CH

divain.055 is an oriental floral dupe of CH by Carolina Herrera, the 2007 fragrance built on a fresh-to-oriental arc. The tropical fruit, grapefruit, lemon and marine-accord opening tracks the original's zesty first impression, and the praline, cinnamon, jasmine and rose heart mirrors CH's warm, gourmand-tinged floral core. Where the original is known for its distinctive leather-and-spice base - reviewers describe an almost tobacco-like woody depth - Divain's suede, sandalwood and amber base moves in the same direction but sits noticeably lighter, so the composition loses some of the rich, glamorous density that gives CH its statement-making reputation. The opening and heart are close enough to deliver a fair impression of the cosmopolitan, chic character the original is loved for, making this a reasonable pick for an autumn office morning that carries into an evening out, at a fraction of the designer price.