Empire Crown

How it Smells

Empire Crown opens with a bright, juicy orange – not quite as photorealistic as Afternoon Swim's, edging slightly into candied territory. The ginger is a lively spark, less nuanced than the original, but still a welcome addition. The heart is where the divergence becomes clearer. Khadlaj's mandarin is a touch sweeter, the pepper a little sharper, lacking the smooth, almost aquatic feel of LV's masterpiece. As it dries down, a powdery iris emerges, cushioned by a soft musk. This base is where it differs most. Afternoon Swim has an ambery dry down, but Empire Crown goes powdery. Overall, this is about 88% Afternoon Swim in the opening, slowly fading to 88% in the drydown.

Wear time & Sillage

Expect moderate performance. It projects nicely for the first hour, creating a cheerful bubble around you. After that, it settles closer to the skin, becoming a pleasant but subtle aura. Longevity is decent – about 5-6 hours on skin, longer on clothes.

Conclusion

Empire Crown is a solid alternative for those who adore the vibrant, citrusy energy of Afternoon Swim but balk at the price. You sacrifice a degree of sophistication and complexity. However, if the powdery iris in the drydown doesn't deter you, this is a worthy warm-weather grab. This is for the guy who wants to radiate easygoing confidence, without shouting it from the rooftops.