Sycomore

✍️ Our Take

Sycomore is one of those fragrances that reminds you why vetiver has such a loyal following. On your skin, it opens brisk and woody, with cypress and sandalwood giving that cool, pencil-shavings kind of polish, while the vetiver arrives almost immediately in its dry, smoky form. As it settles, you get a beautiful earthy depth: a touch of jasmine softens the edges, pink pepper adds just enough sparkle, and the heart keeps that elegant, slightly austere feel rather than turning sweet or obvious. In the drydown, the tobacco and musk make it feel richer and more textured, but never heavy. It wears like a tailored jacket, not a loud statement piece. What makes Sycomore so special is how refined it feels without losing character. You can easily wear it to the office when you want something smart and composed, but it also has enough presence for an evening date or a cooler summer braai if you want to smell sophisticated rather than flashy. The longevity is excellent, easily lasting 10 to 12 hours, with a moderate-strong sillage that leaves a tasteful trail. At R2,000 to R5,000, it sits firmly in luxury territory, but the craftsmanship is there in every stage. If you love dry, smoky woods and the finest side of vetiver, this is best suited for you.