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cryclojerry – :
This is a warm, resinous patchouli — very regal and (obviously) expensive. (And yes, for good reason. There’s no mistaking the high caliber of ingredients used here.)
The coriander adds a distinct sharpness in the first half hour or so, and then the sandalwood kicks in to smooth out the other components.
Don’t spend this kind of money if you just want a “head shop patchouli,” as you’ll be throwing your hard earned money down a hole.
This is lush, posh, and easily unisex.
Monster longevity and sillage alike.
vavilin.mikh – :
Loud and proud patchouli with spice and sandalwood. Perfectly unisex with exceptional performance. It took a few wearings for me to “get” this scent and now that I do I love it.
Sinful80 – :
Love, love, love Patchouli Imperial (PI)! What do I get out of this fragrance? Patchouli, Coriander and Sandalwood – that’s it! PI is full-flavored, but it is elegant, classy and well-done! To be honest, while patchouli is a great supporting note in many fragrances, I typically don’t love perfumes that feature patchouli front-and-center. However, Dior got this one “just right” and it is probably the most underrated La Collection Privée fragrance.
Patchouli Imperial is an outstanding blend. I currently own nine (9) La Collection Privée fragrances (Ambre Nuit, Cuir Cannage, Bois D’argent, Leather Oud, Feve Delicieuse, Oud Isphahan, Vetiver, Eau Noire and Patchouli Imperial) and PI is one of my favorites, for sure! Longevity is a solid 8-hours and it projects well (above average) on my skin; spray it on your clothing and the scent will last for days. A must try for patchouli lovers.
friday13 – :
One of those rare Dior exclusives that smell surprisingly common – flat, boring and incomplete on my skin, sour even (coriander). BUT as soon as this hits my husband’s skin magic occurs; simply DIVINE perfume reveals itself. Warm, cuddly, with subtle sweetness yet smart and very manly. Very balanced, not too much of anything. Patch perfection. Will surely be my next gift to him 😉
Great performances, too.
BriexicdixHor – :
Out of all patchouli fragrance, this juice is king! Patchouli is a earthy/ woodsy note with a balsamic vib making it a well balanced fragrance. Not sweet nor a medical vib, rather an acquired taste for high quality fragrance from Dior. After awhile there’s a real attractive appeal and there’s a faint smokey aroma that lingers through the day.
Longevity and Silage is excellent
I have several patchouli fragrance from different brands. I find Dior the closest to what patchouli fragrance should smell like. Not like other brands who use the name patchouli as a way to have you buy something that otherwise wouldn’t be considered a patchouli otherwise. This is a high quality niche fragrance. 9/10
itevampaida – :
Sadly for me this is a thin, hippie, reedy and medicinal patchouli that is headache inducing. I really wanted to love it, adore it even, but so far the best patchouli i’ve found is Coromandel edp which has a wonderful spicy richness that lasts all day. Sorry Patchouli-Imperial. We can’t be friends.
kima8 – :
a very balsamic patchouli with some citrus in the top, not dirty hippie patch but a very lovely wintery scent that reminds me of a deeper Shalimar dosed with patch
Igriv – :
This is not a smooth fragrance in the way as Patchouli Absolute by TomFord was composed. Patchouli Imperial is very bold, outstanding masterpiece, made for a real connoisseur. The main difference between often-compared Coromandel from Chanel is the immediate masculinity you get after smelling it. While elegant Coromandel is more polished, glossy and gentle, Patchouli Imperial is more severe, harsh and dry, thus evoking a masculinity. Both Coromandel (Chanel) and Patchouli Imperial (Dior) together with Patchouli Absolute (TomFord) are the most beautiful new era patch fragrances.
White-Star – :
This is a patchouli fragrance of the highest class. Think Coromandel by Chanel, remove any and every gourmand aspect that the scent had and add some spices and sandalwood and that would be close. This is the scent that made me appreciate sandalwood, which is odd because it’s not a main player here. However, it is something that would be very recogniseable if you usually hate it – which I do.
There’s an odd freshness to it. Or something cold about it that feels like inhaling a breath of air on a cold, slight wet-air morning. It’s really beyond enjoyable to me. The corriander seed lends a strange spiciness that one might not expect from a scent like this but really just works. It’s almost like a mint. A menthol, or camphoros scent that I can’t begin to describe.
The citrus and cedar in this are also quite spectacular. I’m a lover of patchouli, so I can’t say ‘this made me love patchouli’ or anything like that, but it may have made me appreciate it more.
znw471InsuffBooni – :
با سلام در ادامه بررسی پرفیومها بر اساس پچولی یا همون نعناع هندی بعد از بررسی شاهکار جووی یعنی سایکدلیک اینبار به سراغ دیور ایمپریال پچولی که از سری اکسکلوسیو دیور هست اومدم و به کمک یکی از دوستانگلم یه نمونه مینیاتوری ۷.۵ میلش رو امروز موفق به تست شدم در ابتدا کار باید عرض کنم که جنس پچولی به کار رفته تو این کار با کار سایکدلیک فرق میکونه یعنی محل کشتشون فرق میکنه و بنابراین همونطور که اساتید مستحظرید رایحه اش هم فرق میکونه بگذریم بریم سر بررسی همین پرفیوم شروعش یه شروع چرک و خشک دودی از نظر من انیمالیک که رایحه کوریندر یا همون گشنیز هم بسیار حس اسپایسی و تندی بهش داده جوری که حس میکنید زیر بینیتون داره میسوزه ولی یه مقداری که بهش فرصت میدین یه مقداری رام و آروم میشه اونوقته که دیگه یکم حالت بخوری و دودی بیشتر پیدا میکنه و یکماز حالت تندی به حالت تلخی تغییر فاز میده و کمکم بوی چوب صندل غالب میشه حالا که دیگه مشام شما پر شده از رایحه سنگین چوبی چوب صندل و دیگه داره حوصلتونو سر میبره اکه یکنواخت میشه یه شوک زیبا از سمت روایح سیتروسی کار میوه ای کار که با پرتقال ماندریان سیسیلی ترش شروعش و در ادامه ترنج کالبریانی بهش اضاف میشه و حسابی سر حال میارتتون در کل کار حساب شده و امبلاژ و بالانس شده ایی و در روزهای سرد زمستونی عاشقانی پچولی مثل خودم رو حسابی شاد میکنه پخش بو و ماندگاری در حد خودش عالی و بسیاری خوشبو که فیدبک های خوبی برای شما همراه داره البته مثل سایکدلیک اربده کش نیست ولی خیلی متواضع و خوب و پر قدرت به کارش ادامه میده
با تشکر آرین محمدی
Insimibrifs – :
Strangely enough, I usually can’t stand patchouli, but I quite like this one. I only sniffed it from the bottle once, so my experience is based on my impression of the scent on the skin (dabbed, not sprayed) and clothing.
Like other reviewers have mentioned, the coriander is prominent here, but I find it to be subtle and mellow rather than harsh and dominant. The overall fragrance mellows on the skin to be warm vanilla with a woody base. Not sweet, but decidedly balsamic with a very subtle animalic kick in the background. I agree with others who found this to be unisex, as it definitely does not strike me as a typical masculine scent. I could see myself wearing this, as a female who usually wants nothing to do with patchouli, and it smells wonderful lingering on my clothes. In fact, it reminds me of what I wanted the drydown of Coco Mademoiselle to smell like on me, but much more subdued and refined.
Coriander, sandalwood, amber, and vanilla… and a little hint of patchouli lingering in the least obnoxious way possible… I will always have fond memories of this one.
fierce81 – :
Hands down, the BEST patchouli fragrance on the market. I drench myself in it & I usually hate patchouli.
Clouplirl – :
Dior Patchouli Imperial definitely flies under the radar in the Privee collection as patchouli certainly isn’t a trending note in the designer or niche realm, though its use is so commonplace that it’s often simply forgotten in mixes of base notes, rather than being featured in the heart or top.
Patchouli Imperial is a strong use of the eponymous note but a judicious use of it in concert with some citrus, coriander, and sandalwood. So it’s somewhat smooth, and the herbal aspect of the patchouli isn’t so prominent as the dirty side of it., so it’s more pleasant than other excursions of patchouli-intense fragrance.
As expected, it’s a good performer while not being so cloying as Cuir Cannage or Leather Oud.
Still, it’s not quite smooth enough to be truly enjoyable for me, and remains barely a “like” if at all.
For patchouli lovers mostly, I’d say.
6 out of 10
ramale – :
This a beautiful fragrance for sure, but it doesn’t have a patch(pun obviously intended) on Tom Fords Patchouli Absolu in my opinion.
Patchouli Imperial starts with an almost hedonistic, syrupy resinous smell that slowly winds down to a more patchouli/earthy orientated smell. If your like me and you like your patchouli dirty and more on the hippy side, then this really isn’t that perfume. There are occasional whiffs of that, but this is much more refined. Think of the hippy that grew up and became a Fortune 500 operator. It’s certainly a beautiful perfume though, as all of the Dior prive line fragrances are.
Scent 8/10…jammy, chewy, refined patchouli
Projection 9/10 all the way out to arms length when it’s dry, room filling when fresh
Fortitude 8/10 lasted on my skin for 12 hours or so
Full bottle worthy…although all the Dior perfumes from this line would be a welcome addition to a collection, for me, I would rather spend my money on the Tom Ford where patchouli is concerned
Denser708 – :
Aaaaaaaah. Where do I start with Patchouli Imperial?
I know. Osaka. Japan. Shinsaibashi. Dior Boutique.
I visited the Dior boutique with my family (mom, dad & sister) to try the Privee line. I had no idea which one to try and to my surprise, I ended up trying out the whole line but the ones that took my soul were Oud Ispahan and Feve Delicieuse. BUT! I was at the boutique to take home a piece of Japan with me back to my home country. So, I asked my SA Mako (ask for her when u visit the Shinsaibashi boutique!she’s extremely knowledgeable of the privee line!) to help me pick out the fragrance that will automatically remind me of Japan. She thought for a while, then presented me a whiff of Patchouli Imperial. “It’s Kyoto in a bottle. Incenses, Patchouli, Wood.”
This fragrance is unbelievable. I dare say, THE BEST PATCHOULI FRAGRANCE THERE IS. High-end. Sophisticated. Unique. Extremely unique.
Sillage – 10/10
Longevity – 10/10
PS. It’s part of the private collection, hence it a ponytail more expensive than the designer line of fragrances of the house of Dior. With this quality, however, price is out of the question. 😉
sento – :
Patchouli Imperial is glorious on my boyfriend. His skin tends to drink fragrance, and even many bold scents disappear quickly after he applies them, but this one remains a mild, persistent glow for hours. It’s a gorgeous, rich fragrance that always delights me. Sexy.
fullvip – :
A must for patch lovers to try
Its a little sweet and little creamy and a little spicy.
Great performance long lasting and good projection.
BriantheFragranceNewb pretty much nailed it.
Costa74 – :
I am a fan of the patchouli note, and this is one of my absolute favorites. The quality is great, and the earthy patchouli is smoothed out by a quality sandalwood note with a touch of realistic spice from the coriander. I also get great performance from this. This is a must try for patchouli fans.
kiryarus – :
The best patchouli based scent I’ve ever smelled. Somewhat raw and earthy (as it should be) but also very smooth with some kind of gourmand note. And the longevity is simply outstanding, easily 10+ hours, on me anyway.
I’ve been avoiding patchouli that last few years as it was getting old. This has renewed my interest for sure and full bottle purchase is imminent.
averkov2011 – :
I don’t like this at all.
I am a huge patchouli fan and also a huge sandalwood fan.
Firstly, I don’t get any sandalwood in this creation.
Instead I get a weird marine sea-salt/ sea-spray note that I do not like at all. It’s a harsh grinding note that smells cheap and nasty and dominates any patchouli.
Very disappointing considering the high price.
chook7teen – :
I feel like Dior’s exclusive collection can do no wrong . I am not a fan of patchouli but I absolutely love this fragrance.
Super high-end. Sultry, woody. Cedar at the tail end. Fresh-Spicy.
sosi-sosi – :
Patchouli… bliss for some and the nightmare of others! Difficult to be indifferent to this note. As for me I love patchouli, but patchouli doesn’t always love me! I get some harsh and unpleasant outcome sometimes. But now, I have found « My » patchouli (along with Bois 1920’s Real Patchouly)!
Patchouli Impérial from Dior’s Privé line seems to have been stripped from its more extreme notes. It present itself in the opening accompanied by citrus notes with just enough acidity & sweetness to give it some freshness. Then comes this magnificent dry down diving into this warm, woody, opulent and soft blend without loosing its character or personality with a little sweetness peaking through. This patchouli will be present for nearly all the duration. After long hours, on your skin, on your shirt will remain this intoxicating warm, refined and comforting smell.
For me, Patchouli Impérial is a pure joy and a true accomplishment in perfumery. One of those fragrances that I never get tired of and always happy to wear again after many days without it. I would say a four seasons that can be managed under certain warm weather. Formal because it is pure refinement, but also easy to wear with a t-shirt & jeans.
In a few words… patchouli purge from its extreme notes, first accompanied by citrus, then part of this warm, woody & lightly sweet blend. Hmmm… so beautiful!
Sebastyan-spb – :
My Patchouli collection is anchored by Givenchy Gentleman, VIP Giorgio and Giorgio for Men, Vintage all.
Contemporary collection has been Coromandel, Mazzolari Lui and LED IV.
Patchouli Imperial ( Small draw) now sits on the shelf with the young ones.
At first glance PI seems like a straight up linear, bull’s Eye shot at the Patch. Almost rugged, Masculine and Mazzolari like, as it flirts with the “dirty”. It is quickly drawn back to the Elegant by whispers of something Melon, Anise and Citrus.
Styling is definitely along the lines of Leather Oud and Ambre Nuit. Luxuriously Masculine and Princely!
The Feminine Coromandel differs as it hums with a rich buttery Frangipane filling.Luxuriously unisex and Monarchly!
The Unisex LED IV is Haylike and Pastoral. Unisex and Romantic!
I am likely to need a full draw of the Patchouli Imperial. In my family, I am Consort to a Queen.
Dhrhguty – :
This is a very good patchouli fragrance, green, earthy, natural. It’s also warm and refined.
I have L’Artisan “Patchouli Patch” by Bertrand Duchaufour, which I think is very similar in quality of patchouli, at less than 1/2 the price. So if you like this or are looking for a great Patch frag, I recommend taking a look at Patchouli Patch.
Dior PI is more masculine and it’s the best patchouli I have tried. I don’t like Patch enough to pay $300, but if your a patchouli lover who is looking for the finest, this may be worth it for you.
I also tried Frederic Males Vetiver Extraordinar, this is much nicer than that high end frag. The patchouli here is very lush and green, in a way the vetiver is lush and green in Chanel’s Sycomore. Dior PI seems to have some warm balsamic basenotes, yet none listed here in Fragrantica.
Rating: 9/10
God bless you. John 3:16.
ez_Patron – :
very creamy ambery scent that is freshened up by herbal and green peppery notes. Highly wearable.
Though unlisted on this site, there’s definitely a lot of amber.
alexmak777 – :
Dior’s Patchouli Impérial is not for the masses, it is for the connoisseur. It will bring delight to those with an appreciation for nuance and subtle interplay and confusion to those who don’t.
For the first few hours it’s the early morning spring in England. The warm sunlight filters through the tree leaves and you immersed in an ocean of green. You bend down and inhale the evaporating dew which carries the scent of freshly cut stems and sweet earth.
Later, the patchouli becomes more evident. It is not the dusty patchouli of the essential oil bottle, it is a light, fresh, green and herbal patchouli — even borderline medicinal.
Finally, the sandalwood declares it presence. This is not the aromatic woody variety, it’s the creamy amber type.
This fragrance did not fit with my conception of a patchouli and sandalwood blend but I was pleasantly surprised. It is not a heavy scent and not overtly masculine or feminine — something I am not normally a fan of but in this case it is fine. It can be worn in any scenario you care to be a part of.
The quality of the ingredients is very evident as is the traditional Dior philosophy of greatness from simplicity. Dior’s Patchouli Impérial easily meets the standard, and level of class, you expect from this fine house.
Kornis – :
A bright patchouli with a minimalist look of excellent quality.
The creamy scent with its famous mixed camphor tone, executed majestically by Demachy.
I feel something like a musky cloud around with the faint pungent aroma of almost bitter coriander, but I believe that sandalwood, even though it is a subtle note, almost odorless, creates the creamy, slightly woody touch that combines and softens this almost animaly tone That exists in this perfume, I think that is the differential of Patchouli Imperial.
Certainly, a fine copy of that note that I love!
Rating: 8,5-9/10
Нефертитти – :
It’s very similar to Chanel Coromandel, being “cleaned” of white chocolate and floral notes.
The similarity with Coromandel is the same as that between Dior Homme Cologne 2013 and Chanel Allure Homme Sport Cologne, meaning fewer notes but vivacious – more minimalist in a good way. I think Francois Demachy speculated a niche that was made by Chanel that decided to launch in their collection “Les Exclusifs” just women perfume.
It has top notch quality, very good longevity and medium projection.
Patchouli Imperiale and Ambre Nuit are the best, in my opinion, in the Dior Exclusifs Line.
Fragrance 10/10
Projection Medium
Longevity 14 h
nsq206speagoessenda – :
Scent – patchouli with the right amount of coriander & moderate hints of sandalwood, hmm… I find it similar to Christian Dior’s La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Mitzah minus the cinnamon.
Season/Time of Day – I prefer to use this one in the warmer months, day or night.
Projection – I did get noticed, It garners compliments.
Longevity – I get 8hrs consistently
Lesthegrelt – :
I like a good patchouli and I tend to like them neat. This one does exactly what it says on the tin and smacks you with a relatively grungy patch that’s accessorized with spices and suspended over a balsamic, somewhat oily base. What’s clever about Patchouli Impériale is that it maintains some dirty characteristics while still coming off as refined. This is partly due to a sliver of citrus at the opening that ventilates the patchouli to keep it from becoming oppressive. Furthermore, it’s not as uptight and over-dressed as more “grown up” spins on the note; it somehow manages to straddle several different worlds simultaneously which, for a note that’s loaded down with cultural baggage, is nifty. The patchouli itself leans more earthy and herbal as opposed to the way patchouli can go chocolatey or minty, but it also has a nice heady, narcotic quality to it. The negative? The scent’s quite linear and somewhat dull—perhaps even a little characterless due to the amount of boxes it’s trying to tick. But having said that, it’s a simple, solid earthy patchouli with some flexibility as far as to how/where it could be worn.
oqj098Negeltzex – :
This review is based on a decant. It smells very similar to LIdGE by Guerlain to my nose minus the cacao and star anise. Moderate projection and good longevity on my skin.
igor-doma – :
smells like noir parchouli hdp. a good alternative because it has options of 60ml / 120ml.
07a63f78ea28 – :
I was a dirty hippy years ago but its left its mark.where do i buy a full bottle.is there a dior website.i live in israel and want to fall in love again,love
Felditese – :
I can categorically say that I hate patchouli if its the main accord in a frag, yes I am one of those people that wants to throw up when I smell the opening of A*Men, however this is a masterpiece. So well balance even in the dry down when it does become stronger it’s still so balanced and elegant.
Definitely one to buy for the collection if you hate patchouli like me but always wanted to somehow love it.
This one will convert you.
_PASHA_ – :
What can I say? This is amazing !
Patchouli Imperial to me is a smoother fresher sweeter Coromandel , it made me think of Coromandel while wearing it , and made me sad I gave my Coromandel away as I found it slightly too earthy at the time ,,, well this one has all the stuff Coromadel doesn’t ,,, it’s smooth, soft , ultra refined with a kick of fresh sweet bergamotte and mandarins , a gourgous note of coriander , which is herbal soapy and Devine , super smooth ,not too earthy patchouli paired with ceder and warm soft sandalwood. The sandalwood smooths out the patchouli and makes this such a smooth creation. So well balanced and blended.
This one was an instant love for me , if it was easier to get my hands on and a little cheaper it would be mine!
I Absolutley love Chritianne1 s review.
wagonidze – :
Objective: Aggressive sillage. 12+ hour longevity. Very high quality from the package to the bottle to the fragrance this is exceptional perfume making.
Subjective: Patchouli is life. One inhalation and you experience the fresh seedling, the energetic young plant, the mature deep green herb, the drying brown shrub, the leaves cast to dirt, the moist pungent decay and finally the dark rich peat awaiting newly spilled seed. Dior’s Patchouli Imperial takes the back the sacred note from the vile heathens and makes a worthy offering to the faithful and their God. This is stunning. It is class. Some may be as good but nothing is better. I don’t care what people say about Dior, the French, Franky D., fashion, chemists, or the the fragrance business. This is high art. It’s complex, bold, and unlike anything I’ve ever smelled. Your loved ones won’t understand it. Get your own place. This fragrance is why I love perfume.
Conclusion: Try before you buy of course but congratulations if you love it. You will have found something truly special.
kantoris – :
Just amazing, a high end fragrance, would not accept anything smaller from this house anyways! a classic, don’t search further if you want a nice, deep patchouli fragrance+
Medison – :
Patchouli ısrarla aradığım yada favorilerim arasında olan bir koku değil. İyi bir kompozisyonda şık durduğunu biliyorum. Ancak baskın ve çıplak olduğu zaman rahatsız edici olabiliyor. Patchouli Imperial ise çıplak değil aksine çok şık bir kıyafete sahip. Sandalwood içerik olarak görünüyor ama patchouli üzerinde şık bir aksesuar gibi duruyor. Diğer notalar ise formal bir kıyafet gibi patchouli nin üzerine oturmuş. Kesinlikle batılı tarzda, ağırbaşlı, bağırığ çağırmayan bir parfüm. “Bayıldım”, “harika”, “muhteşem” gibi övgülere talip değil. O alanlar için kıyafeti uygun değil ancak güven veren, “buradayım ama etrafıma saygım var” diyen bir koku dağılımına ve güzelliğe sahip. PI ye zaman vermeniz lazım. 2-3 kullanım sonrasında fikir sahibi olamayabilirsiniz. Ancak 1 aylık bir dönemde 7-8 kullanım sonucunda onu tanımak mümkün.
Bazı parfümler zamana karşı dirençlidir. Moda ve kültürel değişimlerden fazla etkilenmezler. Karşımızda böyle bir harman var. Eğer Dior satış vb. gibi kaygılarla hareket etmez ise PI uzun yıllar sağlam duruşunu sürdürecektir.
İlk yarım saat içinde sundukları muhteşem. Sonra sakinleşerek ilerliyor. Kalıcılık fena değil ama 12 saat gibi garip süreler istemeyin. Gün içinde iki defa kullanabileceğiniz bir parfüm. Sabah saat 10 gibi ve sonrasında saat 16 gibi kullandığınızda kokunun olgunlaşma süreçlerine zarar vermeden keyfini sürebilirsiniz.
Gençlerin seveceğini sanmıyorum. 20 li yaşlardaki bir delikanlı için bu koku korku-saygı-ilgi duyduğu bir orta yaşlı adamı hatırlatacaktır. Çünkü PI nin “eğlenceli” olmak gibi bir derdi yok. 30 lu yaşlarda olup kendini 40 lı yaşların ortamında bulan, gerçekten 40 ın üstünde olan erkekler için ise çok uygun. Kadınlar da kullanabilir ama onlara önerim “layering” denemeleri. Ben küçük bir deneme yaptım ve sonuç fena olmadı. PI yi 4/1 oranında Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri ile denedim. Mandalina ve greyfurt kokuyu biraz yumuşatıp biraz feminen hava verdi. Eğer kışın bu denemeyi yapmak istiyorsanız o zaman baskın olmayan bir “gül” ile de deneyebilirsiniz. Ben edenemedim ama böyle bir deneme için Jo Malone Velvet Rose uygun olabilir.
KRASH – :
This review is based on a decant. On my skin and to my nose, I get mostly just chocolaty patchouli and creamy sandalwood. For a moment, it reminded me of Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense. Patchouli Imperial has below average projection and good longevity on my skin.
alikkoko – :
It has been quite a blow to my Autistic mind to absorb the fact that fragrance names are really quite random and arbitrary, cooked up in marketing meetings without any thought for the nature of the perfumes themselves. I mean, I can deal with things that are obviously fanciful even when they verge on the stupid (and I’m looking at you, Fairy Dust by Paris Hilton, and all your ilk). I can even deal, having now had some practice, with names that suggest that they should smell like something concrete, but, one assumes (hopes?), don’t (Amish, by DSH, anyone? Phillipine Houseboy by ELd’O? Or how about the frankly ominous Russian Police Clean Hands, by Apple Parfums?).
But what I cannot accept, and probably never will, are pefumes that have the name of an ingredient right there in them, and then do not provide any significant impression of that ingredient. The latest offender on my list is Dior’s Patchouli Imperial.
Dior: guys, this is a fougere, plain and simple. It’s not even a particularly impressive fougere. The opening citrus is kind of bitter, and a little minty. I didn’t like it, actually. The bit of patchouli, when it comes, is woody instead of earthy, and short-lived.
I do actually like the dry down, which is fortunate because it stays with me for a long time-overnight, in fact, though it’s nose-to-wrist faint in the morning. And that brings me to a point of interest, something I’ve noticed about other perfumes but not been able to articulate until smelling this one: Patchouli Imperial smells better in motion than at rest.
What does that mean? It means that if you catch a whiff of PI on yourself as you move your arm around, it will smell very different than if you put your nose to your wrist and huff it. Wave your arm in front of your face sometime and see if you don’t find the same thing. Perfume on an air current is different than immobile perfume.
So where does this leave PI? If I were a spectator in a Roman arena, I would give it one thumb up and one down: up for the nice dry down (I like fougeres on my skin) and one down for the nasty opening. Let the lions amuse themselves with it for a while, but not kill it.
lenok_zaec – :
One of the most perfect classic patchouli/sandalwood fragrances I have ever encountered. This is a straight up classic patchouli/sandalwood (blended with a few other notes, most notably coriander) and it is done with precision and perfect balance. Truly breathtaking patchouli. This is the patchouli I have been searching for since I first tried Patchouli Patch years ago. This is what I wanted PP to be. This is what I have wanted all patchouli/sandalwood blends to be. It isn’t loud but has a beautiful presence. As much as I love Coromandel, I believe I prefer the simple elegance of this one even more as it is more versatile. I don’t know, I love me some Coromandel so let me think on it a little longer.
This is the most elegant and refined “hippie” fragrance you will find. This is for the hippie who may have matured a bit but refuses to leave that carefree and earthy spirit behind. This would work with a t-shirt and jeans, a flowing dress or a business suit. Perfectly unisex. It isn’t too much or too little. It just simply smells phenomenal without being too complicated.
malesar – :
Patchouli fragrance normally make you smell like a dirty hippie, nothing wrong with it, if you are a hippy-dippy love.. But if you aren’t and you love patchouli, this is for you! The only classy, elegant, charming that i know
wgf192elipseskism – :
This opens with a really loud in your face Patchouli mixed in with coriander and woods. There is also a hint of citrus and florals making the patchouli smell creamy.
As the scent dries down it becomes more woody with a slight amber sweetness. Though the patchouli stays linear throughout.
31shura – :
Lovely dry patchouli and stay for hours. Good office scent!
WWl – :
My first impression is as follows: an intense spectacular Coriander BOMB!…then about 15-20 minutes the dust finally settles. Then the Patchouli and slowly peak there heads out of the ashes, and begins to develop into something wonderful, the Sandalwood starts slowly making its way out of the rubble, and helps show the different faces of patchouli. There is a slight powdery/aromatic accord in the dry down which makes me prefer to wear it in cooler weather.
Patchouli Imperial is linear, But not boring in the least, I also appreciate the sheer quality of the oils which make this fragrance so elegant and refined. The bottle is plain, it has a magnetic cap which centers the CD symbol on top, which adds just a touch of class for me. Value wise this is exceptionally priced for the amount given, and quality of the oils used.
9/10
powerful – :
This is intense stuff – very loud, very heavy patchouli represented with a very linear breakdown. Personally, I don’t find this to be very unisex at all. This is late 80s Joan Collins in a bottle. The dirty, slightly sour drydown is reminiscent of the inside of a handbag. I find it too sweet and sharp, it’s heaviness coating the nostrils and mouth like a cosmetic.
Light application seems to bring out the coriander and sandalwood – necessary for broadening this fragrance. Spray low on chest and from a good 10 inches.
Flotskiy – :
Great, great opening on this one I was drawn in from the very first sniff, strange really as I like patch (I mean who doesn’t?) (Ps I am aware some people don’t I was being rhetorical.)
But I’m not crazy about it and don’t often consider fragrances with patchouli in the name.
Also, this is my first delve into this collection from Dior and it’s off to a good start let me tell you. It has a menthol almost medicinal vibe in the opening and a little fruit not really what I expected but very pleasant. The patchouli becomes really chocolaty in the dry down like cacao & sweet leafy soil mixed with truffles or something? So not sweet gourmand chocolate just that lovely dark thing patch does when it becomes like chocolate. This is a good blend and the whole vibe puts me in mind of Tom Ford Noir or like an uncluttered black orchid…in other words…heavy on the patchouli as you’d expect.
My verdict was initially this was my favourite until the amber one I tried dried down and I really how gorgeous it was. So this is no slouch its a good, extremely well made fragrance and the price is pretty reasonable considering the amount of juice you get.
Oh…just one minor criticism of this line. Dior have taken a minimalist approach to the packaging on these but in my opinion they look cheap and nasty. The bottles displayed on the Dior counter are bright (crazy juice colours)and easily recognisable but they look to me like cocktail syrups or soda stream flavours or something…not high