Kiste (2015)

As an avid floral lover, there are definitely some flowers out there that I can’t say I love. Funny enough, magnolia is one of them, or so I thought… French Waltz is a fresh floral fragrance with magnolia at its very core. It also has an aquatic air to it that makes it feel very smooth and crisp, like the cool flowing water in a river. Very much a spa-type scent, with no heaviness, intense sweetness, or loudness. I wouldn’t describe it as a “fresh out the shower scent” because the musk + lily of the valley do provide a touch of “dirtiness” (not sure if that’s the right word, but something is a bit “off axis” I’d say), and keep the scent from being another boring and basic floral. While it’s not loud, it is very strong. Sillage and longevity are stupendously long, and the scent will be left behind on your clothes for some few days. It’s one of my favorite scents ever and you wouldn’t think this was a celebrity fragrance if you smelled it. It has a niche-like quality/complexity to it without being too complicated and hard to understand/wear. You must be a Tyler, The Creator fan to appreciate this fragrance. Just kidding but also, not really. Lowkey-highkey (I’m annoying, I know LOL), I think this fragrance is a great representation of Ty’s growth as an artist and as a person. He is not afraid to speak his mind, step to his own beat, and be comfortable within himself. The scent truly embodies neutrality in all forms: gender, sexuality, etc. I’ve watched him grow up from when he was in Golf Wang to the being that he is now, and his continuous blossoming is truly something to admire. Siri, play “Where This Flower Blooms” by Tyler, The Creator. Updated on 05/15/2025

First, a little background to better understand my opinion: For several years now, I have been searching for a "signature" scent for myself. In the process, I have tried many designer and niche fragrances. The results were - besides a small hole in my bank account - many bottles that I didn't even use up to 2/3 and quite a bit of experience regarding most fragrance directions. In my search, it was important for me to find a scent that I could wear without any problem for any occasion and at any time of day/year. The only fragrance that I have used more than 200ml of over the years was YSL's "Y Le Parfum," which met these criteria quite well, but over time it became increasingly boring to me or not unique enough. Since good performance was also very important to me, I tended to lean towards sweeter fragrances and always aimed for the highest possible perfume oil concentrations, meaning Eau de Parfums and often even Parfums/Extrait de Parfums. However, it became increasingly clear to me that such high concentrations suffer in terms of everyday wearability, as they are simply too overpowering for school, university, office, or similar work environments. So my desired scent should perhaps lean more towards the fresh direction. Recently, I decided to look for more floral fragrances to try to meet my expectations. I had never had a problem with "unisex" perfumes, which was practical here, as many floral scents automatically get that label or are directly categorized as feminine. "Reflection Man" by Amouage was a hot candidate after some research, but it was a bit too powdery and not fresh enough for me. By chance, I then discovered a 10ml bottle of "french waltz" at a friend's place. At first impression, it was a great combination of fresh, floral, and even slightly sweet notes. I had to get it! At that price, I had to swallow a bit... converted, almost €190 for 100ml. Of course, I also looked for other reviews, only to find that this fragrance is totally unknown in the perfume scene. For me, however, that was somehow a plus point because I wanted something unique. Now to the review itself: With repeated wear, my impression regarding the fragrance directions/notes was confirmed. Very floral and fresh-sweet. I liked the latter as well because I had long thought in the "fresh" and "sweet" boxes, and while I had wished for a combination of both, I thought it was not quite attainable. It is definitely a unisex fragrance, so it's not for someone who feels the need to define their masculinity through their perfume. However, due to the musky, woody base that plays incredibly well with the floral heart note, it is very much wearable for men. Due to the notes, the fragrance naturally feels a bit more summery or suitable for the warmer seasons. Thanks to the relatively strong presence for the freshness of the scent, it is definitely wearable in autumn and winter. For the freshness of the fragrance, I also find the longevity and performance very good. Of course, the scent doesn't cling to the skin for 16 hours or longer like some sweeter perfumes do, but with just one spray on each side of the neck in the morning, it is still noticeable in the evening (even for me). 10 hours, if not a bit more, are definitely achievable on my skin, even if the scent does become a bit less "enveloping" after 6-7 hours. The sillage is never too overpowering, yet the perfume manages to remain present for a long time. Accordingly, it is also suitable for the work environment. The bottle is a matter of taste. Personally, I find others more beautiful/stylish, but the design somehow fits the light playfulness of the fragrance. Most of the (very few) downsides that "french waltz" has to contend with are in terms of price-performance ratio. Even though I find the price acceptable, not everyone will be able to warm up to almost €190 for a... well, designer perfume. In summary, I believe this fragrance is unique in its DNA and still very mass-appealing. Even though I am not a fan of measuring perfumes by the number of compliments received, I found it very noticeable how often I was approached about this scent. It seems I have found my long-awaited "signature scent"! I hope I could help you! ;) Updated on 02/23/2024