Description
The new collection of fragrances Shanghai Tang encompasses 8 editions, 5 of which are for women and 3 for men. The collection was created as a fragrant journey from Europe to China and it was named after the Silk Road, lucrative Chinese silk trade, 4000 miles long. The Silk Road was initiated during the Han dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). The collection was inspired by rich fabrics, décor, lively colors and mystery of Silk Road, which were intertwined in each of the eight editions by perfumer Carlos Benaim. With this collection he managed to revive the fragrances of ancient caravans that used to carry Chinese treasures to the Western world. The collection pays respect to opulence of Chinese culture through several aspects and offers mystic contents of the unique compositions.
The compositions created by Carlos Benaim for Shanghai Tang convey his exciting experience from amazing journeys through China. He used characteristic raw materials for each of the fragrances, reflecting luxury and glamour of ancient Chinese tailoring skills. He created 8 compositions for 8 fragrances of the collection, since number 8 is considered the lucky number in Chinese culture. Eight is the symbol of balance, prosperity, good omen, promise of happiness colored in aura of infinity. In the West, number eight is also a powerful symbol which, if depicted horizontally, denotes infinity.
Flacons and outer carton feature Chinese symbol SHÒU denoting longevity. Longevity is considered one of five blessings, along with wealth, health, love and virtues. These five blessings traditionally represent five most important Chinese life goals.
Women’s fragrances of the collection are: Gold Lily, Spring Jasmine, Rose Silk, Orchid Bloom and Oriental Pearl, while men’s editions are Jade Dragon, L’Orient and Mandarin Tea. Fragrances for women are available as 60ml Eau de Parfum, while the editions for men are obtainable as 100ml Eau de Toilette. The fragrances are packed in wooden, lacquered boxes of high quality. The collection of Shanghai Tang Silk Road was launched end October 2014 in China.
chelovek34 – :
UPDATE
After owning and some full wearings I can get the vetiver which is easy detectable 2-3 hours before it dies. It has the same feeling, the same qualities and volume as in The Botanist by MiN New York house. It’s fresh, wet, slightly citrusy green vetiver with a clean vibe. Feels dark/wet/mossy and it’s velvety smooth. I suspect the presence of high quality white musk in both of these scents which may create the wet/clean illusion.
Moreover, this fragrance is among the most complimented fragrances I own. A big surprise for me. I didn’t expect that.
Notes according to me.
Green tea
Bergamot
Vetiver
Jasmine
White musk
Mild amber
If you want to improve the longevity make some sprays on hair and/or clothes. It creates an aura around you which lasts easily 6-7 hours max. Every person who will come close to you, will feel it.
Hunterusman – :
This is love from the first sniff for me. Jade Dragon is similar to
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Novaya Zarya The Vert and many citrus/tea dominant scents
But much better, completely natural feeling, smooth and bright, almost realistic combo of green tea and bergamot. Gorgeous, simple and linear. It also has the uplifting effect which is very nice. I don’t really get vetiver.. this is strong green tea with bergamot. I can feel something like non-sweet amber at the background but it’s very faint. Totally unisex tea scent.
I won’t comment about its performance which doesn’t feel great. I’ll update with new info the next days. This may be a fb worthing. All I can say for the moment is that it stays close to the skin and you can’t overspray this scent. It’s impossible.
Update
Longevity : it is easily detectable for the first 2.5-3 hours. It lives as a skin scent for about 5.5-6 hours. Most of its life stays close to the skin so Jade Dragon is mainly for personal pleasure or for indoors use if you prefer. It has edt concentration.
At the drydown, when it is a skin scent, I can feel floral traces. To be more specific, jasmine.
I was told that the old formulation was much stronger but different from the current Jade Dragon. Anyway, I prefer the modern version.
It retails here 250 usd per 100 ml.
UPDATE
After owning and some full wearings I can get the vetiver which is easy detectable 2-3 hours before it dies. It has the same feeling, the same qualities and volume as in The Botanist by MiN New York house. It’s fresh, wet, slightly citrusy green vetiver with a clean vibe. Feels dark/wet/mossy and it’s velvety smooth. I suspect the presence of high quality white musk in both of these scents which may create the wet/clean illusion.
Moreover, this fragrance is among the most complimented fragrances I own. A big surprise for me. I didn’t expect that.
Notes according to me.
Green tea
Vetiver
Jasmine
White musk
Mild/soft amber
Bergamot
If you want to improve the longevity make some sprays on hair and/or clothes. It creates an aura around you which lasts easily 6-7 hours max. Every person who will come close to you, will feel it.
bcb – :
This is a blind buy for me. I was willing to take the risk as I love vetiver, tea and bergamot notes, plus, I am liking what Carlos Benaim did with Dunhill Icon.
I found out soon enough that it was an expensive mistake. What I got is only a whiff of the listed notes and it would not last. 6 sprays to the chest and neck areas, 2 sprays each on either arms – the silage is non-existence and everything disappears after 1 hour. Totally a waste of money.
Oh and by the way, the bottle is quite nice, the weight is quite substantial as it was constructed of solid glass, the sprayer is however, very weak. The fragrance is made in China.
This is a very expensive paperweight
Today decided to have a go at it again for the sake of fairness. The scent is quite good if you are into these sort of notes. It does not smell synthetic. It also reminds you of Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert except that in the latter, the tea note is more prominent. Longevity & sillage is in the same ballpark.
The scent of the Jade Dragon is very linear from start to finish. It is very soft and I guess you can spray a lot to get a stronger effect as it doesn’t choke you like some stronger perfume. You get the combination of the three notes and none is more prominent over the others. The tea scent is better than that of the Bvlgari EPaTV, the vetiver is right there between Guerlain vetiver & TF Grey vetiver. The bergamot note advertises its presence in a very polite manner.
My Verdict:
Scent: 7/10
Longevity: 3/10
Sillage: 2/10