Déclaration Parfum

I received Déclaration Parfum as a gift a few years ago. It was not on my wish list, and at first I did not expect much. However, right away it has quietly become one of the strongest pieces in my collection. Even though I own several niche fragrances, this one – together with Terre d’Hermès – is something I keep reaching for during the colder months. It simply works. It feels made for cold days and absolutely has a niche feeling. The scent is masculine and serious, dressed-up, yet at the same time cozy and rounded. There is a soft, almost melancholic warmth to it that makes it very comforting to wear. It feels mature without being old-fashioned, elegant without trying too hard. It is versatile in a subtle way: perfect for the office, but equally pleasant outdoors or during the evening. It never feels loud or aggressive, just smooth and enveloping. Even though sandalwood is not listed in the notes, I often get a creamy, woody impression that reminds me of sandalwood and gives that familiar, reassuring pleasure (maybe thanks to the cardamom??). I have never tried the original Déclaration, but this Parfum flanker honestly feels like an underdog. I rarely hear people talk about it, which is surprising considering how good and easy to wear it is. The bottle is also very nice – simple, elegant, and solid. The only downside is the cap/sprayer, which broke quite early (the moving part that is used to block the sprayer), probably because I tend to carry the fragrance with me to the office every day. Overall, a very good fragrance and a reliable cold-weather companion. Quiet quality, no drama, just consistent enjoyment.

It's taken me a while to finally sample this one and surprising too because although I don't own the original Declaration I have great affection for it's themes and it's place in men's designer perfumery. So to say this mirrors the original is completely accurate, in that it's a spicy affair with a fresh opening but that's where the comparison's end for one simple reason...genre. They are essentially the same fragrance done in different genre's. The original is a fresh, citrus Eau de Cologne type fragrance with a juniper sharpness and quinine feeling of a freshly poured G'n' T. In fact this is some kind of sorcery whereby botanicals with cumin/cardamom are infused into the spirit, giving this thorough yet at the same time, airy effect. This parfum version is not just a cranked concentration but an oriental re imagining, abandoning the fresh feel of the original declaration for what I would consider a much more complimentary and expected resinous base. This is beautiful with the cumin spice, giving a sort of smooth, suede leather effect, some cleaner aspects because It can't go too avant garde after all. I need to test it again properly but I thought it was fantastic, faithful to the original Declaration but way more up my street in terms of it's resinous quality. I want a bottle simple.

My second most complimented scent, ever. Second only to Versace Pour Homme. Go figure. With that, no lie, i had random women complimenting me. Once, early in the morning, while on my way to work, a woman emphatically uttered: “You smell divine!”. Nothing since has garnered that many compliments or that type of reaction. This happened when it first was released, as I’ve always purchased different smelling things and got it in the latest and greatest. Declaration Parfum, on the other hand, is no slouch either. Albeit, i haven’t worn this in years. I wore this one night and had this extra bad woman at Barneys NYC’s fragrance section (i LIVED in that place) say, also emphatically: “what IS that???” with this infatuated, dreamy eyed, look. Remember, this while in, at the time, the purveyors of the most niche offerings in NYC (more than Bk’s Twisted Lily’s, the old Oswald’s and MiN NYC.). You can imagine how wonderful that area smelled and she singled me out (the 5 or so sprays i was wearing [🫠] certainly played a role, too). Although, once i told her it was from Cartier, this look of embarrassment came over her face. Undoubtedly a niche snob 😆 Any how, Cartier’s best mainstream offering in my estimate.

I have the original EDT, Essence and now the Parfum. I love that these fragrances are so related to each other, not a random flanker that doesn't feel apart of a concept or presentation. I didn't love the EDT when it first came out, I was too young (or maybe my nose was) and couldn't get past the cumin in the upfront. I only loved it later, after splurging on Bigarade Concentre, Elena's similar take on fresh for Frederic Malle (and significantly more expensive). I picked up Essence because it was cheap on a discounter, and loved that too - like wearing a different style shirt from the same designer that you love. I sampled but didn't care for d'un Soir. Then came Parfum. Its the fabulously cut blazer from the same designer you love. Elegant, elevated, more formal. It doesn't scream like a lot of Parfum formulations, but lasts forever on me with a quiet hum. It may not be niche but it feels luxe and expensive to me, but not in an ostentatious way. Its one of the few scents I wear that I get compliments on - its never 'oh what are you wearing' but 'wow you smell nice.' I like that - I don't want to immediate telegraph that I'm wearing the latest niche with room-clearing sillage.

Scent: 10 One of my favorite scents. I can smell a great mix of cardamom, bitter Orange, spices and leather. I find It very elegant and intense atte the same time. Longevity: 9 This perfume is very long lasting on my skin. I use It usually to go out at night and It lasts the whole night. The Next day i can still smell It on my clothes. Sillage: 8 Not a beast fragance but intense enough yo use It as a night and party perfume. Price/quality: 6 I bought It for 65€/50ml. This is not bad price but It is a little bit above other similar fragances (Opium homme edp 49€/50ml or black orchid edp 100€/100ml) and above other fragances of the same brand (l'envol edp 60€/100ml or declaration edt 50€/100ml). Versatility: 8 It seems to be an elegant perfume, suitable for elegant events and perfect to wear with a suit. And this is true but this perfume works and performs very well un othee different situations like going out at night (because of his intensity and the Power of the cardamom) or yo wear with a leather jacket to go for a coffee at evening. I think It is better with cold weather and never at midday, overall in su ner or spring. Global: 9