Katana

Wow!Wow! Wow! And how opinions differ... This magnificent perfume could be re-titled, "Fantasia on a Theme by Jean-François Latty", the (obscure) nose who created YSL's (original) late-80s gorgeous 'masculine', "Jazz". Indeed, I remember the impressive impact of first smelling this in Roja Dove’s flamboyant, glittery Harrods’ emporium a few years ago and thinking that if you strip away the complexity of the opening of "Jazz" and go straight for the heart of the matter, then "Katana" presents as a big, bold, warm, almost-creamy, animalic-leather, fougere. However, “Katana” is difficult to classify as it also shifts towards ‘woody, floral, musk’ territory and, add a twist of silver frankincense, would not be out of place if released by the House of Amouage - and I do not say this lightly. "Katana" reminds me slightly of Amouage's, "Epic, Man", though less ebullient and without the oud and incense, together with aspects of Azzaro's wonderful, underrated, "Acteur" - another late-80s treasure. "Katana" has formidable projection; tremendous silage and verges towards something 'green' though never quite gets there, instead scattering scintillating metallic notes like yuletide tinsel around the tree: a characteristic that defined another seminal YSL masterpiece, the original (women's) "Rive Gauche". "Katana" is stunning, and despite my references, it is somehow original - perhaps even a sort-of post-post-modern masterpiece - and I would place "Katana" in a 5-star box of its own if using the Luca Turin-Tania Sanchez classification system. For the record: my vintage is in a black-painted bottle and I remain indebted to my friend “T” for introducing me to this gem back in Roja’s fascinating, top-floor, mirrored, ‘black room’, as my collection would possess a significant lacuna in the absence of “Katana”.

A simple and beautiful aromatic Oriental. The perfume opens with aromatic notes of cypress and juniper berries. The pronounced heart is also aromatic: cardamom and coriander. The perfume settles on a bed of patchouli and musk. Very precise, spare and still evocative much like the Samurai sword it is named after. Subtly sexy. Masculine leaning with moderate projection and good longevity. Enjoy!

I like it! Is it REALLY UNIQUE? No. Is it like everything else? No. It is a beautiful take on a spicy Aromatic fragrance. If you like the notes, it is well blended and you will like this one.

Second time that I put this review here.... ;) Rare light species. Nothing more. It's light and don't project but lasts about 8h+ close to the skin. For me, smelly and have a poor sillage (It's a good think). scent: 2/10 longevity: 7/10 sillage: 3/10