KYOMU by Mr.Waldron

Pushing the unisex boundary, this scent clearly carries the Black Opium DNA but gets ‘masculinized’ by osmanthus and saffron. It transports me on vacation, far from daily crap, climate change, and my gossipy, antisocial coworker who thinks she’s perfect and judges everyone—sometimes she angers me more than the evening news. It makes me so nervous I need more space than a breakup letter to vent, even through therapy, because even a superficial greeting feels like hard work. Is Kyomu a dream come true, or, as its name suggests, absence, nothingness, or the falsity of that coworker? My imagination is extravagant, sinful, and unrestrained, conjuring a sexy, attractive woman with this fragrance. It’s like that lady who, upon seeing you, takes you to the end of the world and your face lights up like a magic lamp; it’s easy to fall under her spell. Night, seduction, danger, sin, sex, black dresses, and perfect nails? The male counterpart would be a regular gym-goer who has sculpted his body with patience. Citrus-spicy at the start, followed by jasmine, rose, vanilla, and a hint of coffee (undeclared) that smells like a velvet blanket. Saffron adds a subtle masculine base note without much longevity, while anise goes unnoticed. From the first spray, it’s pure well-being. Its discreet presence makes it ideal for work, but thanks to its duality, it also works for night or special events. Moderate longevity with a nice trail. It left me with a great taste in my mouth to try more from the house.

Kyomu is my first oriental fragrance, a rose-wood profile that’s linear yet packed with nuances we fans know but are hard to find on the street. It’s quite versatile, perfect for daily wear or as a signature scent, though I’d avoid extreme temperatures. Good longevity of 6-7 hours with a potent opening. It leans more masculine than feminine, but I’ve heard women wear it and it suits them well. I have the 30ml bottle and when I finish it, I’ll buy the 50ml. I really like it. I also own The Whisper by Mr. Waldron, which makes a curious transition from a fruity/floral/powdery opening to a vanilla and vetiver base—very different. P.S.: Unfortunately, I’ve seen that Kyomu has been discontinued.

Brutal fragrance, super balanced, and long-lasting. KYOMU kicks off with a fresh, addictive opening that evolves into an oriental, sweet, and woody scent. Saffron, osmanthus, and cashmere wood create a floral, oriental finish with a noticeable sweet touch that lingers on the skin for over 8 hours. Totally unisex, ideal for cool days where you feel wrapped in an easy-to-wear, exquisite aroma.