Les Exclusifs de Chanel Sycomore Chanel for women

My sample of this was a huge disappointment to me. Maybe it's because I have an odd chemical relationship with Vetiver, but honestly Sycomore is a virtual non-entity on me. I have to cram my wrist right up to my nose to even catch a hint of it.

And what do I smell once my wrist is thus crammed? Iso E-Super. Far be it for me to contradict so many other intelligent reviewers (or indeed Chanel themselves) who talk about the wonderful notes of Sycomore at length, but this smells like Terre d'Hermes EdT after having stood on the wing of a biplane for a few hours to me.

Washed out, a ghost of a perfume.I even suspected I might be slightly anosmic to Vetiver... but I asked others if they could smell Sycomore on me while I was sampling it. They couldn't. A pity.

To me Sycomore is a fresh green vetiver, very suitable for a man but to my taste,too green for a woman to wear. and it reminds me of Cristalle eau vert.

Encre Noire is way better than Sycomore, EN is kind of fragrance that i would pay hundreds to have a bottle of this masterpiece but wouldn`t pay $110 2.5 oz for sycomore, i`m not against Sycomore i really like it it`s sexy but EN is unbelievabley sexy scent, plus sycomore has very weak projection but good longevity.

I have Sycomore and Encre Noir. Sycomore is more refined.

This and Timbuktu are my favorite vetiver fragrance.

Sycomore was a interesting experience for me.

I always thought that I liked vetiver very much. I never smelled it in its pure form and therefore I have no actual way of knowing what it smells like - and apparently not every vetiver smells the same.

I own several perfumes that either have vetiver in their name and/or as one of their main ingredients and so I've come to think that I have a pretty good idea of what vetiver smells like: green, fresh, earthy. But I never knew for sure.

Sycomore is said by some to be one of the vetiver fragrances and hence I was excited when I received a sample vial. And boy was I in for a surprise.

I can't say that Sycomore doesn't bear a a remote resemblance to my other vetiver fragrances. There is a faint glimpse in Sycomore of what I love in those other perfumes.

But other than that: Yuck with a capital Y. I hate the smell of Sycomore. To me, it's almost stomach-turning. Green, fresh, earthy? No. Rotting wood.

Is this the true, pure, unmasked smell of vetiver? Or is there just a different kind of vetiver in Sycomore? Or is there something else in Sycomore that makes it smell like it smells?

Update:

I got a decant of Montale Red Vetyver today. While I find it not as bad smelling as Sycomore, there is indeed an unpleasant resemblance.

Strange. I never got this (to my nose) nasty note from, say, Guerlain Vetiver, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver or Terre d'Hermès, to name three vetiver-featuring fragrances that I like/love. Maybe the vetiver that these fragrances use is chemically different or from a different geographical origin?

The most exquisite Vetiver I've ever smelled.

First, my perspective is that of a Hawaii Vetiver farmer, who anticipates and relishes the bold release of fragrance as a row of Vetiver is harvested. You will be mistaken to believe that all Vetiver smells the same. To my nose, Haitian and Hawaiian Vetiver are smoky, rounder and sweeter/greener; Indonesian Vetiver is earthy/dirty/burnt, with weighty notes of burned tobacco, and; Vetiver from Reunion/Bourbon Islands is linear, pungent, and acrid. I eagerly awaited the release of Jacques Polge's Sycomore and was among the first in line when our Chanel boutique received its shipment. I was not disappointed. Polge's original Sycomore was a beautiful Haitian Vetiver fragrance, remarkably true to this warm, complex essence (Vetiver essential oil is one of the most complex, containing more than 42 different components. If you warm a drop or two of Vetiver EO by rubbing it briskly between your hands, it will release a highly aromatic, satisfying, and long-lasting fragrance). However, given its price and availability, I decided to wait. By the time I'd decided to buy it--and did--Sycomore had been reformulated as a Bourbon Vetiver-based juice. Now I'm stuck with two full bottles of Bourbon Vetiver-based fragrances--Sycomore and Encre Noire--that I abhor!! You've undoubtedly noticed that the overwhelming majority of Vetiver fragrances opens with a citrus accord. However, even a citrus opening cannot soften or distract from a razor-sharp Bourbon Vetiver blast. Sorry, but the new(er) Sycomore--and Encre Noir--are simply nasty.

to me it smells soo sweeet..its not for men...like it has bergamot in it too...but its not on the list? its not so sofisticated as 31 rue cambon....but i like it so much because of that smoky smell thats really not overwhelming, smells grassy :)
here is from wikipedia:The odor of vetiver oil is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky, earthy, amber, balsam

thats exactly how this here smells

This a totally MAN's scent, its far too woody for a woman to wear. I have both Encre Noire and Sycomore. Encre Noire is a cheap synthetic mess in comparison with poor longevity. Sycomore is a winner all the way. The best vetiver without a doubt.

This is just simply beautiful. Smells to me of painting a fence with creosote while drinking a cup of Lapsong Souchong tea. Try spraying a little on your pillow for a restful sleep.

Early Spring. I have a meandering creek through my backyard. I often wonder, where does this creek go? I imagine buying a raft, stocking supplies, and after a substantial rain, I go drifting towards a larger river, towards adventure. That what Sycamore is to me.

Sprintime, rafting through mild adventures on a large creek or a small river, drifting through fields, (often with over hanging trees and vines bearing berries), perhaps with beehives just beyond reach, sharp rocks on the left, and pine trees everywhere on the banks. Solitude and confidence. Sycamore is that, and that's me when I wear it.

Next to Antaeus, this is the greatest Chanel scent. Brilliance, really.

Jason S.
(Ohio)

If you don't love vetiver, you will not enjoy Sycomore. This is one of the best vetiver fragrances out there, it easily stands with Guerlain's Vetiver, although the two compositions are highlighted with different notes.

This scent will change depending on the weather, humidity, etc. On the top there stands a wonderful smoky note, sometimes more campfireish, sometimes more resembling the coals left over, and sometimes downright smelling like something curling out of a Nat Sherman cigarette. The smoke does fade out, though, as it is only a top note.

The rest of the scent is a mixture of sweet, earthy vetiver with occasional swirls of sandalwood. Were they able to put Mysore sandalwood in here? Have they fouund a substitute? Because the sandalwood is of the creamy, sweeet sort, not a dry woody sort. Beautiful.

Lasting power is very good, sillage is minimal but you yourself will be able to smell it all day long.

Another simple but stunning fragrance in the Les Exclusives line. I love this, and if you like these types of notes and are not afraid of things that are not out and out 'feminine' then Sycomore is definetely worth your time.

Ah the magnificent Sycomore! Other vetiver fragrances pale in to insignificance for me next to this beast of a fragrance. I get the burning of the crop stubble from my childhood, and the dank woods in which we would play in autumn, and the chopping down of trees, whenever I first spray this. After time it mellows to display lemony, buttery, candy and almost coconut-like facets, hidden behind the initial blast of bonfire. I smell and smell, and it changes in what seems to be an effort to entertain, becoming more refined and elegant. I wonder what would happen if Sycomore was introduced to the standard department store counters, and released from the constraints of being part of the boutique only range. But then again, I'm thankful for the exclusivity because I don't want everyone else to smell like this.

I'm absolutely mesmerized by this masterpiece. A warm, sensual, graceful yet confident scent that exudes quality and class. Do yourself a favor and try Sycomore, or else be doomed to a world of mediocre scented fragrances.

I would love to purchace this fragrance, however I am unsure if I could pull such a unique sent. I dont think I ever have an event to wear such a special occasion sent.

Vetiver! It's all about the woods. Warm, burning woods and incense smoke. If you love vetiver, you'll crown this the Queen or King of the vetiver perfumes.

Sycomore is all juicy dark greens and lush woods, like walking through a deep dense forest after a storm. I'm delighted to finally sniff a blend where vetiver is front and center, and not just an afterthought. In Sycomore it is lush and wet, like biting into a bitter under ripe fruit. To my nose it's a bit citrusy also, like the calamansi juice I've loved since childhood but minus all the sugar typically thrown into it. As I normally can't smell citrus on my skin as the notes turn to ash on my skin, I'm delighted. The sandalwood and tobacco prop up and support the vetiver, and overall I'm reminded of hot summer evenings in Florida chatting around my aunt's wood table as her numerous lime and lemon trees sway in the humid breeze.

I may buy a bottle of Sycomore one day, should I run out of my decant. I think I've already established in my reviews I like a masculine slant to my scents, and Sycomore is no exception--no florals whatsoever here. This is what I wanted No.19 to be, but 19's sharpness pushed me away. I'll be using this when I take on the boardroom.

Since my wonderful friends here on this website have made great suggestions I really enjoy the combination of vetiver, spices, and tobacco in this fragrance that truly make it unisex but by no means feminine. I think that's in comparison to my other new favorite "Encre Noir" as far as mysterious, magical vetiver's Sycomore will get more playtime in my rotation due to its versatility, whereas I will save "Encre Noir" for those special evenings. Pricewise, this is going to cost you a little bit more but it is so much worth it because it can be worn in a variety of ways. Casually, formally, daytime, nighttime... plus it's something that's very unique that you won't smell on other people as much. Perfect balance of notes all the way through with just the right amount of sillage and longevity.
Age-appropriate -- 30+

@Papi. Perhaps Chanel copied herself? The original Sycomore was created in 1930.
Lalique and the new Sycomore are very much alike though. I prefer the fresh start and the progression towards smokey woods and vertiver of Sycomore, but to each their own.

Sycomore used to be one of my top favorite fragrances until I discovered Terre d'Hermes and Encre Noire.

Don't get me wrong, Sycomore is a high quality fragrance, no doubt. Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake were able to utilize the smoky-organic qualities of vetiver without pumping a shitload of Iso E Super into the composition, and it comes out smelling great. That being said, I feel there's something missing from Sycomore. It feels flat and "empty", sort of. There's also a bit too much pepper for my liking, and I can't help thinking of steak (I have the same problem with a lot of dry pepper-infused masculines that have been released recently). Terre d'Hermes has a citrus/Iso E Super combo that makes it irresistable, and Encre Noire has a dark mystique that I love. Sycomore is good, but it's lacking. Nevertheless, still try it if you can. It's good stuff.

Sycomore is pretty masculine, if you ask me. There's not one floral or sweet note I can smell in it.

A Vetiver focused fragrance done by Chanel. Sycomore makes me think of winter days, and something on its dry leafy woodiness it`s cozy in an expected way - like a dark green wool sweater. The vetiver here lacks the leathery/rubberized aspect that you sometimes see on vetiver fragrances, and seems to focus more on the dry, green inky part of it. The violet extends the leafy side of vetiver, while the tobacco and sandalwood creates a smoky and relaxed background that it`s there just to support the main aroma of vetiver. The pink pepper is the part that i only get sometimes, with a discreet sweetness wich usually go unnoticed on my skin. Sycomore is very minimalistic, dark, intense and longlasting, and one of the les exclusifs that i see beeing more appreciated by Man than Woman.

Very bold yet an elegant fragrance at the same time. Somehow this fragrance is refreshing enough to wear in the humid summer time and warm enough to wear in the winter time. How did Polge and Sheldrake do it??? Well how ever they did it, they did it. It's a fantastic vetiver fragrance, by far the best vetiver i have tried. Its smokey, earthy, woody, yet light with a tart berry essence to it. Elegant, classy, sophisticated, bold and beautiful. Magnicifient on a woman and sophistication on a man.

The inicial notes are strong, dark and smokey. For some reason Sycomore reminds me a little of Tea for two, both are very complex and spicy, but Sycomore is all about earthy and vetiver notes, and dries down to a soft, sweet fragrance.

I'm really impressed, I think Sycomore and Coromandel smell extremely unisex (more manly than womanly). They're definitely not easy to wear, but both are very interesting fragrances.

I won't spend many words on Sycomore as it deserves at least a try. This is an absolute masterpiece, one of a kind type of stuff and should be a mandatory purchase for any true fragrance lover. An outstanding and superbly crafted, smoky yet fresh vetiver centered composition enriched by hints of incense and a considerable dose of sandalwood. The usual aldehydes/iris roots "signature" bu Chanel is there but works subtly to provide the right amount of sophistication. Dry yet plush, immensely satisfying. Together with Vetiver Exctraordinaire and Route Du Vetiver possibly one of the best around. Absolutely intoxicating and addicting, don't look any further.

Rating: 10/10

Starts with a walk through grassy fields. Then you move into a fresh spring forest. The forest shifts through the seasons while you walk and you end up in early autumn with the sun peaking through the leaves. Stunning!

Deep, warm, yet fresh. I'm amazed again by Les Exlusifs.
Sycomore seems to get stronger hours later after a fresh opening. Really love how this, just like the other Chanels, keeps shifting layer after layer.

Hooked already from just the test spray I got from the boutique today. I really have to resist to run back to the boutique and buy (yet another) 200ml bottle.

We'll see how long I can resist buying it, but will review it again when I buy it...

Edit: well one week later I got me a bottle! And what a great and original fragrance this is. Really one of a kind.

For the males out there: this blends so nicely with my Egoiste after shave balm! A perfect combo. (Or ladies get your hubby to wear Egoiste while you wear Sycomore and you'll make the perfect set :)

Suitable for all seasons (yes: summer too!) and for both sexes...

10/10

I was a bit disappointed with this one. I am really turned off by anything sour, and this perfume seemed sour and weird on me. I felt there was not enough complexity. It mostly smelled like wood and a sour tobacco. After trying several of the Exclusifes, I realize I need to stick with the classic Chanels. I'm really not fond of any of this house's newer fragrances.

Described as a "woody/floral/musk", i get the "woody" the musk eventually shows itself in the drydown, but floral notes elude me completely.
Please don't misconstrue that I am complaining -- I liked this fragrance from first sniff --- and then: it really grew on me.

Oh, my. This is quite lovely, in a rather unconventional, not-quite-ladylike way.

Initially, I thought, "oh, smells like Anat Fritz." (ceder) Then I thought, "now it smells like Feminite du Bois" (more ceder) Eventually, it reminded me of Chanel's Bois des Isles (generalized woodiness), but less sweet, more genteel.

I agree with other reviewers, that it seems more unisex than feminine. In fact, it is so complex, that I intend to experiment with layering it over body creams and oils that are distinctly floral or musky, or . . .

I kept sniffing my wrist, and, when no one [I hope!] was looking, my chest. It really, really grew on me.
Now that Chanel is beginning to offer Les Exclusifs in a 2.5 oz bottle, I shall probably purchase this.

Holy smokes! The first hour of this perfume was so smoky that my husband and I took to referring to this scent as 'Campfire'. And indeed, for me the first hour is a campfire with a side of nasty cigarette ash. I had to rub my eyes when I saw it being classified as a floral woody musk. But as it hits the heart, the cigarette smell disappears and violets start to bloom. Eventually it does blend into smoked woods, violets and musk, a combo I find heavenly.

A few points:
1)It's unisex. In fact, my husband despises this on me as he thinks it's a mens cologne and that it smells like musty pipe tobacco... I can totally picture a very hip married couple sharing a giant bottle of Sycomore. It won't be happening in my house, but I can see it.
2)It lasts forever. 24 hours sounds about right.
3)Someone on basenotes described this as a cross between No 19 and Bois Des Iles. I adore both of those scents, and I agree with the sentiment once the fragrance starts to hit the heart.

On my skin:
Top + Middle + Base:

Vetiver 70%
Pepper like scent 15%
Creamy-like scent 10%,
Tobacco-smokey like scent 10%
Sweet like scent (a little touch of flower) 5%

All the way, 24 hours.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful scent.

Creed, and other niche fragrance like Bond No. 9 or Amourage, you have a contestant.

Is this for women? I don't know, but for sure, I LOVE IT ON ME.

The first spray on my skin, I get nothing, quite disappointing, but after like 5 minutes, the scent pops up.

And it stays like this forever!!!!

For work? YES
For dates? YES
For casual meet-ups? YES

To bad, this scent is so classy, that it cannot be in the clubs. No freaking way.

I won't use this now, I am for sure to young for this. Maybe when I hit 29 onwards, I will buy this. It's kind of, 'powerful' scent.

I can see a manager, or some big shot for a corporate figure pulling this off.

Ladies think this is a weird scent, to grassy to them. Most of the guys say 'dam its so good, that when I am smoking, this one cuts my smoke for sure'.

And yes it did.

OMG, omg, omg, omg.

Awesome longevity as I mentioned.

100% attention grabber.

The country I am in has no 4 seasons, so it is either hot or cold weather. This works very well on both.

My rating (base on 5 stars)

Scent: 5 (Vetiver has never smelled so good).

Sillage: 5 (OMG).

Time length: 5 (24 hours, shit).

Occasion: 4 (all rounder jack of trades, but not for clubs).

Overall base on mathematics: 4.75/5

Throw away your all your vetiver stuff. This is a winner

I maybe should try on Vetiver by Christian Dior =p

I am crazy nuts in love with this fragrance. It's smoky, just sweet enough, elegant, and perfect for daytime. I don't sense cigarettes but rather burned wood, which I do adore as it makes me think of autumn walks and fireplace smoke. But it isn't all smoke; the violet sweetens things up very nicely. I don't often turn to girly or perfumey scents during the day, so this is a big favorite. Sycomore makes me feel confident and beautiful.

Clean, watery and warm smell. Remind me of Bvlgari BLV II eau de parfum. Very similar, hate to say I hate 'em both. But great for men, I think.

I bougth a bottle when it first came out in 2008 because the combination of tobacco and vetiver appealed to me. I worn it a couple of times and think it's an amazing perfume though too feminine. And I'm a man.. Good thing about "Les Exclusifs" is that they are exculsive. I sold my used bottle within a day for a good price on internet to a very enthusiastic lady. There you go, true art never loses it value.

I absolutely adore rich, woodsy, smokey scents, especially those with tobacco as its most dominant note. Chanel's Sycomore fits this description, however in my opinion, this fragrance is far more masculine than feminine. I'm usually accustomed to gender-bending scents and I often wear fragrances marketed towards men, however Sycomore is far too masculine for me to even touch and the funny thing is, Sycomore is a female fragrance.

Despite the initial surprise, Sycomore is rather enticing. The fragrance opens quite strong, with the vetiver and tobacco notes making a rather loud entrance. Once settled on the skin, the sandalwood and cypress blends in with the tobacco and vetiver creating an interesting dryness.

Every time I brought my wrist to my nose I detected a powdery woods note, rather like the scent of fresh saw-dust. I was very relieved to see aldehydes as a listed note here, which proved that I had not been misled into making up ingredients.

Smokey, and in some ways, bitter, Sycomore reminds me of a recently burnt Australian bushland after a rainstorm. It is the scent of a scorching hot Summer, however I can't say that I'd wear this anytime other than Winter.

There are many words to describe Sycomore; dry, smokey, salty, earthy, masculine, nutty, dark, classy and balanced are only just the beginning. On each individual, Sycomore seems to differ. On a man, I'm certain that this fragrance would shine. I'll just put it out there that Chanel's Sycomore is and should be unisex.

An excellent light summer wood. I pretty much get smoky wood the whole time with very little change. Perhaps a tobacco note creeps in at the end, but overall, it's just a light, fresh smoky wood on my skin. Very nice.

Chanel SYCOMORE is a very unique perfume, with a dominant tobacco note which combines with the other elements of the composition in the opening to produce what is to my nose very similar to the smell of a campfire burnt out. It's not the smell of fire, nor of smokiness exactly, but more the scent of cold embers the morning after a big campfire in the mountains. This same smell tends to infect the clothing of all those who sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows, singing, and laughing. Basically, a flood of memories from girl scout camp has been elicited by the opening of SYCOMORE, believe it or not!

I am not and have never been a smoker, but this combination of earthy tobacco, vetiver and what seems to my nose to be leather is very appealing. SYCOMORE becomes even nicer in the drydown, when the dark heavy campfire aura evolves into a smooth, barely floral, powdery dry wood layer.

Through its entire development, this seems a unisex fragrance to me. Nothing in my collection comes close to SYCOMORE, and I find it FB-worthy, so am adding it to my wish list!

This is pure vetiver – dry, like burning wood. This smells of aromatic smoke and earth. No sweetness at all to my nose, which is exactly as it should be. Use only a bit as this is very strong. I actually like to use just a drop of this under a scent I find too sweet or fruity to add depth.

this is THE BEST VETIVER FRAGRANCE I ha=have ever worn... it has a nutty quality that lasts and lasts. if you can wear sweet and fruity florals, or fruity chypres you will want to own this

In 1920 US women gained the right to vote but not the right to smoke in public. The cigarette companies (obviously) had a problem with this, so they hired Edward Bernays (founder of Public Relations) to come up with a solution. Bernays created the 'Torches of Freedom' campaign, where women who wanted to stress their equality with men showed it by smoking in public. The French fashion houses saw where this was going and quickly jumped on the bandwagon, one result being Sycomore. My only comment is that US sentiment towards smoking has changed, and thus, a tobacco heavy perfume such as this in no longer in syle.

Cold, reserved, sophisticated. There is a lot`s of tobacco going on, mildewish patchouli...I don`t feel vetiver as strong, but something shows up that reminds me of a bitter lemon peel.

Also something unexpected showed up - through the entire top-heart-base notes - a pure smell of cigarettes with pot!That definitely gave Sycomore an unexpected twist!

Something completely unknown and unheard in perfume. Maybe this is the tobacco ring. Poignant, intense green bitter, some sour.
After can feel very light violet, but they are pressed with a crushed green leaves .
I woul'd say it more for men than women. It is cold and bitter, stringent. A bit soapy, I don't like soapy scent

And recalled melissa essential oils.

This is my favorite scent now. I tested it during a fragrance festival and it reminded me of a childhood friends house. Both parents smoked but the house was meticulously clean. Still, an unexpectly pleasant tobacco, wood burning smell was always detectable. This fragrance starts out all smoke and burning wood and then dries down to the best soft vetiver ever. Before I tried this, I had never smelled anything like it. Since then, I have sought out other vetiver based fragrances and the only one that has come close is Lez Nez Turtle Vetiver (but only after the initial swamp smell fades). Love Sycomore!

The vitality of vetiver is very distinct in Chanel's re-release of Sycomore. This his or her fragrance
has many facets for both to discover. I find it to be powerful yet soft, masculine yet feminine. The presence of vetiver is extremely noticeable with it's creme de la creme spirit evocative of the outdoors. The violet is trifle, yet there is a glimpse of a flower. The pseudo-metal essence of the aldehyde, indicative of the Chanel signature, is obvious. The dry down with the smokiness of tobacco laced with sandalwood and balsam create the woodsy incense aroma that make you want to scream I am woman hear me roar! If you like to take risks and have a passion for vetiver then this one this has your name on it.
It is pricey but then timeless scents usually are. I think it is definitely worth the investment for you or your guy. It's a Chanel experience for the 21st century, so have at it!

I purchased this from BG the day after it was launched. Though it's listed here as a feminine scent, In fact it's a masculine and extremely upscale. Clearly it's designed as an evening, special occasion fragrance.

The opening accords are sharp and eye-catching. The second-wear (dry-down), can be 'musty.' Overall, Sycamore is an excellent scent, and by 'excellent', I mean, not created quickly for Chanel's Eclusive line, such as Eau De Cologne.