Ypno Otto Kern 1994 Eau de Parfum

Few things are as tied to a memory as a scent. Recently, I sniffed a few of my treasures again, and with Ypno, all the memories of my ex came rushing back. For many years, it was her fragrance until it was unfortunately taken off the market. I have rarely encountered a feminine scent that appeals to the senses through its oriental notes while simultaneously softening these impressions with its fruity notes, pushing them somewhat into the background and thus becoming an everyday experience.

The bottle is packaged in a simple, mystically dark box. The bottle itself is asymmetrically wedge-shaped, with the rounded form of an uneven triangle, fitting wonderfully in the hand like a comforting touch. The black cap echoes the triangular theme, while the deep orange color captivates, especially when light refracts through the glass.

The first impression of the fragrance is immediately fruity - rich and heavy, pear, peach, and blackcurrant take center stage, while citrus influences barely stand a chance. The sweet accents are further supported by floral notes; I smell jasmine and roses, along with something else that must be osmanthus. Soft woods like cedar and sandalwood add a few subtly spicy-warm accents, while vanilla wraps the aromas in its powdery sweetness.

The scent is strong, certainly intense, yet never intrusive. Nevertheless, it carries a clearly seductive message. However, due to its fruity notes, it maintains its everyday suitability. The sillage is correspondingly pronounced, yet still suitable for the office, and I find the longevity to be very good at eight to ten hours.

One doesn't like to think back to a relationship that didn't end on the best terms, but a great fragrance can help ensure that mostly the beautiful memories survive.

It's a pity that Otto Kern's Ypno didn't withstand the test of time. Recently, I've been increasingly smelling women's fragrances again, but I haven't found a perfume with such gentle oriental and simultaneously strong fruity accents since Ypno.