Ex Nihilo 2024 EDP

U ££££ Statement

Chandigarh Express

by Gaël Montero

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Ex Nihilo Chandigarh Express is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2024, created by Gaël Montero. Chandigarh Express opens with Bergamot, Mandarin, and Cardamom, settles into a heart of Canadian Fir Balsam, Davana, Mahonial, and Leather, and dries down to a base of Vetiver, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, and Benzoin. Ex Nihilo's Chandigarh Express carries a Statement verdict, a fresh-led wear.

A truly luxurious leather-woody stunner that's got everyone obsessed. It's a 'stop-smelling-myself-like-an-idiot' kind of scent, though the hefty price tag and debate over its uniqueness might give some pause.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Confident
  • Sophisticated
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Luxurious
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Chandigarh Express Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its long-lasting nature and moderate sillage, combined with its rich leather and woody profile, make it less ideal for the office. However, it's frequently praised as a date night and special occasion fragrance, with many finding it versatile enough for smart casual wear too.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

It kicks off with a bright, spicy burst of cardamom and mandarin, quickly diving into a rich, sophisticated heart where smooth leather meets the deep resinous scent of fir balsam and a touch of jasmine. The dry down is an intoxicating blend of earthy vetiver, warm tonka bean, and benzoin, creating a sensual and slightly smoky finish that lingers beautifully.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.