Comme des Garcons releases are anything but run of the mill. They are responsible for some of the more compelling designer scents. Avignon remains my favourite incense scent of all time. In 2003 they enlisted the talents of the inimitable Bertrand Duchaufour to compose their “sherbet” series. See my mini-reviews of each below.
Comme des Garcons – Sherbet, Peppermint – Milky mint 6/10
A clean and fresh scent, deftly avoiding mouthwash territory, through the clever use of spicy pepper cardamom and rose mid notes. It doesn’t go down the path of mint tea or chewing gum either, rather musk and mint (peppermint and spearmint) combining to cocoon one in a cloud of green, herbal freshness. It has a pleasant, milky creaminess as it drys down and a touch of sweetness from an amber accord. It’s well suited to the summer, as the fusion of spearmint and peppermint imparts a cooling freshness on the skin. It lasts 3-4 hours before fading.
Comme des Garcons – Sherbet, Cinnamon – Hot and cold 5/10
This one doesn’t quite work for me, but by no means is it a complete disaster. If anyone has ever tried Dentyne Gum, then you’d know how this one smells. It is pretty close. However, I’m not sure I want to go around scented like a stick of gum. The woody, musky dry down is pleasant but forgettable. There are many cinnamon scents I’d be reaching for before this one. This one is easily the longest-lasting of the three, topping out at 6-8 hours.
Comme des Garcons – Sherbet, Rhubarb – Rhubarb gelato, yes please!! 7.5/10
My favourite from the series, by far, is Rhubarb. Interestingly, none of them remind me of sherbet, and indeed Rhubarb has more of a frozen feel evoking gelato or ice cream. The prominent, tart freshness of the Rhubarb in the top begins to fade after a couple of hours or so, and in its wake lychee, vanilla and oak give the scent a creamy, woody, fruity dry down that lasts for 3-4 hours.
The vanilla in the base isn’t overly feminine or sweet, and this one could work well as an upbeat summer refresher. Rhubarb won’t be for everyone, but it has enough quirkiness to fit in with the rest of the brand’s line.
Have you tried any of these? Do you have a favourite from the house?
Note: Bottle images courtesy of Fragrantica