I wear many fragrances and have a (growing) collection made up so far of nineteen bottles, but this is the closest thing I have to a "signature scent". 

I treat fragrance in the same way I treat my clothing choices. I use fragrance to accentuate the best qualities of my personality. To emphasise the image that I want people to remember me for, and most importantly, to make me feel good. 
To paraphrase a famous quote from Marlene Dietrich, "I dress for the image. Not for the public. Not for fashion."

8 88 is a scent that makes me feel like a million pounds whenever I wear it, and feeling like that couldn't possibly be a bad thing. I also like to think that it's quiet confidence is very much representative of my personality. 

Thank you so much for reading this review. I'm planning to do more fragrance reviews in the future.
If there are any fragrances you'd like me to review, or if you'd like to recommend a fragrance to me, please get in touch!


Best time to use: Formal Occasion
Best Season(s): Autumn, Winter, Spring

Wear details
Sprays I wear: 3 sprays
Longevity: 7-8 hours
Projection: Strong projection for about 3-4 hours, moderate to skin scent for rest of scent duration.
Purchase: My 100ml bottle was purchased from The Royal Perfumery, Wigan (UK)
(Please let me know if this sort of info is useful? Because the scent's life is going to differ on each wearer)

Thanks again,
Josh :-)

Photograph is of the bottle I own and was taken by myself.

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