Escada is the latest fragrance release from the design house of the same name, and the second release to be named Escada. The first, launched in 1990, appears to still be in production. Is it just me, or is it unnecessarily confusing to produce two perfumes with the same name? (Note: some stores are referring to this scent as Escada Signature; others are calling it Escada Crystal). The 2005 version was created by nose Pierre Bourdon and has notes of bergamot, black currant, leafy greens, cucumber, lemon, sea breeze accord, freesia, honeydew, magnolia, jasmine, muguet, rose, orange blossom, peony, amber, musk, nectarine, vanilla, orris, patchouli and sandalwood.
Escada opens with fruit salad on a bed of greens, with a little cucumber garnish on the side. It is foody, but very light and fresh and summery. There is a touch of sweetness, but nothing like the candied fruit of the limited edition fragrances that Escada releases every summer (Rockin Rio, Ibiza Hippie, Island Kiss, etc). The emphasis here is much more on the fresh notes, and the sea breeze accord is pronounced.
The early dry down is a mixed floral, still very light and fresh, and then it slowly develops into something slightly darker, a lo-cal amber-patchouli dessert perhaps, with hints of vanilla and nectarine. Despite the warmer base notes, the aura of freshness remains: the musk is clean, there are no earthy or disturbing elements, and it is not at all heavy or overpowering.
Escada is too fresh for my taste; perhaps a dash of something disturbing would have been more to my liking. I will say that the lasting power is incredible. When traces of the musky base still remained 24 hours and a shower later, I resorted to a good scrubbing with liquid Tide.
Escada is available at major department stores and sephora.
So it has tenacity…I suppose that is a good thing if you like it
This sounds like a pass for me with it's pronounced “sea breeze” accord. To boot, it sounds unoriginal – how sad. In your opinion what was the last good mass-market fragrance??
Huh. I think I have a sample of this on the way with a Sephora order, but now I'm wondering which. I'm guessing the new, but… ? It'll be interesting to go back later and read your take again.
Well, at least its staying power is good, which is not something you can say about the yearly summer offerings.
I like the idea of needing something 'disturbing', R! I agree. I like something a little challenging in what I smell, otherwsie I get bored.
Years ago (10? 12?) , one of the first Escada summer LEs was a very marine-tinted scent with a fruit note. It sounds suspiciously like the 2005 that you describe. I wonder if it might be the old formula revived?
Like the bottle.
F, Most of the Escadas have been way, way too sweet for me, so in that sense, the new one is an improvement.
Ack, the last good mass-market fragrance? I have no earthly idea. Will have to give that some thought. Omnia springs to mind, but that was 2003 and surely I've liked something since then!
K, I don't think Sephora carries the original, so I'm sure you're getting the new one! Will be curious to see what you think of it.
N, I like the bottle too. Am not familiar with the older Escada LEs — were they always as sweet as the recent offerings?
Just dashed upstairs to find the bottle! It's called Escada Ocean Blue, and it is sweet, although I think a little less eye-watering than Rockin' Rio etc. The marine note in it reminds me of Rosine's Ecume de Rose.
Interesting, thanks! If you try the new one, let me know if they are similar.
I remember thinking when you and I were at Neimans that it was far better than most mass produced summer fragrances. Or was it Island by Kors? At any rate, it is hardly a compliment. I also like disturbing and unexpected things. Even brie in Jardenia is far better than a plate of unseasoned salad.
V, I think that was the Escada, and I would agree that it is better than many, but I liked it better on the test strip than I did on skin.
Hey, R, not about Escada, but thought you should know that Bloglines hasn't updated your XML feed since your most recent “I'm on vacation” announcement. I deleted the subscription and resubscribed to see if it would do anything, but it just gave me your posts up to the vacation announcement again. It's odd.
Hi T, thanks so much! I did notice and sent them an email about it yesterday. Also found 3 other blogs in my subscription list that weren't being updated. It is not the first time that has happened.
Hello, everyone. I've been reading this site with pleasure and interest for about a week now and decided to take the plunge and join. You're doing a wonderful job — so much that is insightful and informative.
I ducked out at lunch today to sample the parfum du jour and agree with most of you. Although this isn't a bad fragrance, it's not one I'd wear.
Hi and welcome! I am so glad you like the blog. And lucky you that you can duck out at lunch and try the latest things…it is a major undertaking for me to get my hands on anything!!
Oh no…sea breeze accord AND patchouli…I should stay far far away from this. What is it with Bourdon and aquatic scents. He is the one who gave us Cool Water *shudder* Please, please, Pierre, no more.
M, the patchouli is very light and clean, but all the same, it isn't something I want either.
Of course, if this sells anything like Cool Water, Escada will be very pleased with Pierre indeed!
Hi!
I'm new here. I recently posted my thoughts on this fragrance on Perfume of Life, but thought I'd do so here as well.
I am really loving Escada EDP because it has been the perfect “everyday” scent for me. I love putting it on in the morning as the initial burst of bergamot serves as a nice “wake-up” call. It quickly settles into a soft floral vanillic, which is my favorite group of fragrance. No one floral really stands out for me, which is nice. It's the perfect ensemble cast where no one takes the spotlight. The drydown is a heavenly sandalwood that is just barely there, just enough to temper the flowers, but not too much to smell like an import store! Perfect for the workplace.
I'm not getting the patchouli or sea note which is interesting…don't write it off too soon. It's lovely!
Hi Pikake, and welcome! I am so glad someone has finally showed up to defend poor Escada, it is always good to see other viewpoints, and I have read other good reviews on POL and MUA so I know it has fans.
I will undoubtedly give it another try, but it sounds like we have different tastes: I am less of a fan of soft floral vanillics, and I probably prefer my sandalwood to approach import-store strength levels.
Ok, I'm here! I LOVE this one, as you know! And I am happy that you gave it some credit, it really is very lovely. The fresh accord makes it so sheer. The amber in the base keeps it anchored down and long lasting. I find the composition similar to Marc Jacobs Blush. Not the notes obviously, I guess what I am trying to say is the construction of the scent is similar. With the tops notes floating off the skin and the base firmly anchored.
I didn't expect you to love it, but I'm glad you could appreciate it. :O)
Victoria O
V, there you are! I knew you would come to Escada's defense
It will never be a favorite of mine, I'm afraid, but thank you for sharing it with me anyway!
Now you have made me curious about Blush, which I tried on a scent strip but not on skin. I thought it would be too sweet for me, but perhaps I should have waited for the dry down…
I don't care for Jasmine and it's one of my favorite perfumes. In my top 15 at least, higher in the summer.
It's the “accords” that make it so different. If you read the notes you'll not find regular jasmine anywhere, it's jasmine nectar, jasmine breeze accord, star jasmine. It has Bergamot too, no wonder I love it.
Pikake are you listening?
Ok, you've convinced me, will try it on skin
(((Waving))) I'm here, I'm here! Here's to the Escada EDP lovers Vic!
I'm new to this site & it is great! Just tried this scent & LOVE it… not a fan of other Escada scents but this is different and it's not like Cool Water to me which I don't like at all. I agree w/ Victoria.
Welcome, C, so glad you like the blog, and glad you found a new scent you love!
Hi, R – I think you might enjoy Blush. It's what I think of as a “skin scent”…not too sweet, just pleasant and mellow. I enjoy for those days when I want to smell good, but not necessarily perfumey, if you know what I mean.
I like Blush ok but don't adore it. Have a sample of the new Blush intense and keep meaning to try them next to each other.
Aww! Isn't everyone just lovin this site :). I'm new too!! Kinda, lol! I didn't really like this scent. I think it was probably too strong
Welcome to you too!
How know , hwo is nose of classik (red) Escada ?
I don’t know, sorry.