Gardez

Okay... Gardez may be a bit of an acquired taste, BUT, it is, without any shadow of a doubt, the most beautiful leather fragrance my skin and clothes have ever had the pleasure of wearing. And yes, @Briar's Reign is completely correct in saying that it will put Ombré Leather to shame (in my opinion). Diving right in, I just want to state that this is one of the most interesting scent profiles I've encountered, amongst the 250+ fragrances I've tested so far. I mean, who else would think that pungent black leather, tart fruits, powdery orris and literal POPCORN would be complimentary notes that would make for a bomb-ass fragrance? (Probably me, if I were on psychidelics. But definitely not sober.) And yet... it just works. Right off the bat, the opening features the fruity accords of blackberry and apricot, mingling with this crackled popcorn note which seems to dominate the scent profile with a certain zing, akin to a fizzy soda or beer. There seems to be the faintest hint of black truffle and cacao as well, lending a velvety richness to the opening. The leather in this initial stage is subtle, like an enhancing background note that gradually steers the direction of the fragrance towards the more intense heart. I'd say this is where the fragrance gives off the heaviest iteration of the leather note - while not overpowering, its slightly animalic pungence adds an assertive power to the softer accords of rosewood and jasmine. Of course, the popcorn note is still present, but it's almost like it exchanged positions with the leather note, and is now an elusive supporting note off in the distance. The drydown, coming about after around 5-7 hours, feels intimate, and holds a powdery aura emerging from a high-quality orris accord, and a very, very delicate, and almost indistinguishable, aldehydic vibe (one that I've noticed on at least one other Mind Games fragrance: Vieri). The leather and popcorn are now moderately present, and combined with the orris and light aldehydes, create a cozy, comforting embrace around your body. It just reads as an exotic, sophisticated, and extremely rare scent profile, that carries itself with such class, and yet holds a power of serenity and seduction. Definitely richly embellished yet not offensive or obnoxiously crass in the slightest, and the polar opposite of basic. And one more thing - this has one of the highest compliment factors EVER. I don't know how I managed to pull five different compliments from five different people about how I'm smelling like I'm made of money, or like pure sex appeal, or like anything and everything good in the world - especially since it hasn't even been 24 hours into my first wear - but I did. I can't say any fragrance I've owned yet has beaten that record in less than a day. Performance-wise: okay, I get the point - fragrance concentrations aren't everything, whatever, but when you're purchasing an Extrait de Parfum, you assume and expect (reasonably so) top-tier performance, at least longevity-wise. Thankfully, Gardez doesn't disappoint. It doesn't turn into a skin scent until after about 8 hours, and fades away after about 12-15. You may think the longevity and projection are underwhelming, but I promise - it's just pretty easy to go noseblind to this fragrance, because I couldn't even detect a whiff of Gardez on myself earlier and yet I was informed of how good I smelled from outside of a 4-foot radius. Something I hate contemplating over is where I would use my fragrances, because when it comes to Gardez, I'd probably wear it anywhere and everywhere, but I just KNOW if I do that, I'll be kicking myself for it on the second day of 2024 when exactly six-and-a-half drops of the fragrance are left inside my majestic flacon. Realistically, I'd save this one for extremely special days, such as formal winter events, my own birthday, or a third date *insert cliché wink here*. Honestly, my introductory fragrance impressions of niche fragrance houses are getting better and better, and undoubtedly, Gardez is an extremely difficult act to follow. When I tell you that it might be my favorite fragrance purchase of 2023... 'cause I mean, nobody talks about it, nobody seems to know the fragrance OR the brand Mind Games (probably since it launched last year), and nobody seems to want to try it, even if they go to Neiman's and see it on display, in favor of other, more popular brands, e.g. Creed, Jo Malone, Diptyque, Bond No. 9, etc. I honestly think Gardez should be the next hyped fragrance on social media, because it is CRIMINALLY underrated, and do not believe that juice that smells THIS f*cking good is right to gatekeep. Once again, the most opulent leather fragrance ever, with a gorgeous chess-inspired bottle, amazing performance, and a memorably gorgeous (and dare I say unforgettable) scent profile. Dear Tom Ford... you've been one-upped. Just owning Gardez enabled me to have a significantly better understanding of the Mind Games brand ethos and what they stand for, and the thought process and calculated strategy behind their production. It's quite fascinating to know, if I'm being honest, and I cannot wait for my next purchase from this brand, which will almost definitely be Vieri (still not listed here for some reason). A legendary fragrance, one that blew me away so much I almost blasted through my window and plummeted 100 feet down to my indisputable death. THIS is what perfumery is all about.

This is an absolute masterpiece that has claimed a permanent spot in my top 5 fragrances out of the hundreds of bottles in my collection. It wraps you in an aura that’s incredibly sexy, unique, and profoundly mysterious, like stepping into a dimly lit world where every breath draws you deeper into intrigue. I picture myself sitting on a dusted leather bench in an old rustic bar, the air thick with quiet anticipation. Right in front of me sits a full ashtray, its lingering traces adding a raw, smoky edge to the night, while across the table, a lady in a sophisticated red dress leans in with a knowing smile, elegant, captivating, and impossible to look away from. Gardez evokes that exact moment of charged silence and magnetic pull, turning heads without effort and making ordinary evenings feel like the start of something unforgettable.  What I love most is how it transforms into pure seductive confidence on the skin, mysterious layers unfolding hour after hour in a way that feels personal and addictive. Among my vast collection, it’s the one I reach for when I crave that irresistible blend of sophistication and edge. The kind that makes you feel both powerful and vulnerable in the best possible way. It’s not just a fragrance; it’s an experience of quiet allure and timeless charm. If you’re looking for something truly distinctive that captures dark sensuality and enigmatic charm, Gardez delivers in every spray. It’s my secret weapon, and I cherish it like few others.

Wow! She’s stunning and might be worth the outrageous price tag (to me). I love dry fragrances that border on pencil shavings - and this is very much leathery pencil shavings with a fruity berry accompaniment. It’s very leather forward and heavy in the opening but the dry down is very soft and fruity; it completely transforms as it wears. Gardez is a fruity iris and leather fragrance that’s beautifully strange. It’s definitely not for everyone, some might find the leather opening too dry and borderline musty; I however, think it’s very well blended and truly unique. I was initially drawn to the popcorn note, I adore popcorn fragrances; the popcorn isn’t realistic or really present here. Strangely, Gardez wears its notes backwards, the opening is leathery and woody and the base notes dominate, you also get a bit of the florals from the orris and jasmine. The apricot doesn’t start to really take over until about a half hour accompanied by a soft berry fruitiness - the dry down is so delicate and feminine. It starts off as dry and leathery but gets fruitier and juicier as time passes. Incredible fragrance all around, would make an unforgettable signature scent.

I DO NOT LOVE THIS ! I don’t love it in the open, don’t love it at dry down. Somehow, I didn’t love it as I swiped my card to purchase the first fragrance I didn’t love. Not sure what sorcery is in this but seems I’m not the only one. I actually spoke to a coworker who said “I didn’t love it yet I kept coming back to it”. This has such a unique DNA , beautifully balanced that you won’t love it but you’ll be fascinated by it the more you spend time with it. Still a week after wearing it I can’t even explain it so I’ll be back with an edit to try to convey this experience. Spray it twice on skin and watch it draw you in, if you test on blotter, take it with you- don’t toss it ! I’ll be back later to explain the fragrance but if you’re looking for a truly unique experience that’s also office friendly- look no further.

Update after the wearing Gardez for a few weeks; I love it even more. It’s very berry. It’s a refined take on berries and leather. The black berry leaf note is very present, it has really come forward the more I wear this fragrance. I look forward to that juicy berry note, once the leather steps back. This fragrance has grown on me and Its become softer to my nose. I might even call it a fruity fragrance now. This fragrance is complex and shows various sides of itself as it wears. I really liked Gardez the first few times I wore it, now it’s become one of my favorite fragrances. I’m not someone who likes berry forward fragrances due to a plasticity synthetic scent I get from them but this is a game changer for me.

This one is the most unique smelling perfume from Mind Games line. It opens with creamy mouthwatering fruity scent of apricot and black currant and you get leather note right away and it is here to stay till end. After 10 minutes I start picking on jasmine, cassis and orris...as it dries more I get popcorn buttery note which just smells delicious, imagine butter from popcorn smeared on new leather gloves....and that’s a base...as scent dries completely I get more cedar and less jasmine and fruits It’s a beautiful experience, this one lasts about 8+ hours and projects within arm length ...I would definitely repurchase because scent is very cool, truly unisex, sultry, dark and alluring.

Beautiful and the most unique! I don’t have anything that smells even similar to this! I sampled this back in January and fell in love but ended up choosing Althair over it. Not comparing the two, but I could only get one perfume at the time, chose the other and deeply regretted it! I went back to NM to take advantage of their promotion and I didn’t even smell any other fragrance. I knew I wanted this! When I smelled it again I felt the rush an old memory filling me with dopamine! I adore this fragrance, the black queen! I also love that it’s not too popular and it’s not for everyone! On me it smells like smoky nectarine, transitions to a buttery smooth leathery orris. It’s divine!

This is a mature scent for the trained collectors. An untrained nose will scoff and miss out on this artistry. Yes I can agree that the opening is agressive, and perhaps off putting, as most people at face value will get the “popcorn sitting in an ashtray” whiff, however as perfectly put by another review here; this scent develops backwards from base note to top. Once this settles on your skin you will begin to notice the complexity and brilliance. An absolute masterpiece, but undoubtedly an acquired taste. Find an affordable sample, and let it sit before committing to a full bottle.

What a treat! I wasn't expecting to like this because of the notes, leather puts me off every other perfume I've tried. Gardez, however, is just magical. Words cannot do it justice. It's expensive, but you're buying perfumery at its finest. It created a whole new category for me, i call it "dark airy". Yes, La Fin du Monde is quite similar and much less expensive (because it does not smell cheap in any way), but it leans a lot lighter so it smells less magical. To me, Gardez is well worth the price difference as it is sweeter in a much nicer and more refined way.

At first I was like "meh". It was really leathery. BUT THEN! It opened up more and there's a soft... something. That softness is what makes me say "yes I would wear this." It's what keeps it from being completely masculine. To me, this is by far the sexiest in the collection. Double Attack being the intoxicating. Checkmate being happiness in a bottle. And Castling being beauty in a bottle. I-I can't with this house. If things keep going at this rate, I'm going to be out more than 2 grand 😭

I'm a bit obsessed with this perfume. It's like nothing else I've smelled. To my nose, this is a bit gourmandish and the popcorn note comes across more nutty to me...sort of like when you're toasting risotto before cooking it. The orris is gorgeous and is more carrot-like than lipstick to my nose. The leather is beautiful and does not overtake everything else. Had to buy a bottle and I've been wearing it every day since.

The Orris and the leather really compliment the popcorn note. The popcorn is definitely detectable here. This is simultaneously sweet, musky, and dusty, in a way that really works. As this dries, the cedar is coming out as a stronger note and it loses a little bit of the orris and popcorn. This is reminiscent of ELDO La Fin du Monde, if you like that one (which I do), then you should check this one out.

Best leather-based fragrance I’ve ever smelled. It’s not your usual sharp, “new car” or “bro” style leather; the buttery Oris wraps around it and the apricot lifts it up, making it something very warm, comforting, and entrancing. Middle of the road unisex I would say too. Very good projection and longevity. Very 🤑, but you get what you pay for with this fragrance!

this one is UNIQUE. haven't smelled anything quite like this, and it stands out. the gall and guts to go with popcorn as a note is just....wow. it works so well with the other notes. a smooth buttery leather, with a little sweetness. man this is a gem. it leans feminine, but i almost want to wear it as a man lol but won't.

Came back to add if you're a woman who enjoys wearing Tom Ford Ombre Leather, this perfume puts that one to shame

I don’t know what this smells like I probably couldn't tell you a note but I love it

This isn't really a deep, full review of Gardez, but I'm sampling it via the 10-piece Artisan discovery set and wanted to offer a counterpoint to those says it has poor longevity. I applied five sprays of this at 7 pm, and I can still clearly smell it at 7 am the next morning. So, I don't know if this is a batch variation issue, people getting bad decants, dry skin, or what, but on my skin, I'm not getting bad longevity at all. I was actually surprised when I got out of bed, and the first thing I noticed in my groggy state was a substantial waft of Gardez meeting my nose, especially since I wasn't actively trying to tell if I could still detect it. Projection is moderate, though out and seems to gradually decline over time. I haven't really had an opportunity to really sit with this enough to judge sillage definitively, but my initial impression is that it's moderate in that regard, as well. That's fine. I do expect decent longevity from expensive niche fragrances, but I don't think everything needs to fill a room. I like having a collection of fragrances that range from shouting their presence to a room to whispering it and everything in between...and this seems to fall in that "in between" part of the spectrum. So, consider that a caveat: if you demand beast-mode projection/sillage from everything you own, Gardez will probably disappoint you. As far as the scent itself is concerned, I like it well enough. As others have said, it's not linear in its development, and as a fan of leather notes, I'm prone to liking this scent profile. I have a decent collection, many of which - probably too many - feature leather, and despite that, Gardez does stand out as being at least somewhat unique. The popcorn is definitely there through the opening, and as the fragrance dries down, it goes through a gradual transformation away from that gourmand opening. Overall, I like it, but I'm not sure I'm in love with it enough to make a full purchase, but I'm also at the point in my fragrance collecting to where I'm trying to be very selective of what I will actually buy. It took a while to get to a point where I realized I could like a fragrance enough to want to date it but not enough to want to marry it, and as of right now, I'm thinking Gardez might be a fling for me rather than a full-commitment. That said, it is good enough that I could see that potentially changing with a few additional wears.

I bought the leather case that includes 8ml travel sprays of all of the Dark line, and this one was the only one I said "this is going to be bad so I am not going to smell it". I bought the case because I wanted Scholar ́s mate but I didn't wanted to commit to a full bottle. Then, the ones I thought I was going to like (double attack and grand master) were a HUGE disappointment, so I gave this a try. Let me start by saying I do not like leather notes, I was raised in a small town in Mexico, so the smell of cow leather it really makes me think of cows, cow poop, dirty hay and a bunch of flies. So I avoid it as much as I can. Then, there's the Orris, that in heavy doses makes me gag, extremely powdery for my liking. But there I was, shaking hands and all trying one spray ready to go to the bathroom to scrub it off but when I actually sprayed it, I was very intrigued. Yes, it has a leather smell but it actually makes me think that it's a soft leather you find when buying a faux-leather purse, almost like if was suede, but a nice kind of suede, so I think the pop-corn note makes the leather be more complex and salty in a way that it's actually enjoyable. Then the orris, I'm sorry but I don't smell it anywhere so that's a win for me. By the dry down it's when I really smell the fruits and maybe it was because I read it here and I was expecting that a little bit, but yeah, it does remind me of Can Can too. I am not bothered of that because my beautiful mom wore that perfume for a couple of years and so it reminds me of her but in a more luxury way. Aroma: 7/10 Sillage: 4/10 Longevity: 6.5/10 Overall: Just OK, sample before buying, not worth the blind buy for that price. I am definitely not going to buy a full bottle of this but is now in my collection and I will enjoy it. The other three that came with the chest are going to be sold. Scholar's mate is the one that I will enjoy the most until I run out of it to buy a FB.

Gardez was not a love at first sniff for me as I am not the biggest fan of blue florals. I have a very cold skin type and I agree with those who get violet rather than iris or orris fragrance, but it is such a beautiful violets. The leather is a soft supporting note rather than strong center player. There is a touch of caramel sweetness that I assume comes from the popcorn and some blackberry leaf that gives certain tartness. The apricot I do not get as a note that I can single out, maybe it’s in the mix of supporting notes. The overall composition is not new or ground braking, but it is executed so well that it comes off as one of the most refined creations of the blue floral genera. As for the performance I do agree that none of the Mind Games fragrances are beast mode. I find them to ware as a transparent light veil that can be politely felt by those who are rather close to the wearer. These fragrances will not offend anyone around, but will also not be a strong show stoppers either. It is a refined, polite, transparent veil, not a dense aroma, even in close proximity. At least that’s how it wares on me, but again my skin is very cool so almost no fragrance has a dense strong projection on me for a prolonged time period. However the longevity of Ming Games fragrances has been sufficient for me, around 6-7 hours with light transparent projection.

Gardez is pure elegance. A leathery, powdery blend shaped by orris, with a brilliant touch of popcorn softening the sharpness of the leather. It’s neither heavy nor light—right in that perfect, refined middle. Masculine and sophisticated, yet never trying too hard. If I had to assign it a color, I’d say it smells black. Not aggressive black—more like calm, confident black. Understated, but deeply beautiful. A masterful creation. Update: Wearing this, I started to feel like I was wandering through an art museum. There’s a sharp, almost turpentine-like edge that hits right away. It’s as if the scent was always carrying that character, but now, in the stillness of a dark, cold room, I can read its notes and opening more clearly. That first impression is undeniably sharp, almost cutting. Yet the beauty lies in how quickly it softens, unfolding into something magnetic, textured, and ultimately hard to forget.