Kar-Wai

Kar-Wai, composed by Pascal Gaurin for Carine Roitfeld in 2019, is a floral fragrance according to everyone who rates it. Spicy, green, musky, leather and citrus facets are each noticed by about a quarter of wearers, which suggests a rose that is dressed in several quiet layers rather than one strong accent.

Turkish rose and rose form the heart, with osmanthus adding its apricot-like, slightly leathery sweetness and jasmine giving extra fullness. Bergamot and cardamom make the opening fresh and lightly spiced, and tea brings a dry, faintly smoky green quality that keeps the flowers restrained. In the base, leather adds a supple, warm depth, vetiver gives a dry, earthy edge and musk softens the whole into a close, skin-like finish.

Kar-Wai is a shared fragrance, worn by anyone. The tea and musk keep it wearable in daytime, while the rose and leather give it enough presence for evenings. It should suit people who like their rose understated and slightly smoky rather than jammy.

Kar-Wai — unisex fragrance by Carine Roitfeld (released 2019). Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Jasmine, Leather, Musk, Osmanthus, Rose, Tea, Turkish Rose, Vetiver. — Parfica open fragrance database