I may seem somewhat contradictory in praising Narciso Rodriguez’s Narciso Eau de Parfum Radiante after deriding Creed’s Eladaria. They share some similar floaty, gossamer characteristics, so let me explain. Indeed, Narciso leaves themselves open for criticism. The brand’s musky shtick has been played out repeatedly. It’s hard to differentiate one release from another, especially on the women’s side. However, they have a signature, and much like bands that have built a reputation playing essentially the same song over and over again (AC/DC), they do it well. Radiante wears like a white linen shirt, gently wafting in a light zephyr. It’s easy.
There’s a certain intrigue beneath the seemingly lightweight, cotton flowers, pillowy musk, creamy Nivea-esque lotion, and muted shades. Like the Creed, there’s a green touch from lily of the valley, but unlike the Creed, there’s a firm woody backbone (vetiver and cedar) that grounds the fragrance, preventing the musk from becoming too screechy. Radiante doesn’t outstay its welcome, either, making it a more appealing choice.
Almost immediately, I notice a bright, vivid, spicy note. I wouldn’t describe it as medicinal or dated, but this sour, peppery carnation aspect keeps Radiante from becoming too squeaky clean and sterile. It’s this quality that gives Radiante its personality, distinguishing it from simple, nondescript musk compositions. The white floral notes contribute to a whipped, milky, smooth finish, with little to no sweetness despite the orange blossom. I can recognise some of the elements of the original Narciso (white cube) in Radiante, although they appear in a more diaphanous guise. In that regard, it’s a flanker true to its roots.
The fragrance lives up to its name. Its aldehydic soapy opening delivers lift as Radiante shimmers with a pearly lustre. It conjures an image of sunlight streaming through an open window onto fresh white sheets. In retrospect, comparing this Narciso to the grit and grime of AC/DC may be a stretch. There’s no dirty deeds done dirt cheap under this comforting musk blanket. While their methods may be similar, the results are pretty different. Angus Young isn’t carting this scent around in his backpack. A more fitting comparison could be made with Fleetwood Mac and the silky smooth vocal stylings of the late Christine McVie or her fellow bandmate Stevie Nicks. I wonder if it’s something either would choose, though. I recall reading that Stevie Nicks wears Fracas. So, possibly not.
I’m going off on a tangent with my musical musings. Obviously, one has to appreciate the Narciso aesthetic to enjoy Radiante. If their constant musk machinations take you on a highway to hell, Radiante won’t win you over. Indeed, it’s a case of lightning striking more than twice with this house. It all comes down to you, but for me, I found another musky friend in Radiante. As the curtain draws and Radiante trails into its woody outro, there may well be some amber fixatives present, but they don’t upset the overall harmony. Radiante is a welcome addition to the brand’s oeuvre, and even though you won’t be dirty, mean, or even mighty unclean wearing it, you’ll smell good. I wonder what the next Naricso will be? More musk? That’s one of the rumours floating around. I’ll be here for the encore!
Have you tried Radiante? Are you a fan of the Narciso Rodriguez signature or does the brand give you the blues?
Note: First image from Narciso. All other photos are my own. Fragrance sampled in-store.
Very pretty visual analogs in those flowers! I recall liking one of the Narciso Rodriguez flankers, though don’t remember which one. So likely a yes to the signature.
Thanks very much, Nose Prose. I think if you enjoy one, you may like most of them, if not all.
Fantastic captures! I like this line, will definitely try it!
Thanks very much, Tetê. That’s great, and yes worth a try. Let me know what you think.
I am anosmic to many musk molecules. MKK is a leathery floral to me, a very little horse & human sweat but clean healthy sweat. Kiehl’s is just nauseating. OG Narciso Rodriguez smells like Kiehl’s. The Narciso cubes? I sort of liked Red but it got no wear so I sold it.
You make Radiente sound lovely. I’m tempted to try it.
How does it compare to EL Pleasures & White Linen? Or even Replica Lazy Sunday Morning?
That’s interesting, Alityke. I wonder if it would make much of an impact if you haven’t taken to the line and are anosmic to musk molecules. Those scents didn’t come to mind for me, but I can see why you referenced them based on my description. Radiante is much less faceted than White Linen; the aldehydes beam in stronger in the Lauder. In Radiante, the curtains aren’t fully drawn, more dappled light than the full-on blinding dazzle of WL’s aldehydic whoosh. As for Pleasures, the floral bouquet comes across as more pronounced in the Lauder. I’d interpret Radiante as a single flower on the bed sheet, whereas Pleasures places me in the garden with a bouquet of flowers after the rain. The most significant difference is the creamy, milky element, redolent of body lotion in Radiante. I don’t get that in the EL fragrances. Radiante’s musky aspects make it more comforting than both. I don’t know the Margiela as well as the others. But from my recollection, it’s musky, white sheets facets probably make it the closest of the trio to Radiante. But, I’d have to revisit that one. I think Radiante is still worth a try if you can find it.
Ha! Ha! Love the AC/DC reference. What if Angus Taylor was secretly an NR fan?! Now, I’m going off on my own tangent. I haven’t tried this one yet, but because the brand does the musk thing so well, I’m sure I’ll appreciate this one too. Great pics, as always, dear Daniel.
Haha. Thanks, Rich. Yes, they do that musk style very well. It’s worth trying for sure. Intrigued to hear your thoughts.