Our take
What does Knowing smell like?
Estée Lauder launched Knowing in 1988. Elie Roger composed it at Firmenich, and he also made Clinique’s Wrappings. Some retailers credit Jean Kerléo, which is wrong. The opening is dark and a little sour. Coriander and cardamom prickle while aldehydes and green notes add a bitter velvet. Plum and mimosa stay in the background. A dry, almost medicinal rose rules the heart. Tuberose, jasmine and orris surround it. Bay leaf pushes that herbal side further. The base softens into oakmoss, patchouli and vetiver, with a slightly animalic amber thanks to civet. Knowing belongs to the family of mossy roses alongside Rive Gauche and Aromatics Elixir. It is drier than the latter and far less sweet than Ungaro’s Diva. Recent batches lean more on patchouli. It needs a cool day to show its best side.
When to wear it
An autumn and winter scent for evenings or a big meeting. One spray is enough because it is very strong.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Knowing is one of 4 creations by Estée Lauder in our encyclopedia.
