The CK2 fragrance
Following in the footsteps of the iconic 90s scent CK One, CK2 celebrates the idea that not every relationship needs labels, and that people should be defined by who they are and not what they are. Essentially, it’s a scent that aims to appeal to anyone of any gender.
The fragrance itself is a combination of typically female notes – think fresh top notes of mandarin and violet leaf, and a heart of rich floral accords – with a traditionally masculine base of incense, vetiver and sandalwood. And it’s this blend of natural and urban notes that aims to appeal equally to men and women.
The smell test
To see just how successfully ‘gender-free’ CK2 is, we conducted a blind smell test with four volunteers. They had no idea what fragrance it was and didn’t know it was gender-free. Here’s what they had to say…
The men
Will Osbourne, digital consultant
What are your first impressions?
It smells very fresh and clean – very light, too.
Can you name any of the notes?
I would take a guess and say there are some woody notes in there.
Who do you think would wear this fragrance?
A man who’s quite smart and works in the City. I think he’s probably quite cool, too. I’m pretty much describing my friend Tom; I can imagine him wearing this.
Would you wear it yourself?
I like it, but I have worn the same fragrance for so many years now and I’m reluctant to change. This has tempted me, though. Maybe if I was trying to impress at work, I might give it a go.
Luke Rose, 26, marketing manager
What are your first impressions?
It’s fresh, feminine and quite floral, too.
Can you name any of the notes?
I can smell floral notes, but I’m not sure which ones.
Who do you think would wear this fragrance?
A woman in her twenties. It smells young and feminine.
Would you wear it yourself?
No, because I think it’s a woman’s fragrance. I’d buy it for my girlfriend, though – I think she’d like it.
The women
Rosie Johnson, 28, wedding planner
What are your first impressions?
It smells fresh and energetic. I think it’s a real summer fragrance.
Can you name any of the notes?
Are there citrus notes in it? I’d imagine that’s why it smells so fresh.
Who do you think would wear this fragrance?
Women in their twenties and early thirties.
Would you wear it yourself?
Yes, I love it! But I’d have to hide it from my flatmate as I know she’d steal it.
Emma Tatnell, PR manager
What are your first impressions?
I like it! It’s light and fresh, and it’s different from all the other fragrances that are out there right now.
Can you name any of the notes?
It’s a bit orangey, and I can smell some woodiness in there, too.
Who do you think would wear this fragrance?
I think it would suit a dapper man. I can picture him wearing it in the summer in Italy.
Would you wear it yourself?
Probably not, but only because it’s more suited to a man. I wouldn’t mind borrowing my boyfriend’s jumper if it smelt like this, though.
The result
It seems CK2 really is gender-free! Each of our testers had a completely different image in their mind of who would wear this scent, and it was an even split on whether it was suited to a man or a woman.
Have you smelt CK2 yet? If so, tweet us at @ThePerfumeShop and let us know what you think!
