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Donna Karan relaunches iconic fragrances

Posted by Robin on 11 August 2008 75 Comments

Donna Karan Collection fragrances

Donna Karan is relaunching an "exclusive collection of classic, iconic fragrances of past and present", including Donna Karan, Chaos, Fuel, Black Cashmere and the Donna Karan Essence Collection:

Brought back by popular demand, the fragrances include the original Donna Karan signature scent, the spirited cult-classic Chaos, the fearless Fuel for Men, the darkly mysterious Black Cashmere and the Donna Karan Essence Collection, four elemental scents in their purest form.

The fragrances are available now at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, and will be introduced by Donna Karan fragrance experts Catherine Barber and Annette Williams from August 13-16th; call Bergdorf Goodman at (212) 872-2581 for times and appoinments. (via press release from Donna Karan)

Filed Under: fragrance shopping, new fragrances
Tagged With: donna karan

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75 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 12:58 pm

    Does anyone know whether these will be bergdorf goodman exclusive, or whether they will be more widely available? Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:06 pm

    Very interesting. So that's why Black Cashmere was dc'd… I wonder if they have been reformulated.
    And–hey–why don't the other frag companies whose old juices are selling for zillions of dollars on fleabay take note as well?

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  3. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:20 pm

    Exclusive to BG in the US, Harrods in Europe. BG is already sending out shipments if you call to order.

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  4. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:22 pm

    BG claims its not reformulated. My test – my mother loved Black Cashmere, but it made me sneeze to high heaven whenever she wore it. We'll see what happens this go around ;D

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  5. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:43 pm

    I AM MORE THAN EXCITED! IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO TRY AND FIND THE DONNA KARAN ORIGINAL. NOW JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY. HOW NICE IS THAT!

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  6. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:48 pm

    Yeah, I'm one of those people who called up Helga at BG and ordered a bottle. She asked me seriously “how many bottles?” so I'm gathering it's quite the buying frenzy there today. And justified, IMHO, since this has been like the Last Unicorn of discontinued fragrances for so many people, myself included ever since I managed to get a few precious ml from a generous swapper.

    Is it sad that I found $85 for 3.4oz to be a really great price? :)

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  7. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Oh My God!

    Chaos and Fuel! I Want!

    Does anybody know if BG ships internationally or if it's available on their website? And what's the price for this rarities?

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  8. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Does anybody know if they're going to be limited releases?

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  9. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:14 pm

    Thanks Licia…I don't know anything that wasn't in the press release.

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  10. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:16 pm

    Ahtx, will be interesting to see how these sell.

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  11. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:17 pm

    BG would not be likely to even know if it was reformulated.

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  12. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:18 pm

    It's nice if you need a bottle! I'd get it soon in case these are limited edition.

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  13. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:19 pm

    Which one did you get?

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  14. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:22 pm

    It isn't on their website, but that's all I know — it was a very brief press release.

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  15. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Too bad they're not re-introducing the original bottles, because they were a not inconsiderable part of the pleasure of the Karan scents; that fantastic glass dagger for Chaos, the biomechanical sculpture of Donna Karan, and my favourite, that bizarre patinated gunmetal gearshift/helmet thing that held Fuel. I'd consider buying it again if I could have that bottle.

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  16. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:41 pm

    So I'm gonna have to wait and see.

    Or I'll have to discover a good person that lives in the states and can ship on chaos to me rsrsrsrsrsrs

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  17. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:44 pm

    Robin, have you sniffed donna karan signature (or new york)? Can you make a brief description about it?

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  18. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 2:52 pm

    Hey, R — you're supposed to be on vacation! We're kicking this exciting news around on the Posse today. I am dying to get a sniff to see whether they've been tweaked.
    Also someone brought up the interesting/funny pt that the ORIGINAL essences are still selling $165 for the 1.7 edp(edt?) or you can have one of these 3.4s for $85. Hmmmmmm…..
    I have never smelled Fuel. I am looking forward to it.

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  19. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 3:43 pm

    Welcome, my friend in London got a flier thingy from Harrods with the details.

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  20. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 3:46 pm

    The new plain bottles may be how they can hold the price down on what may be a comparatively small volume of bottles, rather than have to invest in manufacturing several much more complicated ones.

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  21. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 3:47 pm

    COOL!!!! I just ordered a bottle of Chaos. Cant wait to get it.

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  22. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 3:58 pm

    I spoke to the DK representative at BG, and she assured me that they are NOT limited edition. They are running very low on Chaos, but their stocks should get replenished.

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  23. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 4:01 pm

    Without a doubt you're right, and I know the many many fans of the scents will just be happy to get their hands on them, regardless of the packaging. Still; such good bottles they were!

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  24. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Great news! Chaos deserves the sucess; it's unique, and so beautiful in it's dry, but comfort, spices.

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  25. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 4:37 pm

    It's really great news. Chaos is a great scent. At least the company figured out how to please their large fan base.

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  26. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 6:21 pm

    The bottles were featured in the Harrods magazine for August, so I searched the store for them on August 1st. They weren't there, and no-one knew anything, of course. The magazine didn't say what the mysterious bottles were, and you couldn't read the names on the labels (believe me, I tried everything), so I was desperate to know what they were. I don't believe I've ever sniffed Fuel, so that's a must-do.

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  27. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 8:20 pm

    I love Chaos – I don't suppose anyone has any information about when/where/if these will be available in Canada?

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  28. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 8:32 pm

    Gosh, one hears about some of these so frequently on the blogs and message boards (accompanied by the requisite weeping), that I feel it's my duty to sniff them for educational purposes at the very least.

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  29. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 9:29 pm

    I spotted the Donna Karan Signature on Nordstrom.com last week, because the bottle was just like the one that I owned, the black and Gold bottle, that was designed by her husband. I called the Downtown Seattle Store, and talked to one of their Certified Fragrance Specialists, who has a very good nose, to ask if it was the Original Signature Fragrance that I had used. He assured me that it was, because he remembered it. I wonder if it is still on their website, since it is supposed to be exclusive to Bergdorf's. I always hated the way that damn bottle was made, because it was impossible to make it spray properly !

    LeNez

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  30. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 9:58 pm

    Donna Karan Signature is available at Nordstrom b&m stores. Just call and ask for it to be sent to you if you're not close to one.

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  31. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:02 pm

    I am on vacation & don't have my testing notes so not positive, but don't think I've smelled Signature.

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  32. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Pyramus — agree, I'd love a bottle of Chaos in the original!

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  33. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:04 pm

    If you get to smell it, let us know if it seems the same!

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  34. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:05 pm

    M, I am on vacation, but even then can manage to quote a press release, LOL…

    I haven't smelled Fuel either. You'll no doubt get to it long before I do, so will wait for your review.

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  35. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:06 pm

    Thanks jtc!

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  36. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:07 pm

    Let me know how it is — I haven't smelled it either!

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  37. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:08 pm

    I'm sorry, I've no idea. You might try emailing customer service at Donna Karan or Estee Lauder?

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  38. Anonymous says:
    11 August 2008 at 10:10 pm

    Thanks!

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  39. Anonymous says:
    12 August 2008 at 1:27 am

    Hello, Henrique — I do not know if they can ship overseas. You could call Bergdorf Goodman in New York and ask them. (Phone: 212-753-7300)

    They've already run out of DK Chaos, but are supposed to be getting more in.

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  40. Anonymous says:
    12 August 2008 at 10:57 am

    I like these bottles! So nice to see you all so enthousiastic about the DK relaunches. I haven't smelled one of them ever but who knows I might eventually.. Now if other companies like Dior would also relaunch their original! classics wow then may of us would be so happy and so broke…;)

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  41. Anonymous says:
    12 August 2008 at 12:11 pm

    Yes, Dior should be next!

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  42. Anonymous says:
    13 August 2008 at 5:10 pm

    Bold, SENSUOUS to the Highest Order, Ful Round and Feminine! Architectural and VERY Dry! A rich and Complex Harmony of Suede, Cashmere (if you can envision Cashmere in scent this is it!)Bulgarian Rose and SUPER Spicy Casablanca Lilies with Smooth touches of Jasmine, Earthy Patchoull and Sandalwood, an methinks a Soupcon of Vetiver Haitian is Detectable in the dry down. It transforms quite Beautifully and Radically from a more Powdery yet VERY Floral opening to a Dry down of Sensual Skin Notes and Suede and Woods! one of my favorites of all time. BTW… you can order Signature and Black Cashmere from DonnaKaranBeauty.com anytiime you wish! you needn't go for these limited editions except for the Defunct and Utterly GLORIOUS Chaos and Fuel For Men!

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  43. Anonymous says:
    13 August 2008 at 5:12 pm

    Could you Imagine a re-release of Diorling? (in it's original formula! WOOHOO!) I'd be on that like Green on Grass!

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  44. Anonymous says:
    13 August 2008 at 5:13 pm

    I also Forgot, Diorama! Would love to smell those beauties!

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  45. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 5:40 am

    TheNoseKnows, you have made me very interested now after your wonderful description..

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  46. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 3:42 pm

    Has anyone bought Chaos yet? Wondering if it smells the same or if it has been reformulated? Any other stores besides Bergdorf's carry these scents? Anyone know the price & strenghts available?? thanks! P.S. those receiving the free bottle giveaway of RL's Notorious, have u received your bottle yet?

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  47. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 4:59 pm

    The Original Signature Scent is available at the Donna Karan Website. It is listed as Donna Karan New York, and is in the black & gold bottle, EDP, in two sizes, for the same price as BG is selling the plain bottles for. It is also available at Nordtrom Stores and Online under the same name, and in the same packaging. The website is giving away a free gift with purchase of $75.00, the 3.4 oz. size is $85.00.

    LeNez

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  48. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 7:34 pm

    Upthread – exclusive to BG & Harrods. Number for BG is also there, call for info.

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  49. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 9:06 pm

    Chaos, of course! :)

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  50. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 9:24 pm

    Thanks!

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  51. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 9:25 pm

    Lucky you! That's the one I want.

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  52. Anonymous says:
    14 August 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Yep!

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  53. Anonymous says:
    15 August 2008 at 4:56 am

    Oh my. I am actually hoarding a bottle of Chaos that is still half full, but I think I'll have to try if I can get hold of a back-up.

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  54. Anonymous says:
    15 August 2008 at 11:13 pm

    Last I heard, BG had already sold out but had more on the way? Still worth a phone call!

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  55. Anonymous says:
    20 August 2008 at 11:27 am

    I ordered a bottle of Chaos from BG. The 3.4 was $85.00 and shipping $12.OO within the U.S. I posted a bottle of Chaos on E-Bay and announced that Chaos had been relaunched at BG and E-By removed my listing due to “fee avoidance.” I wrote back and told them that they were unethical to not allow people to know that Chaos is NO LONGER discontinued and that the postings for $500.00 are unethical. They declined to comment. I will let everyone know if the new Chaos is the same as the original as I have Parfum, EDP and even LLP'S Anarchy. I'll do some comparisons and post. BG assured me that it had not changed and that it is not limited edition and was exclusive to BG for “a while” and would be more widely distributed.

    Alexandria

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  56. Anonymous says:
    20 August 2008 at 1:29 pm

    Thanks, and do let us know how Chaos smells! I still haven't decided if I'm going to buy it or not.

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  57. Anonymous says:
    20 August 2008 at 2:02 pm

    Yes, I will. By the way, when Black Cashmere was created there were Internet articles explaining that Black Cashmere was created to make Chaos lovers happy. Apparently recreated by a Japanese Perfumer. While Black Cashmere is lovely in its own right, and darn similar to Chaos, it is not…Chaos. Warmer, I believe, than Chaos' dry, cool, spice that everyone loves. How interesting that Chaos is finally back. They had to be in a coma to not notice the E-Bay prices and the other perfume site's prices. I've even seen it for $1200.00! We will see if the relaunch is the same. I agree that the SAs might not know, nor have ever smelled the original. In addition, the woods (Sandalwood?) might have to be obtained from alternative sources and our 12 year old stock may have changed. Well, the proof is in the pudding, as they say! I'll keep you posted!

    Alexandria

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  58. Anonymous says:
    20 August 2008 at 3:54 pm

    Well, the Chaos came in the mail today. It is not the same. I tested it next to Chaos, Black Cashmere and LLP's Anarchy. Sadly, it is weaker, flatter and not as spicy as before. It doesn't have that fabulous leather dry down as well. Sadly, the Anarchy smells better. It is close, but has lost its richness. I detect some of the same Black Cashmere notes. I'm going to test it again after my nose has rested, but I'm disappointed. Any other testers out there?

    Alexandria

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  59. Anonymous says:
    21 August 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Oh, what a shame! If you want to hear other views, you might try a board search at MakeupAlley, I know tons of people there ordered it.

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  60. Anonymous says:
    21 August 2008 at 8:15 pm

    Well, I posted there and the results were non-committal. Seems the same, etc. Don't mind if it smells like Black Cashmere, etc.

    I've worn Chaos for years and then Black Cashmere. This version is different. Chaos is unmistakable. I might be back to high prices and Anarchy!

    Alexandria

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  61. Anonymous says:
    23 August 2008 at 5:43 pm

    Ah, sorry then!

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  62. Anonymous says:
    3 September 2008 at 4:52 pm

    Hi Henrique

    Do you live in the UK? You can now get this in Harrods. I got some Chaos yesterday. Couldn't hold out any longer, knowing my favourite scent of all time had been re-launched…

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  63. Anonymous says:
    3 September 2008 at 5:11 pm

    Alexandria

    How strange. I know that 1 of the new bottles sold here in the UK a couple of days ago on ebay and it said in the listing that Chaos had returned and ebay let that one go ahead – item no' 120298660466 . That was how I found out myself it had been re-launched. All of a sudden there seem to be a couple of the older bottles listed in the UK at the same time now whereas in the past, you were lucky to ever find 1 here before. Word must be spreading and sellers are hurriedly trying to sell the originals before people realise they can buy it new now for a fraction of the price…

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  64. Anonymous says:
    3 September 2008 at 8:53 pm

    Hi,

    I think that because I said it can be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman's they removed it. There is a new one on E-Bay now. The prices are really ridiculous and I told E-Bay that they were unethical for letting this go on. No one is buying them for $400.00 anyway. Unfortunately, I think the new version is not as rich or beautiful as the first.

    Alex

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  65. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 1:04 pm

    WOW – I cannot contain my excitement – just ordered a bottle of Chaos form Harrods – I never thought I would see the day when this fabulous fragrance came back – nothing has ever matched it!

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  66. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 1:14 pm

    Hi Alexandria,

    You mentioned LLP Anarchy – who/what is this? Is it similar to Chaos and Black Cashmere?

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  67. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 1:51 pm

    Congrats!

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  68. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 1:52 pm

    LLP = Long Lost Perfumes, they make dupes of popular & discontinued scents

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  69. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 2:41 pm

    Hi, yes it is

    http://www.longlostperfumes.com

    See “Anarchy”

    It is, in my opinion, very close to the original. I am very disappointed in the relaunch.

    Alexandria

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  70. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 3:01 pm

    Thanks Alexandria,

    Do you think the LLP version is better than the relaunch? Does anyone else have comments on the re-launched Chaos and how close it is to the original? I, unfortunately, have no bottle of the original Chaos to compare it to, I just remember how wonderful the perfume was and how I have been searching to replace it for 8 years since it discontinued, sniffing every new perfume I come across to se if it evokes the same feelings and memories!!! I can see no commercial reason why DK would change the make up of the perfume for the relaunch – any comments??

    I shall let uou know when my hotly anticipated bottle arrives in the post from Harrods!!

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  71. Anonymous says:
    12 September 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Hi, Shuvvy,

    Yes, I think Anarchy is better than the relaunch. Sad to say. I think the woods or other ingredients became too expensive. I think I read something like that years ago. It may be speculation. It smells more like a weakened version of Black Cashmere. I'm soliciting comments also.

    Alex

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  72. Anonymous says:
    27 October 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Yesterday I noticed Donna Karan collection on the shelves in a perfume store. I was so glad finally to spray on some Black Cashmere. I just loved the incense in it. I tried on Chaos and I liked it. It looked very much like Black Cashmere just weaker in incense note. The Signature really knocked me down by its warm flowers beauty and Fuel for Men smelled like an old lipstic :D Essence serie is beautifully done and its not flat so is to say boring. I found jasmine very nice and loved labdanum. The lasting power is very good on me. I tested it on yesterday and today. Very very nice scents indeed and I am glad that Donna Karan relauched it.

    I find the packaging nice too.

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    • solovely7 says:
      8 August 2012 at 8:57 pm

      After reading all the not so good things about the re-launch, it’s reassuring to know that there light at the of this tunnel. I will be buying a bottle of the SIGNATURE fragrance this week. thanx

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  73. Anonymous says:
    27 October 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Glad you liked trying them! Agree, it's a wonderful collection and hope it stays in production.

    Log in to Reply
  74. lesli says:
    9 April 2011 at 7:13 pm

    re-issue chaos
    don’t watse your money.
    orderes this from neimen marcus online. you can barely smell anything at first and after a few hours you can’t smell anything.
    i had 3 people smell my wrist. tried it for 2 days. neiman’s says i can’t return it because i opened the package. it’s water.

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