Washington Square

Just got my sample of Washington Square by Bond No 9 from Ebay in today. Notes: Italian bergamot, geranium, tarragon, purple rose, honey, vintage amber, leather accord, vetiver and musk I wasn't expecting much from this scent based on the reviews I've read elsewhere (although I take most Bond reviews with a grain of salt as I've found that the general disdain for the brand often times carries over unfairly into the perception of the scents) but I must say I am very, very impressed. In fact, this is the first time I've been really moved by a scent (you guys know the feeling - it's wonderful, and it happens all too rarely!) in quite some time. Washington Square opens with a wonderful astringent bergamot note that is unique in its application as it's not really tied to anything later on. This seems like an odd choice - a tart citric opening that quickly fades into a floral/herbal heart, but the juxtaposition is really awesome. The bergamot quickly fades leaving on a hint of tartness as a reminder it was once there, and what develops is a floral herbal fruity affair. They say they use "purple rose" in this, and if I had to guess I'd say the accord is based off of the Burgundy Iceberg rose which has a sweet scent reminiscent of honey. Also present is a dark almost grape-like note - could this be the tarragon interacting with the rose? Tarragon has an anise like facet to its green profile, but the note present in WS is more dark grape (even a hint of wine, perhaps) than anise. The geranium is subdued and I believe used more for its texture than scent - geranium has this rounding effect on notes.. it behaves kind of like an aldehyde in that sense. Careful sniffing does reveal an actual geranium note but it's definitely just a supporting note for this dark, honeyed fruity rose in the heart. The tarragon and vetiver come out more as time goes on and combine to create a green woody note that calls to mind the green/woody rosemary note in Guerlain's Tonka Imperiale. Combined with the honey, another note that WS and TI share, there is definitely a similarity between the two scents but the accords, although similar, are rendered in completely different 'color palettes'. Whereas Tonka Imperiale is composed primarily of warm reds and browns, Washington Square is a far cooler affair rendered in lilac/burgundy/white with hints of green (the picture on the bottle is a good example of the 'color palette' of the scent.) While Tonka Imperiale is quite warm throughout, WS is actually quite "cold" upon application - cold and velvety smooth - it calls to mind large snowflakes lazily drifting to the ground on a silent winter evening. WS warms up in the dry down as it begins to resemble TI more and more, but the character of the scents is still quite different. TI is the extroverted uncle, chomping away on numerous gourmand goodies and telling jokes around the fireplace, while WS is the introverted cousin who enjoys the warm christmas-y atmosphere and his uncle's good jokes, but sits in the chair nearest the window and steals many a glance outside at the virginal, serene landscape as his thoughts drift to and fro. WS starts out leaning feminine, although not any more so than many of the modern masculines (eg: Kenzo Power, Dior Homme), and becomes more masculine although still decidedly unisex as it dries down. Like TI, it seems neither masculine nor feminine - it is genderless but perhaps not seasonless. I've always thought of TI as a "winter only" fragrance as its scent evokes such strong holiday images, and I think WS may fall into the same category. It does seem a bit more versatile than TI though, being less gourmand and less overtly rich (although it does have a smooth richness to it thanks to a large dose of honey). All in all, this is a wonderful scent that is unlike anything else out there (I compare it to TI mostly because of its strong seasonal feel, and far less so because of the accord they somewhat share). My favorite Bond alongside Harrods Swarovski Ltd. Edition. I should mention that every single note listed is clearly evident in this scent (even the supporting notes), and that there is a subtle but constant evolution throughout that is really quite admirable. Also, the leather note is more "suede-like."

Washington Square starts citrusy with a quick blast of bergamot. Next I get the terragon, vibrant and herbal but never harsh and a soft hint of musk and geranium. After a while they are joined by honey (terragon and honey make the most amazing combo!), rose and leather. The fragrance dries down to a smooth mix of vetiver, amber and musk. It lasts at least 9 hours on me. Generally I'm not big into musky scents but here it fits just right, helps to bring out the other notes and makes them really shine. I like Washington Square a lot. It's interesting, exceptionally well blended and it simply wears very comfortably. The bottle is a piece of art as well. I do have a problem with the price tag (230$/100ml) though. I probably wouldn't have treated myself to a bottle if it wasn't for a great bargain. So far I've fallen in serious like with four of the Bonds but the only one that actually got me to whip out my wallet without hesitation was New Haarlem. In that case quality, strength and longevity balance out the comparatively high costs. Sadly that can't be said about Washington Square: avarage potency and staying power for a hefty charge.

I don't know where to start. This fragrance took me by surprise. Initially, I bought a decant to try. My initial impression was....."This is too masculine". Now, I am always on the lookout for a good unisex fragrance that leans slightly more masculine, as I find them to have great sex appeal. So, I didn't understand my initial reaction. But I did not give up. I tested it for a week, there after. Now, I can't get enough of it. It is a fresh, airy, and aromatic, yet rich fragrance. The first 10-15 mins are a little off putting as the combination of the vetyver, tarragon, and bergamot are quite sharp. After that, it develops into a beautiful, fresh rose fragrance enveloped in honey, elevated by amber. It is such a delightful, uplifting scent. Easily one of my favorite spring and summer scents. This is a true unisex fragrance as I believe this would smell wonderful on a man as well.

Wow! I love this and cannot get enough of it! It does start out the way many bond no. 9 fragrances do- sort of a greem, crispness... but after I've been wearing it an hour or two I smell like the heirloom roses in our backyard when I bring in a bouquet. It does seem a bit powdery. I'm not sure I would call this a 'crossover scent'- at least from my experience as to how it wears on me, very floral, very rosy. I def. wouldn't recommend this to my male friends but it is hands down, now, one of my fave bond no. 9 scents. I still love Madison Park Square. Every scent is unique but in a way all the bond no. 9 fragrances seem to be tied togther- my nose isn't good enough to say what it is but.. anyway, ladies, if you love a nice floral, roses in particular, I highly recommend this scent. It's lovely.

Notes from the Bond No. 9 website: Italian bergamont, geranium, tarragon, purple rose, honey, vintage amber, leather accord, vetiver and musk. This is a rather energetic and zesty rose fragrance with the citrus, geranium and herbs creating an exciting aromatic air. At this point, I'm reminded of Hermes Rose Ikebana, but Washington Square is a little less sharp, less sour, less austere, less intimidating--musk and honey manage to give the zesty rose just enough sweetness to be barely approachable. The leather is also very subtle--it manages to gently cradle this wandering rose in its supple palm and never tries to harness its kinetic beauty. Washington Square is an invigorating rose that's rather stimulating to wear. I have no hesitation in placing it onto my want list.

This is a REALLY good perfume from Bond. It manages to avoid all of the usual Bond pitfalls, as well as the pitfalls of other rose/honey centric perfumes ( these too notes are so often overbearing ). It's very well balanced, and stays that way throughout its life which is no easy feat, the rose is really beautiful and natural, same for the honey which is just the right amount of animalic, even the leather is perfect. Perfect performance and absolutely unisex .9/10. Beautiful color on the bottle. Is purple rose ( the copy from Bond lists the rose as a Purple Rose )a thing that exists, or just sales bluster? Whoever created it should be credited because it's very well crafted.

I have tried a few Bonds over the years and can't say I have really warmed to the brand but this is nice and very wearable for either gender. The rose, Vetiver and tarragon and musk create a dry, fresh almost herbal scent. I can see why some see a similarity with Kelly Caleche which I also like. This is stronger than KC and lacks the essential leather note.I have the concern though that it does smell a bit artificial. There is something about it that reminds me of spray on deodorant which isn't good. Like many Bonds it is a bit linear. I get good longevity and sillage in this warm room.

Underrated. Definitely one of the better Bonds IMO. Smooth and excellently blended. I’d categorize this as a floral chypre. A must if you like rose and vetiver. The herbal and soft leather aspect keeps it from being too precious. The notes dance around each other to prevent suffocation and also gives a chilly, distant aspect. This scent is not a bear hug. It’s a double cheek kiss. It also seems to adapt to the ambient temperature: muskier when it’s cool, more floral when it’s warm. A very successful blind buy for me.

This purple rose fragrance from Bond really reminds me of Christmas, we don't have snow here in Indonesia, but smelling this one I could conjure up image of a white Christmas and a warm fireplace in a candy store (because it's sweet).... very nice indeed... And even though this fragrance remind me of winter, in reality, this one is pretty versatile... You can use this in every season, heck, I even use this to go to work.

I am reviewing Washington Square on a very cold December evening in Manchester UK... The scent is cool and sharp to start with; I can detect hiacynths and lilies with a citrusy accord which lingers and lingers... The heart is yet to come... This scent is very unusual and reminds me of a very cold night in Siberia/Moscow...marvellous memories of Christmas snow on your window... Thumbs up...!

I collect perfume, and a person of few words. I have a number of favorites and this is one. Washington Square is most definitely unisex, but a lovely, fresh and vibrant perfume that lasts 12 plus hours, true to all notes. Worth the money. Keep making it Bond!

One of the best rose scents mainly because it isnt too aggressive or old lady like. Bond managed to modernize it. Love this scent for date night or when you want that special attention from that certain someone who you know will get close to you.

wow reminds me of another bond that i luv nuites du noho leathery smokey rose the nots that i smell is 1-rose 2-tarrgon 3-bergmote 4-leather wich blended very well to creat a masterpiece

I have a sample from the Bond store. I don't get the rose. I do get, leathery, musky and spicy. If burberry & gucci had a love child. Great for evenings and blending in with the boys.

I've tried quite a few Bond #9 and although I liked some, most have failed to move me - until now. Reading the descriptions I expected just rose and leather. Since I already have Montale Aoud Queen Roses (another rose and leather scent), I didn't expect much. However, at first whiff I was smitten! I got a very deep, oily rose (not petroleum, oil used to extract the essence of flowers) and a very bright, tart citrus (bergamot). One aspect of bergamot that I really enjoy is that it is tart without being bitter. The honeyed amber that rolls out with the bergamot practically makes this gourmand at opening, then the opening is finished off with a breezy vetyver. This is the first perfume that I have experienced that has taken a deep rose and made it bright, fresh and so realistic. I find most deep roses are heavy then accented with heavy spice or an excessive amount of woods to try to balance it but this one, it's like sitting in the center of a sunlit rose garden (albeit, one type of rose) during late spring, citrus fruits ripe on the trees and a gentle breeze swirling the intoxicating blend all around you. This stage lasts about two and a half hours. By hour three the freshness ebbs quite a bit, a slight powder note comes in (not too much). I also detect another floral but can't quite place what it is. There also seems to be a bit of smooth wood (Sandalwood?) and at this point the scent begins to lose sillage but not to the point of being a skin scent and is still quite nice. By hour 5 all that's left is a very faint honeyed amber trail and at 7 hours, everything has softly faded into oblivion. There are several notes listed that I don't pick up on at all which include the leather (not even faintly!), or the tarragon. The musk (which I am normally not a fan of) is so superbly done that it gives off the impression of skin warmed by the sun. Normally I'm not a fan of scents that fade so quickly but this one is stunning enough for 3 to 5 hours that I really want more.

Washington Square has a sharp bite in the opening which is quite invigorating. It's borderline screechy at the start, but sometimes I like a squeaky clean opening. It makes me sit up a little more straight and gets me ready for what I need to do. The harsh but pleasant opening doesn't last long and soon the dewy rose comes forward held up by sweet tones of honey and mild leather. I love this sweet middle phase. It isn't sugary sweet, more of a natural sweetness like honey in tea! I immediately drew a comparison to this when I wore Kelly Caleche and I see a couple others agree. WS is unisex borderline masculine and Kelly is rosier with a more literal tanned leather which smells a lot like the animal it came from. This one is herbal and clean, with less of an obvious nod to leather, though it is present. If you're a woman who enjoys zesty rose and leather and aren't turned off by masculine leaning scents this is a good one. Personally if it's too masculine I'm not interested and I love this. It lasts a very decent length of time and not much is needed. Once it warms up on skin, thanks to that luscious honey, the effect is really beautiful. Edit : Sorry for the long review but I wanted to add; My previous comparison to Kelly Caleche must be edited. WS is entirely more pleasant, given its less literal leather & development. Though there are similarities, I hesitate to call them similar after having gotten a better sense of how each plays out on my skin. W. Square has a mentholated herbal heart that I find irresistible. And the honey sweetened rose goes the distance. Such a fun scent to wear casually or dressed up that I absolutely adore.

Many of Bond No. 9 are overpriced and most of them smell terribly synthetic. That's why it took me some time to discover some gems of this line. Washington Square opens rather masculine. Herbal, green and sharp, like a traditional aftershave. I thought oh no not for me, too aromatic and I've never been keen on unisex frags. However, when it's settled down on my skin, it becomes a soft rose scent, powdery yet unbelievably clean (definitely not dusty old-fashioned, thanks to the fresh peppery geranium), with good depth. The rose petals are dark and velvety, dipped in shimmery sweet honey. The combination of vetiver and leather bears kind of sophisticated classic vibe. When I wave my wrist in front of my nose, I can get an earthy creaminess, which is truly lovely. I totally agree with other reviews that there is a coldness in Washington Square, like a snow flake. Yet as much as comforting and energising during winter, it's versatile and could make a great summer scent too, as it reminds me of an August afternoon in my grandparents' little backyard. Cool breeze through heady rose bushes under the sun touches my face while I'm lying in the shade. Everything stands still and the world is in idyllic harmony. This is a great everyday scent for everyone. I'm happy to have a bottle of it standing next to Harrods Rose among my collection.

Tarragon, vetiver, leather and rose are all winners to my nose. Perhaps I should be unsurprised, then, that Bond no 9 WASHINGTON SQUARE is a winner, too! This cousin to BLEECKER STREET, MONTAUK, and BROOKLYN is another tender leather with herbs, but moving ever-so-slightly in the feminine direction. The roses make the difference here, it seems. Although tarragon, rose, and leather can each be overwhelming individually, here they blend together in complete harmony. This is a very nice mélange of notes that one might not expect to find all together in one bottle, and I'm now thinking that this green herbs & leather combo is a Bondesque signature kind of thing--executed here perfectly. Great staying power and medium sillage, I can heartily recommend this composition to Catherine Sloper and Morris Townsend alike!

I got my sample today and couldn't wait to try it out after showering so it would have clean skin. I actually quite like this, but it is to masculine on me so I'm going to have my husband try it this weekend. It is a very nice blend of crisp spices, soft echoing florals in the heart and the leather is incredible as it dries down, not overwhelming at all. During all the phases it never lost that alluring spicyness accompanying all the other notes but never overtaking them, just stayed in the back adding a richness to them. As others have reviewed, it is a very smoothly blended perfume that I can see my husband wearing and my appreciating it more on him than on me. A great fragrance that is very wearable and unique.

To me this is way more on the masculine side rather than on the feminine! A lot of bergamot and vetiver, and indeed a little whisper of some 'old fashioned rose' in the back. It softens up later into something 'man-who-just-shaved-himself-wearing-nothing-but-a-clean-bathrobe'-ish. He's pretty and handsome, and a bit too vain. After that the scent takes a powdery turn indeed, when you realize the handsome guy is actually quite a mama's boy. Don't get me wrong, I like a unisex and also 'masculins' like Tom Ford Noir and Cartier Declaration to wear myself, but I could never, ever, ever marry this one. Maybe it's my skin, but please try before you go to the altar with that gorgeous indigo bottle.