Needle In A Haystack: Madame Koko By Yosh
May 3rd, 2007
It’s Neede In A Haystack time! Today Marina from Perfume-Smellin’ Things and myself are writing about samples we blindly picked from our sample boxes. I must say every time I’m about to put my hand into the sample box, I get excited like a little kid in an amusement park at one of those stands where you get to throw a ball in hopes of winning a prize (is there a word for it?). Thing is, most of the time I end up with a sample I’m not that thrilled about, much like I was never lucky at winning anything at those stands (what a rip-off for kids!) OK, perhaps I should clarify: I’m only not too thrilled about obscure samples, although I do welcome the challenge. By the way, the image to the left is, once again, Marina’s concoction. We’re getting more and more scantily clad, and I’m starting to worry. But back to the challenge at hand! Today’s pick is Madame Koko by Yosh.
When Madame Koko came out (about 2 years ago, I believe), it was only available at Luckyscent and SFJazz. It was created by one of my favorite perfumers, Yosh Han, specifically for a jazz festival. I believe the scent has been discontinued as I wasn’t able to find it on either sites. Madame Koko is a perfume oil, with excellent staying power and decent development on skin. It features the notes of gardenia, Casablanca lily, Turkish rose, pink pepper, coconut, coriander, green cognac, and chocolate. One of the reasons I love Yosh Han’s creations is their complexity which is not very common for perfume oils. Madame Koko, while extremely appealing, seems to be a bit more straightforward - it’s a blend of dewy gardenia and lily on my skin. I’d even say it’s a green, almost soapy floral - the dewiness is present all the way evoking images of not just flowers alone but also stems and leaves. For better or worse, my nose detects no coconut, coriander or chocolate, with perhaps some traces of mild spiciness in the very drydown (which also creates a dirty undertone). In my book, Madame Koko stands next to my other favorite Monyette Paris (which could be a distant cousin minus the Nag Champa) and another Yosh creation, Stargazer. While I quite like the scent, I don’t bemoan its disappearance too much for my sample will last me a long time.
Please be sure to check Marina’s catch of the day.
Image source: courtesy Mrs. Colombina, barneys.com
Entry Filed under: Needle In A Haystack, Perfume Reviews
12 Comments Add your own
1. Marina | May 3rd, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Actually, looking at that image…it looks like “you” are about to hit “me” over the head with that stick
I know have a sample of Koko somewhere, I will unearth it tonight and give it go. I can predict the result right now.
2. Ina | May 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Actually, you’re quite right. I’m indeed holding my stick in a very strategic position all the while smiling politely to the public through my teeth while you’re being utterly clueless.
3. chayaruchama | May 4th, 2007 at 6:25 am
Hello, Honey.
How’s it hangin’, with the new job and all ?
I never heard of this one, so you’ve just enlightened me.
I can ALWAYS use enlightening.
And, BTW, PLEASE don’t bash Marinochka just yet.
It’s too early in the day…
Have a good w/e, dear.
4. Judith | May 4th, 2007 at 6:32 am
Never heard of this one! But it doesn’t sound like it’s quite my thing. . .
5. Elle | May 4th, 2007 at 6:35 am
LOL! You DO look like you’re about to hit her.
I’m expecting Bond girl bikinis next week.
I used to layer MK w/ something that made it amazing, but can’t remember what now. Think it might have been Omniscent. Must check later today.
6. newproducts | May 4th, 2007 at 7:11 am
I thoroughly enjoyed sniffing Yosh perfumes at the last sniffa. This one sounds good as well. I’d never thought of layering her scents, but Elle’s idea sounds fabulous.
7. Teri | May 4th, 2007 at 11:49 am
As a blues and jazz afficionado, I’m wondering if this might have been named for the fabulous Koko Taylor. Anyone know?
8. Ina | May 4th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Chaya, the new job is still in the air, that is to say, it hasn’t quite started. Still setting up, etc.
Thanks for asking!
I’ll be gentle with Marina. I may still need her.
9. Ina | May 4th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Judith, no, probably not quite your thing.
10. Ina | May 4th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Elle, interesting. Do let me know what it was!
11. Ina | May 4th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Minsun, I’ve never layered Yosh scents either. I love them the way the are.
12. Ina | May 4th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Teri, you know, I’m not sure but you may be right!
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed