La Collection d'antiques 1505

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Wearing this instead of the original is like opting for generic cola over the real deal. You get the general idea, but the nuances are missing. The initial blast of cherry and smoke is similar, but the rough edges and synthetic quality are noticeable. It's louder and less refined, sacrificing elegance for boldness. If you appreciate the core concept of cherry and smoke but prefer a bolder, less subtle take, this might appeal.

Notes & Nuances

Lattafa's 1505 throws a hefty dose of sugared cherry right up front, but it’s less maraschino, more cherry cough syrup with a dusting of pungent saffron. The leather emerges quickly, a dry and almost dusty suede rather than the supple, oiled kind. Where the original has a vibrant sweetness, this leans into a smoky bitterness thanks to the prominent cypriol. The olive note adds a touch of something briney and green, clashing a little with the boozy character of the opening. As it dries, a somewhat medicinal smokiness lingers over a base of generic woody ambers. It lacks the smooth, vanilla-tinged comfort.

Longevity & Projection

I get about 6 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first hour, filling about an arm's length. It fades to a skin scent within three hours. I wore it to a casual dinner and found it a bit overwhelming initially but mellowed to something tolerable by the end of the meal. I then tested it in a poorly ventilated office environment and it became cloying, fast.