Coco Noir is like fine ink. If I'd have to sinestesically translate it into a color, it would be a shade of purple. It's very elegant and soft, but not very sophisticated. It's present, but quite weak, not overpowering like most classy scents.
At first, it's green floral and sweet. Pretty common, it debutes with rosy citruses and a hint of jasmine. It has a coolness that reminds me somehow of Flower by Kenzo. Very modern and easy to wear, a little bit on the unisex squad, it's a nice scent, yet not so memorable.
Cabochard, probably the most well-known perfume by Grès, was first launched in 1959.
The official main notes here are bergamot, aldehydes, mandarin, galbanum, ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, cloves, oakmoss, tobacco, musk, iris, sandalwood, vetiver, leather, castoreum, patchouli and labdanum.
Cabochard is hated by many because it doesn't "deliver" what it's usually expected from a fragrance. It's brutal and serious, not playful nor delicate, it's straight forward and that can really bother. It's cold, present yet distant and somehow arrogant. A little harsh, it seems impolitic at first, still it remains reserved for all its 10 hour staying power.
Although conceived for women, I see it more unisex, especially given the vetiver and tabac notes.
Not necessarily a bad boy, but the resemblance with Robert Piguet's Bandit validates its name (cabochard = French for stubborn).
It makes me think of an O de Lancome deprived of its citric effervescence, somehow missing the freshness. A pile of old books, bound in leather, over which someone has overturned a pot of aromatic herbs. A flurry of dust in the middle of summer, which doesn't announce any hint of storm. It has a strong personality, but without being cocky.
Ideal for rainy weather. In drydown it's quite adorable.



