Cologne Indélébile Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle 2015

Yes, CI smells like 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser! You are right! But despite the price, the scent is making its way onto my wish list.

My maternal grandmother had a small handbag for special occasions in the late 70s or early 80s. It was beige, had a crocodile pattern, and a golden snap closure. This bag didn’t hold much. Grandma was not a lady of high society. But among other things, there was always a small fine white handkerchief with a lace edge inside. This handkerchief was, as you might guess, dabbed with 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser. When it was warm or the air in a room was bad, she would take out the handkerchief and smell it. That little bit of "luxury" was her treat. Now, when I sniff my hand and smell CI, it feels as if the little handbag is open in front of me. The first citrusy and alcoholic fresh kick of the top note has long faded. The soft, creamy base note has settled into the lining of the bag and smells long-lasting.

Here, Dominique Ropion has really taken the theme of "Eau de Cologne" to the next level.

The top note is, of course, extremely citrusy and fresh but without a massive alcohol scent. The famous refreshing effect is also present here. Like with the originals, the note is not long-lasting.

The floral heart note then glides into the warm, creamy, and long-lasting base note. And this is where the difference to Echt Kölnisch Wasser lies. The base of neroli remnants, orange blossom, and musk smells so cuddly soft and clean that I can’t get my nose away from the back of my hand.

I understand when many ladies say that CI smells too old-fashioned for them. And I also find it not surprising that the majority of the owners of this creation listed on Parfumo are male. I think it’s really a great scent that men can wear on hot days. You are not over-perfumed, smell fresh and clean, yet the base is still persistent, and after spraying, you first have the refreshing effect. What more could a man want?

So I have found my summer scent for this year.