Navigating the fragrance aisle has become a time-consuming journey for my Libra sensibilities. Surrounded by a sea of scents that often feel too young, too sweet, or too mainstream, I’ve been yearning for something that speaks to my evolving taste. I’m past the vanilla phase but not ready for Chanel No5. Then, like a soft, elegant cashmere sweater, Donna Karan’s Cashmere Fragrance Collection drew me in.
As the name implies—the collection is a spinoff of the classic Cashmere Mist ($107) which launched 30 years ago—each scent promises to envelope you in layers of femininity. These four olfactory experiences were meticulously crafted to stand alone yet complement each other when layering.
The Spirit of Cashmere Mist
Jérôme Epinette, one of the perfumers behind the collection shared, “I wanted to push the addictive warmth that makes Cashmere Mist so iconic while taking it in a slightly different direction by adding a unique woody element with palo santo as the star.”
The bottle design itself is a masterpiece, evoking the elegance of a Donna Karan dress. The graceful silhouette and magnetic gold cap paired with the reusable canister radiate luxury, and catches the light on my vanity in a mesmerizing way.
Four Unique Yet Complimentary Experiences
To give the collection my full attention, I wore each long-lasting scent for a full day. Here are my impressions:
If you adore the woodiness of Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc, Cashmere & Tiare Flower ($150) will transport you to similar sun-drenched landscapes with its woody, citrusy essence. Bergamot and lemon lay beautifully as top notes, while Tiare Flower blooms beside a Cashmere Wood and Vetiver base.
For lovers of Diptyque’s Philosykos, Cashmere & Wild Fig ($150) highlights wild fig, blending floral notes with earthy undertones. Black Pepper, Bergamot and Freesia mingle at the start, making way for velvety Wild Fig and Bamboo.
If you love the warmth of the classic Cashmere Mist, Cashmere & Palo Santo ($150) blends sheer floral with a woody fragrance. It reminds me a bit of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt, a favorite. Golden Peach, Labdanum and Cashmere Woods are anchored by Palo Santo, the star note.
Fans of citrus floral blends like Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo will want to add Cashmere & Tunisian Neroli ($150) to their repetoire. An awakening of the senses with its citrus burst, the Tunisian Neroli and Cedarwood leave an enduringly elegant impression.
Having these new, quiet luxury options will appeal to a wide range of fragrance fans. And if you’re anything like me, you will find the ones that resonate with your modern, discerning palette.
