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.

The sales associate at the Bond counter gave me a sample of this based on my liking Chinatown and Nuits de Noho. The styles of these perfumes are quite different and there isn't much in the way of shared notes, making it seem like a random recommendation but perhaps we had an awesome olfactory connection because I love this fragrance. I love the notes by themselves and I am impressed by how well they work together. I get a nod to Chanel 19 from this but more herbal and dirtier. Want! Now! Edit, upon multiple wearings I am downgrading to like not love and no plans to purchase a full bottle. It is just a little too aromatic for me and I feel like it wears me instead of me wearing it.

Only one way I can describe this fragrance- It’s a cold night, I am standing next to harbour with my hubby. Feeling cold, he covers me up with his large jacket and this is the smell I am getting from the experience. No, it’s not a masculine scent, but it somehow reminds me of a cold breezy evening and my husband. It smells cool (no it’s not menthol-y or minty), it smells calming and romantic and cozy. It’s a rose prominent fragrance and it is a very cozy smell. It has a good projection because I can smell it pretty well. In a breezy location it will perform even better

Musk, bergamot and vetiver predominate on my skin making this a very green frag. The vetiver here is woody and vegetal, rather than that sexy, smokey, chocolate type vetiver. At the dry down, there's a faint honeyed rose and leather facet that rounds out some of the sharpness of the musk. Appropriately labeled as unisex, WASINGTON SQUARE would wear well year round in casual situations. The longevity is enormous but the sillage is close to the skin. I like this frag but it is not a "love".

Rose, bergamot, and musk for days! I'd describe this scent as being soft, floral, powdery, and incredibly androgynous. Unapologetically synthetic and slightly metallic, but in a good way. I'm not a huge fan of the Bond House, but this one is a gem. Excellent overall performance and good longevity. It projects between 6 to 8 hours on my skin.

Very soapy shower-clean Rose, definitely agree that it smells like Nivea but maybe mixed in with a pure rose oil. The vetiver and leather are also detectable though and make it more masculine in a nice and interesting way, but definitely still very soapy and leaning towards smelling a little synthetic. But still really nice!

Something about this reminds me of an accord in a JOOP! frag from the 90s? Le Bain, perhaps? It's a fresh, nice frag... one of the only Bond no. 9's I like... a like, not a love.

Smells exactly like original nivea hand cream in blue tin. I see it as a success to be able to make the exact smell :) I have a decant and wear it just to amuse my friends.

rose rose rose bond no 9 - washington square is a rose bomb but a nice one its not over powering or synthetic smelling like some other houses and their take on rose i find this rose to be similar to the rose in tom ford - noir de noir just a little more airy and not so deep its on par with the longevity as this one lasts and last but its not on par when it comes to projection so in that regard if i had to pick one my money would be on Noir De Noir over all its a good scent one id classify as a unisex so any male who shies away from rose thinking its to feminine please do yourself a favour and take a chance on this one it may just surprise you on to the next ps 10 points for bottle presentation

I agree with others, this smell like an old lady or like a fresh powder women deodorant

I find it hard to get excited testing a new Bond no 9 perfume since I know it's going to be a perfume in a star bottle, and on the label will be a New York city name. With the exception of the giveaway names, such as Chelsea flowers, a floral, New York Musc, a musk, or New York Amber, an amber, the name and the perfume have no relation whatsoever. Chinatown is a beautiful contemporary take on a classic French genre of perfume. Nuit de Noho is a misguided derivation of Angel. Little Italy smells like diluted orange cleanser/solvent. So Washington Square, where I lived in the 1980s and never saw a rose outside of a perfume shop, smells like bergamot, tarragon and rose. The ridiculous marketing conceit of the perfume line aside, Washington Square ain’t bad. In reverse chronological sequence, Washington Square winds up a capital-m Musk, small-w woody Rose perfume. On its way to this soft, sweet yet fairly loud finale, Washington Square shows off a brisker, stronger and more aggressive rose in the middle notes. The topnotes are in fact the most interesting part of the perfume, with a brassy bergamot topnote surrounded by a sharp, cool green touch from tarragon and geranium. Where you might expect the astringent green top notes to lead into a fairly sharp rose, and despite a touted leather note, the rose itself smells sweet. I imagine a lot of people would enjoy the basenotes of this perfume, but for me the soft landing into the marshmallowy basenotes (Is it Amber? Is it patchouli? Is it musk?) is a letdown. Still, high marks for a long-lasting perfume that shows a deliberate progression. from scent hurdle.com

i haven’t found many bond 9s that I was very fond of but this one was a “Wow” from the second I opened the cap . All I get is an expensive talcum powder scent . To my nose it’s nothing but pleasant florals . Almost like a secret deodorant stick . Reminds me of the perfumes i would find on my moms bathroom counter and some of the deodorant sprays from the Middle East . Could be worn year round . Most men would steer clear of this one because it’s far from the typical colognes an aquatics but I’m a sucker for powdery scents and I will definitely be keeping this one in my collection.

Recently was in Saks and wanted to try a new fragrance, as I have been wearing First by Van Clef & Arpels for 20 years (my signature scent). After visiting the Bond counter, and using the scent blotters to evaluate several fragrances, I tried the Washington Square on my skin. At first it was a bit too masculine, but after the dry down (15min) it developed very nicely. Florals and musk came out. Regarding staying power, it just is not there. After an hour it was totally gone. I needed to reapply. For what this costs, I will stick with my signature scent.

One of the reasons I like this rose is because on my skin it leans masculine. This is a fresh, herbal rendition of a rose fragrance. Washington Square stays linear but it’s not simple. I would describe it as avant-garde in terms of uniqueness: a little left of center, but not so niche that it’s hard to wear. Really good performance with moderate projection, on my second wearing in dry heat I’m really loving this one. Can be found on line at a good discount.

I don't consider this masculine at all. I mean it's not so feminine that a man couldn't wear it, but it really suits a woman just fine. I guess it is truly unisex. Anyway the combination of the rose and tarragon is so so good! This is one of my must have bond fragrances. It is unique and beautiful. It doesn't really smell like creed love in white but it does have that same fresh unique beauty that is not at all common.

Probably one of the most underrated scents from the house. I don't enjoy many Bond's, but this and Scent of Peace him are really nice. This is a unisex frag, but I personally feel it leans a little more masculine with the spicey and leather accords. The opening is definitely more masculine to my nose, but the dry down fits the unisex bill nicely. It projects moderately well and lasts 6-7+ hours on my skin easily.

Oh ROSES that's what it is. I got root bear and honey suckle. But now that you mention it, yes it definitely rosy. Lots and lots or roses. EDIT: I've worn it longer now and I see less rose now and more honey suckle type fragrance. A powder. No one mentions powdery, but very distinctive powder. I don't normally like powdery. Here its not a dominate note, just enough that I like it for its novelty

my best summer scent the last couple weeks......roses all the way.....the somewhat synthetic bond flavor is here as well but it adds some depth to this....strong stuff too......i cant get enough of it.....nice on my skin especially .....one of bond 9s best....more feminine than alot of the unisex frags that bond no 9 has out there but it will do some dudes justice.....9/10

I get a pleasant rose meets citrus note at the top which is nicely balanced. The leather is suble probably balanced by the vetyver. This has a Winter sort of feel to me. Sillage is decent but longevity could be better. Beautiful bottle! The price is naturally high (like most of the Bond collection). Def unisex. Overall, I give this high marks.

Tried this fragrance and had high hopes, having read the ingredients, and being rather enthusiastic about unisex scents, and especially Bond No. 9 in general. The initial spraydown was alright, but I kept getting a lingering, powerdery (read: old woman smell) scent. Not good. The drydown was worse - more stinky powder. Passing on this for me.

Maybe the best from Bond, really incredible and sexy smell. This is niche,elegant,gentle for elegant meetings or dating!The most underrated fragrance of this house. Longevity is good with moderate sillage, just enough to get noticed! 5/5. Save some bucks and get a FB !

All I really get out of this is just powdery smokey rose. It's linear, not complex, and it lasts a really long time. It's more feminine than masculine, I think, but I wasn't thrilled nor disappointed. It's just not something I normally wear or looking for.

I got a sample the other day at Saks and it's a winner! I have not been thrilled with some of their more recent offerings, but this one is very classy. None of the individual notes are overpowering. Very well blended and sophisticated.

This is very unconventionally fresh/herbal scent, and it stands out from fragrances its suppose to be alike. It's an experience, I think. Anything with honey notes it's hard for me to dislike. I love honey!

This ones not for the faint at heart. My initial sense of smell picks up an overpowering musk that can be quite the turn off. If you can push through the top notes the middle and base are more pleasant.

Smells like fresh diapers, rose, and Nivea cream mixed together. It's a nice scent but not something I want to smell like as a man. Thought it would be more unisex but it leans very feminine.

"Washington Square" is a nice leathery rose fragrance that reminded me of Burberry's "Brit" for men.