Statement by Etienne Aigner

Bergamot, Geranium, Green Note, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli.
Coriander, Fruit Note, Geranium, Muguet, Mace.
Amber, Cedar, Leather, Musk, Oakmoss, Styrax.

Etienne Aigner. I love saying that name. Every time I utter it, I use the best accent and emphasis that I can muster. Is that stupid? Of course it is........yet I will continue to do it anyway...............

This 1994 masculine opens with a slightly sharp accord of citrus, geranium and fruit. The bergamot and neroli aren't exactly on the sour side, but it's somewhat astringent the first few minutes. The top also has an aromatic quality to it.

The fruit note, although very noticeable, isn't a well defined variation. To me, it smells like a cross between pear and apple. Although blurred, it integrates quickly with the citrus and the result is a striking accord with presence.

Once the heart accord is born, Statement feels a bit more settled. There's a woodiness appearing along with some earth tones and spice. Statement is rather dense and leans slightly sweet, yet never tilts too green.

The one heart note I don't experience is Muguet, but others may detect it. The fruit quality remains on me for the life of the scent and seems to interact well with the geranium and coriander. The spicy aspect is well played and simply accents Statement. The gravity of the top and heart accords remind me of Ricci Club Haute for effect as opposed to aroma.

The base transpires once the projection of Statement has dissipated greatly. It's still substantial, but much closer to the skin. It retains its heaviness and the introduction of the base is like sleight of hand. It arrives unawares.

A musk slowly inserts itself in the transition and along with it comes a subtle resin. Nothing heralds the base and drydown of Statement. You simply realize it's upon you, yet it's not drastically different from the heart accord. A soft, leathery wood evolves in conjunction with the musk and brings Statement to its closing argument.

Sillage may be considered strong at first, but becomes more acceptable after 10 minutes or so. Longevity is 8 hours plus on me. Thumbs up once again for one of my favorite designer houses. A sample wear is recommended since Statement is an amplified fragrance and just a bit unconventional.