Air by Kenzo

Upon application, there was an alcohol blast that made me question the legality of the sample. After a few minutes, it settled, revealing a peculiar white wood. My partner compared it to Encre Noir (he calls it rubber), but there are significant differences. Both lack longevity and intensity; they fade quickly and require generous application to last. It possesses elegance and quality, with the anise note emerging later. For me, it didn’t quite deliver; I didn’t live it as a lasting memory, though it is interesting to try. If vetiver suits your style, perhaps with this Kenzo you might find your own signature scent.

Usually, cult fragrances are elixirs of seduction. It is rare for a fresh, simple cologne to make it onto the list of most sought-after discontinued scents. And it makes sense, because in the sector of light EDTs, it seems everything is a gimmick. Kenzo Air didn’t invent anything, yet it was the best. Upon trying it, you are invaded by the certainty that you would never want to wear anything else in your life. A simple, straightforward, and memorable cologne. It reminded me of a thousand things: cedar waters, cardamom, juniper, spiced citrus sweetness, starched waters, freshly ironed sheets, clean skin, and adorable babies. In my memory, Kenzo Air was a blend of CK One, Celine for Men, Intense Acqua di Parma, Angel Schlesser pour femme, and Zara’s first men’s cologne from 1999. It was the perfect scent of cleanliness, rich and full of musky, starchy, and soapy nuances. It captures that moment when you open your eyes, remember it is Saturday, and you can sleep an hour longer; the pillow is perfect, not a single wrinkle, you retain memories of a beautiful dream, and you surrender back to sleep, during the day, with the certainty that everything is perfect. If I found it again, I would cry with joy; I’m sure a tear would escape. Happiness made into a cologne, a minimalist, ethereal, sporty, and ultra-modern water, lacking nothing and having nothing superfluous. If Kenzo brought it back, something unlikely, I would applaud until I bled.

I still remember years ago how much I loved Kenzo Air when I first smelled it on the novelty shelves at Sephora. It seemed a poetic scent, very beautiful, subtle, and delicate. The box showed a vast blue sky, the pure image of optimism, and the bottle was a jewel that seemed to enclose the essence of a sunny day. Upon using it again now, that same initial impression remains identical. The first thing to appear is an aroma between anise and mentholated licorice, very balsamic and pleasant, which is the essence of the perfume. There is also an incredible ozonic touch, an air-like quality, truly achieved. The first moments are brilliant. Gradually, it evolves towards vetiver with a soft woody base, everything very close to the skin but with good longevity. Very discreet and almost more oriented towards personal enjoyment. Kenzo Air has in its DNA the year it was created, 2003, when houses were still searching for original and surprising perfumes; perfumery was an art, and in shops there were incredible works like this. Due to its ethereal, minimalist, and almost avant-garde nature, I relate it to legends like Cacharel Nemo or Gucci Rush. I am not saying they smell alike, but they seek exactly the same thing: a magical, dreamy aroma that finds its reason to be in subtlety. I agree that it bears a certain resemblance to Lalique’s Encre Noire, although the latter is more potent and proposes dark twists that have no place in the goodness and joy of Kenzo Air. Indispensable for anyone who enjoys perfumery archaeology.

I doubt this review will be very useful, as it’s based on distant olfactory memories and a touch of melancholy… I had a beautiful bottle back in 2004/5, and it was my favourite fragrance for its ozonic freshness (as Bofifa rightly says) and its anise-orange charm with a mentholated vetiver base and soft woods at the end. It wasn’t sensual, but rather energising and addictive… I wore it in autumn, which I think was the perfect season for it. Well, never again… That’s just how things are, friends.

I just wanted to say I miss it so much. Sincerely, it’s my favourite fragrance above all others. I used this one and also the Intense, which, correctly as a previous comment says, was a bit more intense. I hope one day I can find something similar (please contribute more data about something similar). The truth is that, no matter how much I search, no fragrance makes me happy. I hope one day it exists again. It’s too melancholic, but it’s the truth… I miss this beautiful Kenzo Air perfume.

Hello TonyAzurro! Many thanks for the recommendation; I went straight to Encre Noire yesterday. I tried both and both are top tier, but the original is my favourite: a vetiver bomb with spices and woods as you said. Definitely going on my shopping list. What a luxury to find people with similar tastes who take the time to advise. Many thanks again and best regards! Oh, keep an eye out for melancholic recommendations, obviously, haha.

I believe it is, without a doubt, my favourite perfume. I tried it in 2006 and, unfortunately, only managed to buy a small 90 ml bottle in 2007. If I had known it was going to be discontinued, I would have taken at least ten. To me, it smells sparkling and cheerful, perfect for crisp summers or winter nights. It’s anise boosted by licorice, a perfect blend. Then bergamota appears, and over time, some herbal notes that I can’t quite identify. I keep it like a relic and only use it on special occasions. If anyone knows where to get bottles, I would be extremely grateful. It’s an absolute gem from Kenzo.

You can find it on eBay from $79.95 (1.7 oz) and on Amazon from $87.99 (3 oz).

At first, I was a bit surprised; it reminded me of vodka or some remedy, perhaps due to the anise and especially the licorice. In the middle notes, I felt the soft vetiver, always accompanied by anise. I think that’s the best part of the fragrance. The dry down is ambered with cedar. I never perceived the bergamota. They say it’s discontinued (I have a miniature). Like many Kenzo creations, it has moderate sillage and longevity. It lasts more than eight hours but stays very close to the skin. I’ve liked other Kenzo perfumes more; I think it falls short as a woody floral musk. It’s subtle, for intermediate seasons, different, but I don’t think it will impress too much. I don’t see an irreparable loss in its discontinuation.