Scherrer (1979)
by Jean-Louis Scherrer

A classic chypre from the 1980's, with prominent moss notes in the base. The "woody notes" definitely include patchouli, and the mandarin stands in for bergamot. The floral bouquet in the middle is classic and very tastefully done, so the florals don't tip the balance against the base notes. Marketed to women, but the drydown is fine on a man, since all the florals in this are now commonly found in "masculine" scents and fall well short of screeching levels.

An green, long-lasting, seductive, original, complex. harmonious scent. I prefer Scherrer to better known chypre classics. I discovered it in the mid-80's because a very fashionable student from Romania wore it every day. It was a gift from her boyfriend in Paris. At that time you couldn't find it anywhere in the States, so I had to wait months until I was in France to buy it. It may have been more popular in Europe, but in the States it was--and still is--a unique scent. Gorgeous. Green. Glamorous. Rather bold. And it goes on and on.

Green chypres--how I love their mossy redolence and outdoorsiness. They don't make many new ones in this venerated genre. That's why it's important to know which ones still exist. Anyone who likes Paloma Picasso or the old Norell should try Scherrer. (There are two entries in this directory by the names of Jean Louis Scherrer and plain Scherrer, both 1979, so I'm assuming they are a double entry.) This perfume is gloriously green with spicy florals ona a mossy base. It is less sweet than Paloma Picasso, but both manage to acheive a forestlike aroma trhough the use of galbanum, patchouli, and oakmoss. The spices are anyone's guess, buty they differ from the typical Oriental mix, leaning toward fresh and evergreen rather than sweet and gourmand. I hope that some day this unusual and highly satisfying genre makes a comeback and accrues more entries in the market.

A big, beautiful fragrance. I tried this once on the advice of an opera-singer friend, and just had to laugh--it was such a mismatch, I felt I was walking around all day in costume. This requires a bold personality and serious decolletage. Hard to find, but worth seeking out, if you are a diva.

Gorgeous fun!
Yes, fun, too, can be "gorgeous" - and it's called "Scherrer". ;)

There is nothing like a drop of "Scherrer" on a woman to light up a dull, foggy, late autumn day. To me and others who love it (surprisingly few are really aware of it), it is one of the most powerful "pick-me-up" scents: thorougly modern, cheerful, dynamic, confident - and oh-so feminine.

Love it!

A classy green chypre that dries down slightly powdery. Sophisticated and confident.