Built as a variation of Comme de Garçons’ Wonderwood, which was released in 2010,
Wonderoud is a subtle incarnation of woods blending patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver and guaiac wood around the rich character of oud. But while the ingredient, which comes from the wood of the tropical Gyrinops tree, has the tendency to overpower anything within its reach, Wonderoud is a well-rounded subtle scent that might just convince even the most ardent of oud sceptics to give it a spritz. “Comme Des Garçons doesn’t do fragrances that interrupt the aura of somebody else, you know?” explains Comme CEO Adrian Joffe to Esquire. “Your fragrance is for you, not for anyone else, which is the beauty of Wonderoud. Why would you want to push your fragrance in everyone else’s face when you’re the one wearing it?” The key to the new scent is its tricky composition, layering the wood notes around the heart, instead of the bottom, like most woody chypre perfumes. “The secret is the balance that we tried to get, with oud being the ultimate incarnation; the gold of wood if you like,” explains Joffre. “It’s not in your face, and I’d like to think it’ll convert any oud-shy scent wearers out there.”