Avenue New York

Notes & Nuances

Avenue New York aims squarely for Bond No. 9's Lafayette Street. The opening gets close – you get the bergamot and that floral-coriander blend. However, it's immediately apparent this is a budget version. There's a slight synthetic "zing" that the original avoids. The heart introduces apple and vanilla, which are present in Lafayette Street, but the ambroxan here leans harsher. Where the original has smooth depth, Avenue New York is a bit flatter. The drydown shifts to tonka, ambergris (a synthetic version, obviously), and woody notes. It’s a decent attempt, landing around 87% similar to the original. The main difference is in the quality of ingredients.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is surprisingly respectable. I get about 6 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It then sits closer to the skin, becoming a pleasant skin scent. It's not beast mode, but it outperforms expectations.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you're curious about Lafayette Street but can't stomach Bond No. 9's price tag, Avenue New York is a viable option. It captures the general vibe . However, be aware of the synthetic edges, particularly in the opening. Is Lafayette Street ten times better? Objectively, yes, due to the quality. But is it ten times *worth* it? That's a personal decision. If you're on a tight budget and want a reasonably close approximation, this is a solid cheapie.