Silver Shadow (2005)
by Davidoff

Nice opening… Bitter orange and a quiet, rather rich cinnamon and a non-annoying (to me) saffron make it sort of mid-point between "fresh" and "spicy." A bit reticent, it is an enjoyable accord that has more than its share of class. The middle level presents a cedar / woody dominated accord that retains some of the spice and is somewhat too retiring for my taste, but there’s the possibility that I could get used to it. But I don’t think I’ll get used to the base because of its all-too-ordinary construction and performance. It’s basically amber and it goes powdery. Silver Shadow is obviously made for the over forty set, I like it except it not for the powdery base. Up until then, the fragrance would have served well as an office / day fragrance, but I just don’t care for powdery fragrances for daytime, and I want a little stronger presentation this one gives for evening. Soft sillage and a bit less than average longevity - actually a nice fragrance.

A fragrance that is unique so far with great composition of saffron and cedar in presence of benzoin.. sweet and sensual. Silver shadow is about freshness and maturity. Short sillage but longevity is quite good.. 6+ hours. Best for evening wear, can suit both casual and romantic times.

I don't know way but sweet smeeling clolgnes just like this always grab attention!!! really great to wear

Top notes: Bitter orange, cinnamon leaves
Heart notes: Cedar, Saffron, Clove
Base: Patchouli, Amber, Benzoin

For Davidoff Perfumes, Silver Shadow (SS) is a happy medium between the every man fresh fougere cash cow that is Cool Water and the dripping with rich and formal cigars-and-tuxedo aroma of Zino Davidoff. Its intended for mature audiences, and thus has the sillage volume turned down but the sophistication meter has been pumped up a few notches.

With SS, Francis Kurkdjian (of Le Male fame) is at his most mellow with no evidence of the raunchy sexual prowess of Le Male in this formula. Rather, this oriental woody comes off as a study in highlighting a key note or accord - specifically of that of a saffron-clove combo. Opening with a light burst of bitter orange highlights and refreshing herbal cinnamon leaves (which are sweeter and more clove like than the traditional cinnamon spice aroma of cinnamon bark), the dry, sweet and hay-like aroma of saffron soon becomes evident, enveloped in the airy freshness of clove (rendered at a level low enough to avoid images of pesky dentists) and discreet woody notes. This is the clear highlight of the fragrance, and shows the deft touch of Kurkdjian in presenting a saffron note in a well blended mixture. The base is low key, with muted sweetness of amber and benzoin, and barely perceptible patchouli. Overall, SS is very L'Artisan like in its light feel, except that its not made for shy people. Longevity is decent (around 5-6 hours), with skin heat bringing out more sillage.

Many will dismiss SS as too light or uninteresting because it requires effort to appreciate its heart notes. Its not instantly gratifying as Le Male nor is it a "chick magnet". Twenty something gals can probably not smell this juice, while mature women (blessed with mucho patience and, hopefully, great deal of life experience) would appreciate this on their men. I would have liked the base to be stronger to provide a more forceful oriental sweetness to counter the attractive (but dry)saffron accord in the heart notes, but I guess thats what the Pure Blend EDT is for. Forget dying your hair grey to attract that divorced but attractive single mom of two who lives down the block - SS will provide an easier path to babysitting appointments!

Rating: 7.75/10.00

nothing to rave about. actually one can royally ignore this offering. smells like a woodier version of Lacoste ph. only much lighter. somethign very plum like sweet in this, which i find vey irritating in scents like Lacoste Ph, Chevignon, John Varvatos...i tried to appreciate this offering, but it failed to impress. will try it one more time during winters to see if it shines then. but as of now, Pass. there are much better offerings that this.

weak again but discintcly different. sweet and kinda earthly smell that is a bit odd. over 40 crowd only . my old man finished the bottle i lended him and got plenty of compliments. he's 60.