Comme des Garçons launched White in 1996. It was conceived as a brighter, more floral (and presumably, more wearable) variation on the original Comme des Garçons Eau de Parfum, and like that scent, was created by perfumer Mark Buxton. The fragrance notes include pomegranate, tagete, pepper, cinnamon, coriander, clove, nutemeg, cardamom, lily of the valley, white rose, amber and cedar.
The top notes, like those of the Eau de Parfum, are a blend of woods and heavy spices, but the medicinal undertones are largely absent, and the opening is thus less challenging, more conventional. Still, it doesn't go too far in that direction: the pomegranate cheers things up at the start, yet it remains subdued: White has nothing whatsoever in common with your average sugar-laden fruity floral.
The dry down still smells like the spiced sandalwood incense of the Eau de Parfum, and there are still hints (very mild) of something green and slightly bitter, but in keeping with its name, it is paler, not quite so uncompromising. All that remains of the smoldering pencil shavings is a wisp of smoke; the floral notes are, as advertised, brighter, but without being any more distinct. It has a velvety finish that doesn't quite go to powder, and while I don't think anyone would call it sweet, it manages to avoid the bone-dry, take-no-prisoners aspect of the Eau de Parfum.
White is easily more wearable than the Eau de Parfum, but happily, it doesn't feel dumbed down. The base retains a satisfying depth, and the lasting power is still quite good. It is entirely unisex, and a perfect scent for winter.
White is an Eau de Toilette, and is available in 50 ml bottles. For buying information, see the listing for Comme des Garçons under Perfume Houses.
White is very, very dry one me, and a little sour. I like it, don't love it, which is surprising, I should adore it, just judging by the notes.
Is this the one that sort of smells like ink? I'm rusty on my CdG knowledge. 😉
As you said, this truly is not a “dumbed down” version of the EdP. Thank God, Rei and Mark. Adore this scent, and although it is indeed a somewhat paler version of the EdP, I still have never been able to see it as a “white” scent. It's still beautifully autumnal to my nose.
Such a coincidence…I am a newbie for most of the CdG scents (I fell in love with Guerilla 1 a few months ago & soon realized this was the most recent scent released in 2006, with a TON of others released way before that…talk about late bloomer).
Therefore, I am going in chronological order & trying ALL of them…(can I say Calamus from the Leaves series rocks!)
I just last week, ordered samples of White (and CdG 3) from Luckyscent & I have not even had a chance to try them yet…I can't wait to get home, your review has me excited now…
BTW – would love to ready your review of CdG 3 (I don't see a NowSmellThis review of it?) Let me know or better yet, post a review on the site soon!
Love the site (daily reader here)!
I would have thought you would love this one, M — so I'm surprised too.
Nope, that is CdG 2 🙂
Funny, I don't see it as “white” either, but it is colder than the original so maybe that is it? Agree it is a fall/winter scent.
How nice to be discovering this line! I admit I did not love the Guerillas, but by & large I think CdG has done an incredible job with fragrance. Planning to do CdG 2 tomorrow, and will see if I can get to CdG 3 soon.
And thanks for the nice words about the blog 🙂