Reviews of Silver Shadow (2005)
by Davidoff

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

Pure charisma. Definitely for 45+ gentleman who developed a nose sophisticated enough to appreciate the fabulous composition. Cedarwood and saffron couldn't be used better.
Longevity is expectedly great from Davidoff (about 10 hours).

I like it very much. It exudes class and refinement, even sexiness, albeit not in a formal or elegant way, but in a more genteel or casual manner. Perfect for the office and the normal day about town; yet, I feel comfortable and assured wearing it on a date with a fine woman. Yes, it is geared for the more mature man (me), but it's high time someone thought of us, too. Thank you, Davidoff.

A sweet smelling sophisticated fragrance. Seems directed at the older generation with a classy smell. Quite a long lasting and mysterious fragrance.

Sweet and sensual. Not very innovative, but very classy. No man can go wrong with this one.Very long lasting too.

As an admirer of sweet orientals and Francis Kurkdjian I like both versions but the pure blend is more rich and warm.The cinnamon and the benzoin make it more intense and sweet. Love it !

Sweet smelling. Delicious! I'm going to buy this.

I do think Silver Shadow was quite an unremarkable scent, however the Pure Blend EDT is quite different. The extra note of cinnamon really comes through. It's not as bitter, sweet but not overdoing it. However, the price for it is a bit high.

This is by far the best fragrance release fromt his house since Cool Water. Nothing original here though, its very like a cross between Lacoste PH (grey bottle) and Boss Bottled. "Feels" much smoother than both of these mind you and is obvioulsy very well blended, quite a sophisticated feel to it. Nice stuff!