Le Baiser du Dragon (2003)
by Cartier

The opening is nowhere near as strong as that of the EDP. I get subtle hints of rose hidden in the ambery rather powdery woodwork, with a little edge to the vetiver-cedar partnership giving it a more unisex appeal. Somewhat similar in structure to the Fendi EDT, this Cartier release is quieter but no less sensual - a hint of burning passion held in check perhaps. But Kiss of the Dragon?

I must admit it is a terrific name for an oriental fragrance. But focus not on the Dragon nor the fiery ferocity such a mythical beast evoke. Focus instead on the Kiss - not the hot lip-locked action in the throes of lust but more of the lighter yet smouldering goodbye marking a reluctant end to the evening's romantic date.

*** This review is of the EDT ***

This is another masterpiece from Spanish perfumer Alberto Morillas and for some reason he is not credited as the perfumer of this fragance. It feels very evocative, nostalgic and complex. I feel like being in the Lantern Festival in Taiwan in an spiritual aura of love ascending in the darkest night to the sky.

Enter The Dragon...

Now I get you,'Baiser'. A martial arts reference, right?

Imagine Bruce Lee, back in the seventies, basking in the ceremony of his rub-down, still sweaty from his 'workout', his 'Pierre Cardin' just a faint, sweet, musky afterglow... this is the "kiss" of the dragon, the fiery tongue-lapping sensation of adept hands, kneading camphorous, hot, caustic-smelling Chinese liniment into his sore muscles.

It's a really queer allegorical reference from Cartier, to this sort-of raw physicality, the archaic wisdom of Eastern medicine, and the nuancesof salubrious 'touch' -- a real stretch -- but surprisingly, intensely sensual in its chancy suggestion.

I do wonder, though, why it is marketed to women... So much 'nicer' for the men.

Its beauty brought a tear to my eye.

Enough said.



UPDATE:
Try layering it with a touch of Guerlain Vetiver. Just amazing so sensual and decadent.

Absolute proof that you should always try before you buy and I'm glad I did. The opening is just unbearable because it is so overpowering. It's not subtle, it's not friendly but it's a hammer against your head. It's like hypnotic poison in a very concentrated form that spilled on you.

I'm used to strong and loud fragrances( 5 sprays of aoud rose petals works nicely for me) and when I read the reviews I figured it couldn't be that bad but the opening is so powerful it actually gave me a headache.

When it settles down it becomes nicer but the opening makes it unwearable for me. Spray and dab with caution if you own this one or else you'll qualify as a environmental hazard.

Another Cartier fragrance I like -- what's going on? I think I like this because it's a complete mess structurally, but it works. I'm thinking that some of middle notes should be in the bottom or at the top, some of the bottom notes should be in the middle, etc and I could do without that rotten iris. The patchouli and amber notes are really nice at the bottom -- I actually find the middle to be quite feminine not the almondy top. Anyway, it's confusing, but lovely (don't over-analyse)