Kapsule Floriental Karl Lagerfeld 2008

First of all, let me say this: “Kapsule Floriental” is the fragrance from my (admittedly still modest) collection that receives the most compliments, regardless of gender. Two years ago, I snagged a used bottle on eBay for little money (now it’s available for even less), after the scent had previously captivated me on a classmate. What can I say: A home run.

KF indeed presents itself as floriental, with subtle violets, black tea, and vanilla (I can’t detect ivy; to be honest, I don’t even know what ivy smells like) combining into a truly successful blend, and here I must disagree with my predecessor: the vanilla works exceptionally well in this combination. I am not inherently a fan of vanilla scents, but this vanilla, although present and certainly noticeable to others, is absolutely suitable for daytime and everyday wear; it adds warmth to the fragrance without being heavy or intrusive. No question - those who dislike vanilla entirely will not be thrilled by KF, but there is no need to fear Karl's vanilla; it comes softly and knows how to behave. I particularly enjoy wearing KF in the fall and winter, even at work, because the scent warms pleasantly and has a dreamy quality. The slight bitterness of the tea and the subtly floral note of the violets blend wonderfully with the restrained sweetness of the vanilla. For those who are more cautious when it comes to oriental fragrances, KF is warmly recommended in the truest sense of the word. Here, the warmth does not come as fire, nor is it oppressive or suffocating, but rather as a caress, as a favorite cloth, as a cashmere sweater on a stroll through the autumn-golden Floriental.

The scent: slightly floral (violets), slightly bitter (black tea), slightly sweet (vanilla), quite consistent in scent progression, the vanilla remains present but not intrusive.

The longevity: Good. 6-7 hours.

The sillage: I would place it in the medium range; in everyday life, one should dose it rather conservatively.

The target audience: I perceive the scent as unisex, though with a tendency towards the feminine. My boyfriend has also worn KF and likes it very much. It’s probably not for very young ones, but tastes are known to vary, etc.

The occasion: In the height of summer, KF would only be suitable for me in the evening; otherwise, it is an all-rounder and can be worn well during the day, depending on the dosage.