Best Parfum d'Ete by Kenzo Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Matilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon I, was known for her breasts (“le plus beau décolleté”) and her talent as a painter. She also hosted a celebrated 19th-century Parisian salon attended by the greatest artists and writers of her time. This namesake perfume is an olfactory salon of provocative white florals (ylang-ylang, narcissus, jasmine) given tropical succulence with passion fruit and papaya. Mathilde’s heady brightness is softened by iris and sandalwood.

This “divine flower” is a luminous, untamed floral that captures the serenity of nature in motion. It starts bright and light: lemongrass and passion fruit, opening up to peony and lily of the valley. Watery, ethereal cyclamen drenches the richness of jasmine, ylang-ylang and narcissus like dew over a meadow. The drydown is green, a mingling of eucalyptus and sage with peppermint, juniper and pine, grounded by 
Mysore sandalwood and a hint of vanilla bourbon.

A modern interpretation of a classic chypre, this is an unapologetic  abundance of statement florals: hyacinth, rose and narcissus. The entrance to this hidden garden is garlanded with the herbal bitterness of galbanum, cushioned by a dark green carpet of vetiver and moss. Like a geisha’s serene beauty that hides her inner power, this extrait de parfum is a statement of mystery and strength.

Perfumer: Ralf Schwieger 

Japan has a rainy season from June to July, called “tsuyu.” Embodying tsuyu is hydrangea, blooming in the gentle rain. Here, hyacinth and violet entwine with the fresh floral scent of jasmine and iris, with an undertone of humidity and the smell of soil.

The brand’s vision of uomo/man. This is a fresh, elegant, masculine fragrance made with citrus, spices and aromatic woods, Calabrian bergamot and equatorial peppers, sweet-smelling resins and oakmoss. A true classic.

The epitome of femininity as narrated by the queens of flowers: Rosa centifolia and Rosa Damascena, crowned by powdery Ylang Ylang and Florentine Iris, with touches of Jasmine and mountain Narcissus, Violet leaves, Blackcurrant and oriental woods.

Sileno or Silenus in Greek  (or faun in Roman) mythology would be a creature of the wild forest – part man part beast. Silenus would accompany and entertain Dionysus in his god’s routines and parties.

The perfume is a sensual but fresh ylang-ylang with a generous crisp spices layer. 

In amongst the botanical collections and wonders of a Victorian glasshouse often found is the Orchid; one of many botanical rarities that for decades was the jewel and marvel of many an Edwardian and Victorian botanical explorer.

Ophrys is a summery botanical potion of great standing, with green aromatic and floral undertones that capture daring romantic notions of an era gone by, a love for exploration, discovery and the classical splendour of the English garden in bloom one balmy late summer afternoon. Here we present to you an ode to the great Plant Hunters of yesteryear.

Bamboo captures the tranquil greenness of spring and summer in Zhejiang — a vision of misty hills and swaying bamboo after the morning fog has lifted. The breeze carries fresh green leaves through a soft haze of lily of the valley, jasmine and geranium. A breath of earth is suggested by vetiver and patchouli, while ambergris and cypress wrap the scent in a warm, resinous calm.

Perfumer: Juan Liu 

An aromatic, dreamy citrus scent inspired by the sumptuous Andalusician city of Marbella. With rose, amber and peach this perfume is fresh, floral and sophisticated.