Caractere

Remember someone raving about Caractère many years ago. This is the later version. Impressed. Get a sense of déjà vu and can't think exactly what this reminds me of but it'll probably come to me at 3am. The blurb on the box describes it as L'élégance classique de Daniel Hechter interprétée dans une fragrance boisée, relevée par la fraîcheur de la bergamote et la sensualité de notes cuirées ("the classic elegance of Daniel Hechter construed as a woody fragrance uplifted by the freshness of bergamot and the sensuality of leathery notes") Things that come to mind: an incensey note that reminds me of Gucci Pour Homme 2003, and something that reminds me of the Papyrus in its sibling Bentley Absolute Opens with a citrus-aromatic salvo, evolving into a mosaic in which my amateur nose can't discern individual notes but the bergamot stands out, a camphoraceous fir, then as the citrus fades a rich leather note emerges with a subtle frankincense. The dry down is sublime, seductive. Classy. As it evolves I get a kind of woody oakmoss vibe that conjures a mental impression of Mahogany. Caractère is an appropriate name - this is sophisticated, refined elegance. Love it. Really curious to try the original. Update: From the reviews below it sounds like this version might be different to its earlier namesake because this is timeless, classy, and utterly intoxicating. The composition really is exquisitely beautiful - it smells luxurious and very Zen insofar as the main elements - aromatics, woods, leather, frankincense - are harmonious, complimentary and perfectly balanced.

Al though born late in the 80's powerhouse era and Way less offensive than its partners Caractere opens quite aggressive animalistic and sharp. The spices kick in early and Will stay during the whole development of the trip. What comes to mind at first is very spicy jasmin lemon soda then the cedarwood settles in to be the main character here. It s quite well balanced as you can detect amber and musk as the notes suggest. Even if listed patchouli and coconut are out of the equation. At least on my skin. The end is confortably sweeter and more Leathery. That s the part i Dig the most. caractere is a very formal complex mature and even austere scent. One needs to find an occasion to wear it. The comparison with Chanel Antaeus is quite spot on especially in its animalistic notes although it doesn t shine like its old brother. The longevity is way above moderate as people mentionned. Applied early morning it s still breathing late in the afternoon though sillage seems quite poor. Becomes a skin scent shortly after the brutal opening. Price is around 10 euros for a 50ml bottle in Belgium which makes it worth trying. Deserve some room in your wardrobe

Caractère a fragrance that celebrates autumn, but not with smoky sweetness, or resinous tobacco. Caractère is aldehydes, herbs, light florals, some rich leather and a musky amber incense. Anyone will say this has been done before or that this is dated, but they are not seeing the big picture. This fragrance is the swirling winds of autumn, whether in the morning or the evening and the greeting you receive when you exit into them in the day or enter in from them in the darkness. I think that yes, initially there is a light soapiness that one gets from the opening but the fir note and the leather combine to take this scent some place else and reveal its charms. Not to mention, the leather note runs deep in Caractère and once combined with the musk and incense we get a bit of Antaeus and Kouros in the base (something bleachy and screechy to juxtapose the calming incense, like a sudden gust of wind!). With a bit of patience we are treated to a truly beautiful dry down! Give Caractère a few sprays when your mood has changed, just like the autumn sunlight and taking in the fleeting beauty of changing leaves and autumn skies suits your mood.

tested the new version yesterday, I find it very similar to vintage kouros from the 80s but watered down, the opening is animal it's because of jasmine perhaps but from the start I got this smell of sweat (in a good way) it dried into green and fruity leather (which it made modern and young) this beast lasted more than 24 hours on my skin,

This is very close to Bel-Ami with its leather base. Only better balanced but weaker. Sensational. Maybe lacking a little oakmoss in the drydown. Caractere came out of left field and almost knocked me out. I wish it would be stronger. And really knock me out. But for 9 euros I can't really complain. 9 1/2.