Chic et Bohème Chabaud

Chic et Boheme opens with an extremely sweet vanilla-infused Ylang-ylang and orange blossom tandem. As the composition enters its early heart the sweetness starts to dissipate to a degree, decreasing more and more as the composition makes its way through its middle. Also decreasing is the orange blossom, leaving the soapy Ylang-ylang as the focus. During the late dry-down the soapy Ylang-ylang remains the star in a somewhat diminished state, as subtle relatively dry amber adds resinous support. Projection is very good, as is longevity at 9-11 hours on skin.

Chic et Boheme got off to what can only be described as a terrible start. The sweetness exhibited was near unbearable and it did not work with the florals at all. Had I not been reviewing the composition it would have been scrubbed off then and there. Luckily, things improve considerably as the sweetness and orange finally dissipate, leaving a very nice soapy Ylang-ylang in the mid-section that strongly resembles the great Ylang 49 by Le Labo that I love so much. The dry amber in the base provides a deft counter to the soapy Ylang-ylang and Ms. Chaboud gets extra points for avoiding it calling undue attention to itself as most ambers do. If only the perfumer could have skipped the ridiculous initial sweetness the composition would have been a success, but alas it is what it is. The bottom line is Chic et Boheme starts off an abysmal mess, but finishes excellent earning a final verdict of an "above average" 2.5 to 3 stars out of 5. Not recommended, as it is tough to get past the open, and Ylang 49 provides the best part of the composition without one having to suffer first.