Costume National I

I agree that this smells a little synthetic and metallic in the opening but that fades within 5-10 minutes tops. Compared to the harsh, nose burning openings some fragrances have this is nothing. After you’re left with something that time and time again smells remarkably like Layton. I’ve sprayed Layton in store multiple times while wearing “I” and I can attest and appreciate that Layton is made with better ingredients. But this smells great, longevity is amazing, and sillage is that of Layton and is above average. I cry about fragrances not lasting on my skin and performance being poor and with this I have to be easy on the trigger with my overspraying self. This stuff isn’t nuclear but it performs. If you have a bottle of Layton and are die hard then you will pick up the small differences but to me this is negligible. Would I take Layton over this? If I could find it for a decent price, half off, absolutely. Would I spend $80 for 100ml of this as opposed to $300 on Layton. Probably everytime. Would I take detour noir and its beautiful presentation over this as they are in the same price range? Probably not. I’d pay the $20 more and not get burned by YouTube middle eastern hype. I know sometimes those frags are awesome but yeah, I’m good, I found a suitable replacement. As always, get a sample and test it out yourself. If you’re here just to try this and not because of Layton comparisons then this is amazing in its own right. Edit: having tried both Layton and exclusif this falls smack dab in the middle of those with the leather adding a twist. This is great.

I haven't smelt Layton, but scent-wise, at least initially, this may be my favourite so far of the fragrances most frequently likened to Layton or branded as clones of it. It's much less assumingly vanillic and camphorous than many others and generally more balanced, and although I don't know whether it's in Layton, the fruity-leathery labdanum here (perhaps with some support from the saffron) probably constitutes another slight departure from several other scents of this type that I've smelt. The base showcases the (synthetic) leathery oud accord used in multiple Western fragrances (mostly evening ones), such as Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather, complete with raspberry-like ionones or whatever it is that I so often smell up top in those fragrances. Actually I can't focus on much else in the dry-down. I don't find the overall effect of this in any way coarse or rough but there is a slight ambery texture to it that to my nose verges on the powdery or grainy, though only if smelt up close. This is actually quite different from the other Layton-type fragrances that I have smelt, at least in the dry-down. Several of the others resemble one another more than any of them resembles this. For me, this one's performance is fine (projection average, longevity good although the dry-down gets tired). I might not pay full price for this but I like it.

I don't understand the majority of vague & negative comments made here about this amazingly unique & pleasing fragrance that i personally enjoy & recently acquired. I reckon the direct comparison with PdM's Layton fragrance is ridiculously unwarranted & uncalled for. The main dominant component of CNI is it's subtle leather left, right & centre in which Layton does not have referring to it's perfume pyramid. The only 3 components they both have which are the basic components of many, many fragrances are bergamot, geranium & lavander...nothing else. Those 3 notes does not & should not always indicate direct similarity between 2 or more fragrances containing the same components. So i suggest that anybody who is curious & interested should test both these two fragrances on their own skin on separate wrists & make their own conclusion for themselves before listening to these so called self-proclaimed wannabe olfactory experts/snubs who posted their hogwash comments here that are confounded & useless to other fragrance advocates & aficionados.

I can see why people compare this with Layton and Layton Exclusif as it does feel like a combo in a 2:1 ratio. The saffron offers some sharpness that in the opening makes the apple feel like a granny smith. Crisp and tangy. It might smell slightly like menthol to some noses mixed with a sweet apple. But the menthol notes is toned down here so no vicks vapor rub like in Layton. As it dries down the apple transforms from a granny smith to a red sweet apple like a gala or fuji. There's a leather note but it isn't an animalic leather. It's quite soft and and balances the sweetness nicely. Whereas Layton can be too cloying at times, too much menthol or too heavy handed vanilla, Costume National I remains more restrained and balanced. Not too dirty or rough like Exclusif. It manages to meld the best of both Laytons together. Projection is good for the first 3-4 hours and it lasts a strong 8 so performance is quite good. As long a you aren't expecting a clone to Layton or Layton Exclusif, but rather a blend of the two you should be quite happy.

Is it possible that I like this more than Layton – Layton is one of my favorite fragrances though I have never been a great fan of vanilla based fragrances and Layton is a vanilla bomb though combined with the other notes makes this fragrance fantastic. The “I” version has leather instead off vanilla and I am a sucker when it comes to leather scents, not all leathers – the freshness in the opening is very similar to Layton but then the leather, saffron and some Thyme pushes trough – in no way the saffron is oriental in this fragrance, the leather is also very smooth, not like Tuscan Leather or so, I almost want to say more like MP African Leather though it does not smell in any way to African Leather. The first 1 to 2 hours the fragrance is very strong, one spray will fill the room afterwards the fragrance settles, longevity is very decent – quality is top – price/quality ratio is excellent

Sold my Layton after purchasing and wearing this. And I probably won't purchase Layton Exclusif now that this is in my collection. Costume National is an underrated house, and this offering is yet another reason why, further solidifying my opinion. This is exceptional. Similar to Layton, but better. I know, that is a bold statement when there are so many PDM d!&k riders floating around. Heck, Pegasus exclusif is one of my favs in my collection. But this....this is what Layton wishes it was. Potent, projecting, masculine, spicy...and thankfully not 'vanillic'. This fragrance floats the difference between layton and exclusif whilst not really being 'clone-like' close to either one. Similar, yes. But better. All-around. And, all for about $60. Going to buy a backup, since this seems to come and go...

Wauw. I never review a fragrance after just one test. let alone om paper strip only. I went testing it's elder brother Costume National Homme. Found it heavy on peppers and smoky. Tested I too and was pleasantly surprised. Bergamot and Saffron make the top so bright and even if other notes soon take over, the brightness remains. I just ordered it. Will receive it tomorrow. It's not the first time I order a fragrance the very first day I hear about it but for these type of pricy fragrances I usually need more time. It got me a compliment too. For me that is special. It is in fact just my third unsolicited compliment I have received. Performance and projection is huge. Close to CN Homme. I only need to take off the tiny plastic cap and smell the sprayer. Beautiful scent.

High quality inspired by/clone of the Layton DNA. I feel as thought this leans more towards Layton Exclusif than it does Layton. I guess the labdanum and leather is giving this a darker and just a smidge animalic touch. The performance is very good with this one. I get in the 8-10 hour range for longevity. Projection for first 2 hours is more than arms length. Sillage is good as well. But overall a great fragrance. Another worthy alternative to Layton. But not exact clone. 80 - 85% close. I have not tried Detour Noir strictly due to the that bottle design......sheeesh! And this coming from someone who owns a few Armafs. Just a turn off for me. I know it's the juice that counts though. Maybe in the near future I will purchase.

Costume National I is a masterfully crafted fresh, aromatic, woody-leathery fragrance that balances versatility with sophistication. Unlike many fresh scents that rely on citrus, this one takes a unique approach—using thyme and lavender to create an herbal freshness that feels both refined and modern. As the fragrance develops, the fresh opening gives way to a timeless blend of woods and leather, adding depth and character while maintaining its effortless wearability. The result is a scent that feels ageless, making it a perfect everyday choice for any occasion. With excellent longevity and strong projection, Costume National I stands out as a reliable and elegant signature scent. Rating: 4.5/5

Rocking this for the first time tonight. This is the fourth Costume National I’ve bought and it might just give its Homme Parfum sibling a run for its money. What an incredible scent. During the opening I get a faint toffee vibe among the saffron and citrus. It’s sweet but not overly. This is one of those scents I can’t stop smelling. The leather, cedar and lavender during the dry down are immense. Not been fortunate to smell Layton yet, but if it’s as good as this, I can feel a sample being bought soon. Projection is moderate to strong from 4 sprays. Longevity is easily 8 hours+. I can’t detect a date on my 50ml bottle. Batch number is 0267A. A stunning, quality leather frag.

I was looking for a winter scent. The first thing that came to my mind was Le male elixir and Layton. LAYTON is very expensive in my country due to taxes. Approximately 250bucks. while I looking for other CN that I have encounter "CNI". I have watched reviews and videos about this underrated fragrance. I started the price research. right now it's 50 bucks with a nice offer with 11.11 discounts. is it worth blind buying this? 06.11.2024 update : I buy it. i like it. my batch code 0266A . scent opening is PDM LAYTON. drydown same sauvage elixir and boss bottled elixir mixed edit 25.11.2024 new released BOSS BOTTLED ABSOLU is same DNA. Very similiar. just try. CNI is stil best.

This is absolutely gorgeous, the dry down is heavenly, although I find the opening just a tad to syrupy sweet. The green apple and spices mixed with vanilla mean this is actually pretty unisex. I think a woman would have no problem pulling this off. The quality on this is high, and it's mass appealing. I've had a number of compliments with it. This fragrance falls under the radar in the Layton like fragcom hypebeast. The performance on this is also immense, great longevity, and strong projection. 9/10 just a point off for me because I'm not the biggest fan of the opening, but it's not bad by any means.

Like I said, I went and bought this beauty. I love it even more after wearing it! There are some differences from Layton, but I still regard this as a clone/slight interpretation. The performance is very good, 8 hours plus on skin with very big projection for almost 2 hours. It is nowhere near Layon, which projects for over 4 hours on me and lingers on the skin the next day without any issues. Still very happy I've got this. For me there are slight differences, but the fragrance novice will not get any differences, specially in the air. And at this price this is a no brainer!

The opening is straight Layton after few minutes changes but very beautiful fragrance, I will wear it at work today so I can get some feedback from my colleagues, also to check on longevity and projection. Edit: So it stayed all the 8 hours on me I could smell it even when I got home, was a blind buy and I am happy I have bought this fragrance. Longevity: 5/5 8+ hours Projection/Sillage: 4.5/5 people can smell you from like 2 meters away for about 3 hours Compliment factor: 5/5 I really need to check this house more serious.

Bought this in 2020 during COVID, and after I got it I read that it smelled like Layton. Pause a year and I got a 125 ml of Layton for an awsome price ($150). Wore it with a shower worth of sprays to meet old collegues out at a loud bar and not a single soul could smell it (I asked around). NO ONE. Sprayed CN I downstairs once and my wife upstairs could smell it after 30 seconds. It’s gone now but I happily grabbed two 50 mls before it was killed off. This really is Layton with leather on steroids. Yaaaaasss!!

Costume National as a brand are very underrated, and I am surprised that this fragrance has not received more attention than the little it has acquired because this is lovely. Completely ignoring the amazing price, this smells like a combination of Layton and Layton Exclusif with a more syrupy sweetness that can almost come across as... chocolatey? A more leathery, sweeter take on the Layton DNA done with aplomb. Longer lasting, better projecting. Give it a try, it's great

It smells sophisticated and balanced. Really like it. The combination of leather, thyme, and labdanum gives it a very interesting smell similar to Layton Exclusif. In dry down, it gets closer to OG Layton but still closer to Layton Exclusif IMHO. Longevity and silage are over average. I don't detect anything animalic in it which is a good thing for me 😉 I definitely like this better than Layton Exclusif. For the price I paid for it, it's really really good.

Not just a Layton Clone This is SPECIAL Smoother and more masculine than Layton (They do this with the Leather and Ambroxan) Might be my favorite cologne in my collection and you can rock this day and night in colder weather and kill. Also for something so masculine and rich, it still feels young or at the very least not cloying or dated, making it an ideal choice to go with a preppy fit in the fall or winter.

This is a clone of Layton, an amazing one. If you compare them side by side you will get the differences, but in the air they are 95% the same. If you have Layton you don't need this. If you want the best, get Layton. If you want the best performance, get Layton. If you want the best bang for your buck, get I. If you are like me, with almost 500 bottles, you will get both, cause I love this DNA.

@Plantus. That indeed is strange. It is actually the weakest fragrance in my collection. Also when I spray it on a curtain and leave the room, to prevent me from going nose-blind, I can barely smell it after the 4h mark. On my skin, it is an immediate skin scent. I cannot even smell it in the air after I sprayed. The batch-code on my bottle is 0041D. It is a 2020 batch.

One thing is for sure, this fragrance packs a punch! Got it today and I only sprayed one time on my chest, under my shirt. 5h later still projects! I've never tried "Layton" but "I" smells wonderful, spicy candied apple and leather. Not the most genuine leather, but one easy to like by most of the people. Great night out fragrance, but please be easy on the sprayer.

Update after my first review where I complained about longevity: I must have had a cold or something. My nose picks up the fragrance much better now and the performance is excellent. Very strange how I only had problems detecting this fragrance, PdM Layton, AF Royal Equestrian and Al Haramain Detour Noir. I could smell all my other fragrances just fine.

Love it! Indeed amazingly close to PdM Layton (about 85-90%, though the note breakdown differs quiet a lot), but with a sweeter, more subdued opening, a bit more alcohol upon spraying and a subtle syropy undertone throughout the complete development of the scent. Got a 50 ml bottle for €35,- and that's an absolute steal. Highly recommended!

Layton and this are out and out 'pulling juices' and tbh I dunno how CN gets away with it it's so close. But if you buy this you'll smell like Layton-man, have extra ££ available for cocktails, clobber and a life coach to hone your chatup lines so whats not to like? Performance is excellent too, this is really good stuff. 4/5

LOVE LOVE LOVE what this is @ € 38 / 50 ml. Mindblowing quality, good performance (batch from 2020 here). Sometimes it pushes off me quite a lot, other times it seems to be a little quiet. But I'm OK with that. Candied apple that makes way for leather, patchouli and earthy, sweet-ish goodness. Hunting for a 100ml bottle now 🍻

my boyfriend just got this and has been wearing it for a couple of minutes, so this review will not be about longevity (yet), but i can smell him from a few metres away and it smells delicious. i would almost go as far as to say divine. i want to eat him up. it's sweet but there is a warm, masculine undertone. love it

This fragrance doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Performance is good. The smell is incredible. Absolute best buy. LE: Small update. Little over a year since this review, I now own three bottles of this. I *need* the backup. This is probably my favorite fragrance ever.

A dry leather with assistance from Saffron, Labdanum and Thyme. The Ambroxan connects it all together to make one bold (but not loud) statement. Date night material if you want to come across manly. This is for the guy who does the talking with his bravado.

@Tyriel That's quite strange. For me "I" is the strongest fragrance in my collection. On my skin the longevity is eternal. Maybe Costume National reformulated this fragrance or maybe your nose gets overload by this scent and you can't smell it anymore. 🤷

Smells amazing. But the performance is very weak on me. Does not stick to cloths or skin for more than three to four hours. Bought it at the Netherlands' equivalent of Harrod's. So the fragrance is legit. I am bummed about it, as it smells very nice.

Everytime I wear this scent I get transported to a wine cellar in tuscany for some reason. And I've never even been to italy, nor a wine cellar... funny where fragrances can take you sometimes. Great scent though! Shame its a sleeper.

It is very similar to Layton, just imagine Layton + suede instead of vanilla. Lasting power is like close to 8 hours with projection of 2-3 hours. Really like the twist they made instead of making a clone out of that.

@Fragstar I respect your opinions about the scent itself. But making fun of the bottle and then mentioning Detour Noir is irony to the max. To me, this actually smells like a higher quality Detour Noir.

Mine's batch 1151A (May 2021). I get very solid performance, 8+ hours. Maybe your issues are due to skin chemisty or batch inconsistencies. Excellent fragrance and value proposition, got 100ml for 50€.

I have just blind bought it yesterday and this staff is amazing ! It smells high quality and longevitiy is good too ,like the other scent of this house " Costume National Homme" . Great Job!

lol Chill fam... I love it and for the price it's a no brainer imo but those "self-proclaimed wannabe olfactory experts/snubs" are kinda right..."I" was clearly inspired by Layton (Exclusif)

Been wanting this for awhile, hard to find where I’m from. IMO a better version of Layton. The opening does not have that medicinal smell that I get from PDM.

Man I love this avangarde, almost niche-like quality perfume, and it smells 90% like Parfums De Marly - Layton, for a third of the price.

Avant-garde sexy sweet synthetic leather. In THE BEST way possible. Extremely high quality niche style scent

Simple - Layton with a more aromatic and slightly leathery touch and better performance. Compliments galore

A mass pleasing masterpiece. Compliments Galore. You won't need Layton ever in your life.

AndySmeelsgreat. Never considered a nose job? You would enjoy your fragrances much more.

50ml bottles on FragranceNet for AUD $55. Ridiculous. Back to review soon. 👍🏻

Layton with smooth version, more amber and the opening much better.

It's more creamy woody and more masculine than Layton PDM

Gorgeous !! Almost 90% of Layton at half the price !

Saved me money. No need to buy Layton.

This fragrance gave me that “okay, this is good” feeling from the first spray. It’s genuinely well-blended and has a mature vibe ,not playful or overly sweet, but more composed and self-assured. Longevity is very solid on my skin; it easily lasts through the day. Projection is decent, though I do wish it pushed a bit more in the air. In very cold weather, I feel like it doesn’t fully come alive. It performs, but it doesn’t shine the way it does in mild or cool conditions, so you might want alternatives for freezing days. In the mid notes, I get a slightly cocoa-like nuance that adds a nice depth and warmth. The base is familiar territory similar to many modern men’s fragrances, but that’s actually when I enjoy it the most. It settles into a smooth, masculine dry down. For the price, the quality is impressive. My bottle is a 2020 batch and I’m satisfied with the performance. Maybe my expectations are influenced by having some very strong fragrances in my collection, or maybe my nose is a bit desensitized from heavy ambroxan scents. Either way, I like it and think it’s worth trying. Give it a wear on your own skin and decide, I’m glad I did.

I compared Layton, The Woods Collection Dusk, and this one. Scent wise Dusk is closer to Layton. Performance wise, CNI performs much better than Dusk, even Layton itself. After 2 hours(ish), while Dusk and Layton started the transition into skin scent, CNI still remained at heart notes. On the air CNI smells almost the same, prolly 98%. Up close maybe only 90% bc of the leather note. The leather is very very subtle on the background, but if u smell it up close u can smell the leather. CNI doesnt smell harsh at all, its smooth from the very beginning. Its a high quality frag, u can tell the quality by the nose behind this, Julien is one of the respectable perfumers, so im a lil surprised that this frag is so under the radar. People might not agree with me, but for me its not a dupe of Layton, its more like a twist version, a great well blended twist. Detour Noir and Dusk are more acceptable to be called dupe.

A mixture between Layton (80%) and Layton Exclusif (20%) with amazing quality in blend, astonishing stuff for the price. Longevity is good thanks to a touch of ambroxan, i get easily 8-9 hours with really good sillage,. I also have Detour Noir by Al Haramain and the smell of that is 100% Layton but has a little bit less quality and less performance then Costume National I. If you want a Layton with a small elegant twist, buy this, if you want straight Layton, just buy Detour Noir. 7,5/10