Our take
What does CK2 smell like?
Twenty years after CK One, Calvin Klein revived the idea of a shared scent. CK2 went on sale in February 2016, first at Macy’s in New York, with a campaign shot by Ryan McGinley. Pascal Gaurin of IFF composed it with Ann Gottlieb. The opening is a surprise. Wasabi stings the nose and mandarin barely softens it. Violet leaf adds a metallic green. The heart rests on a wet cobblestone accord, mineral and cold, which gives the perfume its identity. Rose and iris stay in the background as if filtered. The base pairs vetiver, incense and sandalwood in a dry, clean way. CK One bet on citrus and tea. CK2 bets on the smell of pavement after a downpour. The idea is more original, though it is less appealing day to day and it fades quickly.
When to wear it
A spring and summer daytime scent for the office or the city. Plan to reapply in the afternoon because it fades fast on skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody family. CK2 is one of 24 creations by Calvin Klein in our encyclopedia.
