Our take
What does L.12.12 Noir smell like?
Lacoste celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2013 with Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Noir, released in May. The name comes from the brand’s famous polo shirt, here in black. The house wanted to evoke a warm summer evening. The perfumer was not disclosed. The eau de toilette opens on watery watermelon lifted by basil. The pairing sounds odd on paper but works well, fresh and green and a little sweet. The aromatic heart picks up lavender and verbena with a touch of magnolia. The base is the surprise. A dark chocolate accord blends with cashmeran, coumarin and patchouli. That chocolate stays dry, more cocoa than dessert. Next to L.12.12 Blanc, the clean and soapy bestseller of the line, Noir is darker and more gourmand. It still keeps a real freshness up top.
When to wear it
For a summer evening or an autumn weekend outing. Use three sprays since the watermelon fades fairly quickly.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. L.12.12 Noir is one of 11 creations by Lacoste in our encyclopedia.