I picked up this second hand gem after hunting for a while. I really had my heart set on the older bottle – I know, it’s silly but I just like the colours 😍.  

For the record, I am not one for fussing too much over formulations, yes it can be disappointing if a formulation does change, but it is something that I have learned to accept in this hobby – because reformulation WILL happen and I do not have the energy to constantly hunt down older bottles. 

That said, I couldn’t tell you if Imitation has been reformulated, all I know is that the bottle changed and I just like the look of the older bottle better, and I was lucky enough to have one cross my path. 

Imitation Woman begins with a juicy blackcurrant opening, that has a verdant quality of crushed leaves and minty coolness, all dancing around a bouquet of florals.

It’s slightly smoky but at the same time, cold – polished aldehydes add a glassy effect that somehow contrasts, but also perfectly complements a syrupy licorice note. Dark woody elements like patchouli, impart a green “Mother of the Earth” persona and I suddenly have the urge to go locate a gaggle of wood nymphs, light a fire and worship Gaia in a blissful hippy dance.

That description is entirely inadequate of course, to convey how it really smells- but I’m not sure you can really know until to try it for yourself.

Thank goodness I did!

Perfumer: Pierre Negrin