Bond No. 9 has their PR packages down pat — the brightly colored, cellophane wrapped sample vials; the super-saturated glossy photos of the bottles; the slick gold-foil printed folders. It’s obvious that the people behind the Bond No. 9 brand understand the importance of first impressions.
I received a sample packet for both Brooklyn and Astor, and I’m wearing Brooklyn as I type this. It’s a bright, medicinal-tinged fragrance (that would be the juniper berry talking) with a peppery geranium heart over a base of guaiac-smoothed cedar and new blonde leather.
Void of any reference to Brooklyn as run-down and dirty, save for the graffiti sprayed bottle, which is striking from a design perspective — Miss Whoever You Are writes that the bottle design “truly captures the essence of Brooklyn; the edgy, cool, yet laid back feel” — Bond No. 9′s Brooklyn is a gentrified borough with condos, organic produce markets and a Starbucks on every other corner.
I knew a guy who took the subway every weekday from Brooklyn to his job at Merrill Lynch (back when there was still a Merrill Lynch) — this would suit him perfectly. Clean shaven and fresh without being at all soapy or ozonic (thank god). A smart choice for wear on beastly, humid summer days in the city.
The usual Bond No. 9 complaint of “This doesn’t last near long enough!” applies, and for the high prices the brand charges, the complainers have a point.
For a different spin on Brooklyn, Perfume Posse states: “While this is most obviously a men’s scent, I would actually endorse this as a more interesting fragrance for the ladies . . . I also think it would be refreshing in the summer heat.”
{ 2 comments }
It’s a bit loud and synthetic-smelling on me like many Bonds, but I actually enjoyed the drydown. I’d wear this on a warm summer day. But as you say, the price point is rather dissuasive… wish they were at least 25% cheaper. Ah well, I’ll just wait until Saks friends & family days…
I think that’s their “juniper berry” note — it has a metallic edge to it. I’ve noticed that some Bonds have a metallic sheen to them. Andy Warhol Union Square was distinctly metallic and synthetic, but not altogether unpleasant.
The drydown to Brooklyn is the nicest part about it: soft, warm and slightly sweet.