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.
