Bergdorf Goodman is an iconic high-end department store located on the bustling Fifth Avenue of New York City. Known for its exquisite selection of luxury goods, Bergdorf Goodman also features an exclusive line of fragrances created by renowned perfumer Roja Dove. One of the notable fragrances in his collection is Goodman’s, designed specifically for the store's men’s section. Launched in 2014, this scent aims to encapsulate the sophistication and elegance associated with Bergdorf Goodman. However, it has garnered a mixed reception among fragrance enthusiasts, with opinions varying widely on its olfactory complexity and overall quality. Let’s delve deeper into the fragrance, examining its components, structure, and the reception it has received.
Introducing Goodman’s: A Fragrance of Luxury
In the world of niche perfumery, Roja Dove is a name synonymous with opulence and high craftsmanship. His creation, Goodman’s, was designed to reflect the essence of the men’s section of Bergdorf Goodman. With notes that promise warmth, dryness, freshness, and sensuality, the fragrance is an extrait de parfum, which intensifies certain aromatic elements traditionally found in Eau de Parfums.Components of Goodman’s Fragrance
Goodman’s fragrance predominantly features a distinctive blend of various notes. Roja Dove describes this scent as a warm and spicy chypre that intertwines with oriental dimensions. The fragrance pyramid can be broken down into three main sections: top notes, heart notes, and base notes.Top Notes
The opening of Goodman’s is characterized by vibrant and zesty top notes of bergamot and mandarin. This citrusy brightness sets a refreshing tone before giving way to the heart notes, lending an energetic start to the overall fragrance experience.Heart Notes
As the fragrance develops, the heart reveals floral nuances led by jasmine, neroli, rose, and ylang-ylang. These components aim to evoke a sense of luxury and softness, juxtaposed against the woody and smoky elements that appear in the base.Base Notes
The depth of Goodman’s is primarily captured in its base notes that include vetiver, cedarwood, cinnamon, and a medley of spices like cardamom and coriander. The use of castoreum and civet provides warmth and a touch of animalic sophistication, while frankincense and patchouli add richness to the scent profile.Development and Longevity of Goodman’s
Upon application, Goodman’s unfolds with an interesting interplay of notes. Initially, the citrus bursts might overwhelm, yet as the fragrance transitions, it gradually softens. Within a few minutes, the florals take over, leading to a nuanced and multifaceted experience.The Scent Journey
The first impression might be a fruity explosion dominated by citrus zest, but as the scent evolves, the integration of spices shines through. Many reviewers have commented on the olfactory journey, noting how the spices come to dominate the experience after the initial citrus opening. This change is often realized much faster on skin than through testing on paper.Scent Production on Skin
Interestingly, the aromatic profile can vary significantly based on skin chemistry, which may lead to different impressions on different wearers. Some might find the spices to come to the forefront much sooner, while others might detect the deeper, woodier notes first. What remains consistent is the dry, smoky base that lingers, predominantly characterized by the vetiver and cedar.Reception and Critique of Goodman’s
While Goodman’s was launched as a luxury fragrance expected to resonate with sophistication, it has faced substantial critique within fragrance circles. Many enthusiasts have expressed disappointment regarding its complexity and have compared it unfavorably to other Roja Dove creations.Disappointments and Expectations
For a fragrance that retails at a premium price, expectations are understandably high. The scents that have come to define Roja Dove’s artistry often boast intricate blends and deeper, richer stories within their layered accords. In contrast, Goodman’s has been described as somewhat one-dimensional by several reviewers. The rapid transition from a promising opening into a less intricate dry down has left many feeling that the scent lacks the depth and sophistication that typically characterize luxury-level fragrances.Price Point vs. Value
At a retail price of $545 for a 50 ml bottle, many consumers and reviewers find it challenging to justify the cost based on the olfactory experience provided by Goodman’s. The price raises the bar for expectations, making the unyielding simplicity of the fragrance particularly disappointing for those seeking a signature scent with nuanced complexity.The Artistic Essence of Goodman’s
The artistic endeavor behind each Roja Dove creation often aims to encapsulate luxurious experiences or places, thereby inviting wearers into an olfactory narrative.Creation Concept and Imagery
In creating Goodman’s, Roja Dove has attempted to capture New York’s vibrancy and the elegance associated with Bergdorf Goodman. However, the resulting fragrance has been described as lacking a narrative, missing the imaginative storytelling often present in niche fragrances.The Chi of Bergdorf Goodman
Despite the negative feedback regarding its thematic representation, Goodman’s is still regarded as a fragrance that mirrors the masculinity associated with stylish New Yorkers. Notes reminiscent of the well-dressed man in a tailored suit provide a warm, inviting aroma, although many feel it lacks the depth desired in a scent intended for such a luxurious retail environment.Conclusion: A Reflection on Goodman’s place in the Luxurious Fragrance Market
Ultimately, Goodman’s serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of perfume appreciation. For loyal fans of Roja Dove, the fragrance may resonate differently, while others see it as a missed opportunity to encapsulate the splendid essence of luxury associated with Bergdorf Goodman. With a distinctive bottle design and a bold attempt at capturing a city’s identity through fragrance, Goodman’s stands as an interesting, yet polarizing addition to the niche fragrance landscape.What are the main notes in the Goodman’s fragrance?
Goodman’s features top notes of bergamot and mandarin, heart notes of jasmine, neroli, rose, and ylang-ylang, and base notes of vetiver, cedarwood, cinnamon, castoreum, civet, frankincense, and patchouli.
Why is Goodman’s considered a polarizing fragrance?
Goodman’s has received mixed reviews due to its perceived lack of complexity and depth relative to other fragrances from Roja Dove, leading to disappointment among traditional fans of the brand.