Our take
What does Sycomore smell like?
Chanel launched Sycomore in 2008 as part of Les Exclusifs. Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake revived a name the house had already used in 1930. The original was more floral, with violet and tobacco. The modern version gives almost all the space to vetiver. It opens dry and sparkling. Aldehydes, pink pepper and juniper feel like a room that has just been aired out. Vetiver arrives fast, smoky and earthy, with a green hazelnut edge. A quiet violet and some cypress give it a darker outline. Sandalwood and a hint of tobacco round off the base. On some skins it shows an almost chocolate-like richness. On others it reads more like a cold ashtray. Compared with Guerlain's Vetiver, which is cleaner and more citrusy, Sycomore is darker and smokier. It is built for vetiver lovers and makes no concessions to anyone else.
When to wear it
For spring, autumn and winter, equally good at the office or at dinner. Two sprays are enough since the vetiver lasts all day.
It belongs to the Woody family. Sycomore is one of 48 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
