I didn’t officially pay tribute to Kenzo Takada when he died from Covid-19 in October 2020. So this review of Kenzo Jungle is also my belated celebration of the Japanese designer’s vibrant global aesthetic and his pioneering contribution to fashion. He moved to Paris in 1964 and lived there until his death at the age of 81, according to The Guardian.
Image: LVMH.
Even though Kenzo Jungle was launched in 1996, three years after LVMH acquired his company (he stayed on as head designer until 1999), it has his adventurous spirit throughout. As with other fragrances from the brand such as Kenzo Pour Homme (1991), L’Eau Par Kenzo Pour Femme (1996) and Kenzo Flower (2 000).
Apparently named after his first boutique in the French capital, Jungle Jap (which opened in 1970), it was created by Dominique Ropion.
WHAT MAKES KENZO JUNGLE SO SPECIAL
The opening is big on the spice, especially cloves and cumin. While neither of these notes is known for being shy, they also don’t go on the rampage through the proverbial perfume Jungle. A smidgen of mandarin orange brings sunny freshness to the proceedings.
Kenzo Jungle is at its boldest and most unusual in what follows. Here, the spice of cardamom and a particularly distinctive take on liquorice meet the heady florals of banana-ish ylang-ylang and gardenia. Juicy mango adds to the tropical vibe. Be warned: this liquorice is divisive stuff!
Featuring notes of patchouli and vanilla, the drydown is equally captivating. They maintain the appealing sweetness, without venturing into gourmand territory (although the Kenzo website claims otherwise).
Almost 25 years after its launch, Kenzo Jungle has lost none of its exotic energy. It’s the kind of fragrance that shows what’s possible when designer brands take a much-needed (and rare) risk.
It’s reassuring that it’s still in production (ditto the male version, although the plug was pulled on Kenzo Jungle Le Tigre, which I haven’t tried). Currently on sale at my local pharmacy for the ridiculous price of R1 250 for 100ml (approximately US$80 / £60 / €68), I’m hoping perfume-lovers will snap up this creature while they can.
Fantastic review and pics of this classic scent, Rich. A fitting tribute.
Many thanks, dear Daniel, for your compliments. He was a true pioneer.
I could swear I’ve commented on this post already… but maybe it was on IG? 🙂
I haven’t tried this perfume – it just somehow passed me by. But I like some other Kenzo perfumes and know that this one was quite popular among perfumistas.
Hello Undina, you gave me a lovely compliment on my pic on IG. Thank you so much! Hope you get to try this Kenzo sometime. Definitely not the usual.