parfums*PARFUMS Series 3 Incense: Avignon (2002)
by Comme des Garçons

In my opinion, Avignon is THE archetypal frankincense fragrance. While I've smelled creative uses of it in mixed blends, and even more so, smelled dry, brittle, and faint renditions in various forms, in my experience only Avignon has truly captured the magic of the burning resin. Here, there is a deep, glowing richness than encapsulates all things frankincense in liquid frorm. Are there other notes? Some, yes. I distinctly detect chamomile, and perhaps some background of spice, but none of the bright citrus or dry woods frankincense is often paired with. Avignon is almost entirely about frankincense, though and though, totally linear yet complex enough to be satisfying in and of itself.

The silllage and longevity are well above for me.

If you love frankincense, I can't imagine why this wouldn't be for you.

This locus classicus of incense-based perfumery deserves every compliment it's gotten in the earlier reviews. Avignon doesn't bother much with the traditional top notes. Instead, it launches right into deep, smoky, incense that's infused with dried fruit, bitter citrus zest, and spices - perhaps nutmeg, mace, or cinnamon. Over the course of an hour the fruit, citrus, and spices gradually retreat, leaving in their wake a very dry frankincense-rich incense accord. At this stage, Avignon is rarified, transparent, and somehow distant, yet also very profound. The heart has a spiritual quality that vividly evokes the silent, cool interior of an ancient cathedral. Avignon remains in this groove for a long time before it starts to dry down into a faintly vanilla seasoned myrrh and cedar accord.

This scent is potent and long lasting, with plenty of sillage, and mercifully avoids the harsh synthetic tone that marks some of Comme des Garçon's more outré fragrances. It's not my favorite incense scent - that would be Dia for Men or Dzongkha - but it's certainly a great one.

From the reviews not everyone is in love with Avignon but I am. I'm not catholic so I don't have any idea what the church incense smells like but I do enjoy incense. When I first tried Avignon I thought of "Interview with the vampire" and I was hooked. I don't find it to be a depressive fragrance but rather I feel very warm and safe wearing it but I see where it would not be everybodies cup of tea.

Truly faked incense. It's good. I don't get the incense connection as the other reviews seem to talk about. And I have nothing more to add.

Very "in your face" incense. Musty, dry, one-dimensional. Longevity is excellent. Projection is very minimal. Evocative yes; beautiful I don't know. Not for me I guess.

Unquestionably there's a charm in the lunacy of the entire CdG line, the 21st century's equivalent to Santa Maria Novella's old world weirdness.
Like SMN with Peau D'Espagna or Nostalgia, CDG hits a winner once in a while among all its cutesy avant garde offerings, and this is one of them.

Meditative? High Mass? Nicole Kidman in a Catholic schoolgirl's uniform slowly stripp--never mind.

(As a theological experiment you might want to wear this one on your right shoulder and Salvador Dali PH on your left. See if a little angel and a little demon perch upon them.)

Well, if nothing else you'll finally be able to answer the perennial question posed by unsympathetic acquaintances: " Why you spend so much money on fragrances? " With the honest reply: " Because I'm insane--but have far better taste than you ever will."

Now go ring the bells at Notre Dame and save the poor innocent gypsy girl . . .