ÉCLAT 778

Bottom Line

Wearing ÉCLAT 778 evokes the image of someone striving for sophistication, but settling for something a little rough around the edges. While it captures a similar spicy-sweet essence to its inspiration, it lacks the nuanced depth and smooth blend. What's gained is a bold, attention-grabbing fragrance. What's lost is the refined elegance and comforting warmth that define the original.

First Impressions & Dry Down

ÉCLAT 778 bursts forth with a surprisingly vivid opening. The initial blast of caraway and black pepper creates an almost medicinal accord, similar to opening an old apothecary cabinet – hints of dried herbs mingled with something more pungent. The saffron adds a fleeting metallic tang. The heart unveils a boozy vanilla note, though leaning more towards vanilla extract than true bourbon. The cinnamon struggles to cut through the thick vanilla, creating a slightly cloying effect. As it settles, the tobacco base emerges, albeit a simplified, somewhat ashy tobacco - imagine extinguished cigarettes in a brass ashtray. It diverges notably from its inspiration during the drydown, where the lavender struggles against the syrupy tobacco, giving it a slightly discordant vibe.

How Long Does it Last?

The longevity is surprisingly robust, clinging to the skin for upwards of six hours. The projection is initially strong, filling a room within the first hour, then gradually receding to within arm's length. Tested in a chilly office environment; it cut through the sterile air, but threatened to become overbearing in close quarters.