Mito Eau de Parfum

The source of inspiration for the fragrances composed by the Swiss perfumer Vero Kern becomes obvious to even a mildly experienced perfumista: it ́s the golden years of perfumery, when creativity, innovation and willingness to undertake risks were not odd concepts but standards by which a perfumer ́s erudition and craftsmanship could be judged. Having said that, Ms Kern ́s perfumes are no mere blasts from the past. She sprinkles each fragrance with an air of modernity, making them accessible to today ́s perfume enthusiasts. Nonetheless, at the same time, she makes sure they do not become objects of mass adoration. The skilful mix of “Mito” ́s notes (predominantly citruses and flowers) creates one of the most pleasant effects I ́ve experienced in a fragrance. This is what a sun-drenched spring day should smell like: zesty-sweet, invigorating, enveloping; in a word joyous. Like that morning in the middle of June many years ago when Mrs Dalloway decided to buy the flowers herself. “Mito” is an olfactory walk through a well-kept, lush garden whose flowers, bushes and trees invite you to linger in their shade, breathe in their intoxicating aroma and daydream. Since “Mito” is a nod to classic chypres, oakmoss is another essential note present. In spite of their reputation for not being the most approachable sorts of fragrance, the haters of classic (or any) chypres shouldn ́t be put off by “Mito”. On the contrary, in my opinion, thanks to Vero Kern ́s ability to add a “modern twist” to her perfumes, “Mito” is anything but scary or standoffish. To this reviewer, “Mito” is joie de vivre bottled. I can ́t get enough of this lively blend of top-quality materials and the positive effect this composition has on all my senses whenever I spray it on. I ́ve put “Mito” on my wish list, where, unfortunately, it will probably remain for a while as it ́s rather pricey. But being aware of its existence is pretty comforting, too. Bravissimo, Vero!

imagine a fleshier, deeper cristalle. with a big focus on galbanum, hyacinth and a moist cypress, that is transferring you to your last holidays at south europe. the opening (resembles a bit of an intesified eau de guerlain without the aldehydes& caraway) of citrus is hard to describe in single notes, both vegetal and juicy citrus, clearly lemon, maybe bergamot or cedrat, or lemongrass or verbena? they are so well blended, nothing peeks out, it also "shimmers" kind of, in different shades of green as soon as it warms on skin. magnolia and champaca sweetly shine through as the heart unfolds. and the best of all is this cozy drydown. one of the few perfumes I would permanently overspray because I can't get enough of it. and oh wonder, my husband picked this out of many samples I showed him (that he didn't like) and spontaneously said: hey THIS one is GOOD!:-) nice, because my initial reaction was the same and is still: it is SO GOOD

Mito opens vividly green and citrusy and then immediately hits a weird, unpleasant note ...hay? sort of barnyardy and grassy, anyway. As it opens out further, there’s a creamy mellowness to the florals, lots of dreaming magnolia with a slightly aldehydic refinement. There’s a delicate pale-yellow almost-sweetness to this stage; it’s gauzy but rich, and beautifully calm. We’re firmly in the 60’s/70’s green chypre tradition: Chanel No. 19, Weil de Weil, YSL Y, Piguet Futur, etc. (And other recent revivals of the genre like Tom Ford Vert Boheme.) Traditionally this is a feminine genre of rather ladylike and aloof daytime scents, but they wouldn’t be bad on a guy branching out from green colognes. I love the Green Chypre Zone, and Mito is a graceful modern-niche entry in the genre. Cool, green, effortless elegance. Perfect in summer.

Mito is the one that got away. I smelled it at a time when I had a newborn and just not a lot of extra budget for splurging on perfume. Well, now I have the budget and I have no Mito. I wrote to the good folks at Lucky Scent and asked them if they might recommend something, ANYTHING, that might be similar and...nope. Mito was one of a kind. Mito is this vibrant, pulsating thing. It's a walk in an overgrown garden, yes, but maybe one like in the movie Annihilation, where things shimmer and come in and out of focus (but, you know, without the murder bears). If it were a color if would be bright yellow. If it were a feeling it would be joy. Anyway, now I know that I adore moss and galbanum. My hunt for a suitable replacement continues. I don't expect I'll find it.

I think the best word that describes this fragrance is pungent. It's a very avant garde green perfume that's not for those who play it safe with their perfumes. Unique and "arty." Try this when you want to explore into new and interesting territory. It's so freshly green, like snapping fresh growth twigs and smelling the sap and earthy smell of the growing boughs of a plant. Starts off with a fresh citrus, but as the middle phase of the green develops, which smells like the juniper note with a small bit of moss, a dirty magnolia and jasmine appears that turns it into more of a floral. The flower notes are sultry and overripe. It smells like going into a dense jungle with ripening fruit hanging from the broken branches. A very strange and beautiful scent.