Rue Lafayette

How it Smells

Rue Lafayette from Montagne is a pretty good attempt at cloning Bond No. 9's Lafayette Street. It's about 90% there. The opening is a bright, slightly floral bergamot with a hint of spice from the coriander. It’s pleasant, but the original has a smoother citrus blast. The heart develops with a noticeable apple note alongside the ambroxan. This is where it deviates a bit. Lafayette Street has a richer vanilla presence earlier on; Rue Lafayette's vanilla is more subdued until the drydown. The base is a familiar mix of tonka, ambergris, and woody notes. It's a touch synthetic in the opening, but this dissipates quickly.

Longevity & Projection

I get about 6-7 hours of wear from Rue Lafayette with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. After that, it sits closer to the skin. Not beast mode, but decent for a daily wear. It projects a respectable arm's length.

The Verdict

Overall, Rue Lafayette is a solid fragrance . If you like Lafayette Street but can't justify the cost, this is a worthy alternative. It's a versatile scent, good for the office or casual outings. This clone captures the essence well enough for most people. A great grab for those who enjoy sweeter amber fragrances. Buy this if you appreciate a good clone, but don't expect niche-level blending.