Well, the main reason is probably the simplest one, namely to smell pleasant for oneself and the surroundings. But of course, there are many other motivations to wear a fragrance. Whether it's to express or influence one's mood, to complement one's wardrobe, or even to facilitate dating. The latter reason has never played a role for me in choosing a fragrance, and I still consider the idea that a perfume can set lingerie in motion to be an urban myth.
Sometimes I like to choose a fragrance as an olfactory contradiction to my clothing. For a rather rugged outfit, I enjoy wearing a noble or lush floral scent. For classic attire, something sensual or a loud niche hit.
Paradoxe will likely play a similar role in my fragrance life.
Launched in 1983, this scent belongs to the Chypre family in my opinion, but it is not as soapy and green as purists often want it to be.
The opening is not typically laden with aldehydes, but rather dry and spicy. I don't smell a citrus note as such.
The floral bouquet in the heart is dominated by hyacinth. This note can sometimes be tricky for me, but here the spicy, sultry note has been well softened. Jasmine and tuberose remain in the background.
The base is defined by a trinity of moss, leather, and subtle incense.
Paradoxe is less loud than one would expect from a fragrance of the 80s. I remember the scent being stronger back then. The longevity is, in my opinion, good. I can clearly but not overwhelmingly perceive the scent on my skin for 12 hours.
Anyone who cannot relate to vintage fragrances should steer clear of Paradoxe, otherwise, it’s once again Grandma-Alarm in the statement department.
While the fragrance was originally designed for women, it now carries the designation of Unisex, like most scents of this kind today. But a man has to dare to smell contradictory.
That sounds really fantastic! Yes, I'm also familiar with contrasts between clothing and fragrance - like sneakers, a parka, and a feminine classic perfume, for example ;-)
I really like the scent too!
You mention a moss, leather, and incense base. Could it be that a very subtle and delicate lovage note combines these three nuances?
Well written!
Nice comment from the connoisseur.
I really like the scent. Unfortunately, it's hard to find. I bought my last bottle sometime in the late '80s. I've never forgotten it. It's that good.
A chypre that doesn't have the classic characteristics of a chypre? That sounds very tempting to me, as pure chypres often come off too soapy and mossy-green. Thanks for your great description!
The name sounds familiar. And from your description, it seems like I might have liked it or at least recognized it. So why is the wind whistling in my memory chamber?! :)
Interesting comment. I completely agree with the main point. And what that bunny down there wore in the '80s, we all know (now she wears white blouses and pleated skirts).
Good insights and practices. Crisp and meaningful fragrance description. The name also somehow fits Pierre Cardin as a fashion designer, who has always explored new paths and has boldly and resolutely challenged the fashion establishment.
The perfume name Paradoxe definitely invites a bit of breaking out of familiar paths. And it can certainly be used in a contradictory way, as you beautifully describe your fragrance choice in this review. A Chypre always works for me.
I haven't experienced that with the underwear either, but I'm not on YouTube - a little paradox is fine, and if the underwear thing doesn't work out, I can at least confirm: opposites often attract!
Some scents from that era I still find beautiful. Unfortunately, I never came across them back then, not even remotely, and definitely not in terms of smell.
I nibbled a bit on the moving lingerie, then came the enlightenment. :D Plus the mention of grandma and the classic scent itself, and everyone feels somehow addressed or included. ;)
Great review, enjoyed reading it.
The scent is amazing. And I also share your opinion on the lingerie. The chypre fragrance family is always a kind of calming presence for me when the indie scents become too overwhelming.
Oh, with frankincense? The leather is a bit off-putting for me, but the rest of the pyramid sounds intriguing, even though I'm not really a Chypre person. So here's a comment for the tenth anniversary. Nice!
As I just noticed, I rated this quite well some time ago too. That was definitely due to the influence of certain perfumers expanding my horizons with floral and chypre-like scents. Now you know, right? ;)
You mention a moss, leather, and incense base. Could it be that a very subtle and delicate lovage note combines these three nuances?
Well written!
I love the scent; it had to join my collection!
I really like the scent. Unfortunately, it's hard to find. I bought my last bottle sometime in the late '80s. I've never forgotten it. It's that good.
I can't remember that one at all!?
Great review, enjoyed reading it.