I know *exactly* how you feel about Mitsouko! It was early in my fragrance obsession, and I smelled it expecting it to be basically unwearable but a must-try. You know, grit your teeth, etc. And … omg! I stood there, floored. I felt like I’d been waiting my whole life to smell it.

The Montale layered with the Coup *sounds* right, but I shamefacedly admit I am not the Queen of Caron — the mousse de saxe base puts me off (I’m trying to improve.) Patty would be a good person to ask, she’s obsessed with Caron and has most of their stuff I think in extrait as well. I do think your point holds — I have lighteners, darkeners, and all-purpose fragrance improvers. The other great thing about that (as other people said today) is layering gives you something close to your own custom fragrance, although how many other people are you likely to smell the Caron or the Montale on, anyway?

I would love to hear your comments on Azuree if you try it. I admire some strong chypres more than love them, and I am fascinated by the transformation on my skin – it became a different scent (still not for weenies.) I thought it was lovely, a Mediterranean chypre is an exotic beast.

you know, it’s funny, though i was defending niche stuff earlier – in concept, anyway – i too love many classics, including Mitsouko, and every one of the Daltroff Carons i’ve smelled. those scents just make my heart sing.