Karl Lagerfeld 1998 EDT

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Jako

by Michel Girard

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Karl Lagerfeld Jako is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1998, created by Michel Girard. Jako opens with Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, and Plum, settles into a heart of Rosewood, Cardamom, and Ginger, and dries down to a base of Musk, Leather, Sandalwood, and Incense. Karl Lagerfeld's Jako carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

Jako is a forgotten 90s gem, a well-blended, subtle plum scent that divides opinion. Some find it ordinary, others an addictive, quiet masterpiece perfect for close encounters or the office.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Soft
  • Warm
  • Cozy
  • Clean
  • Elegant
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Jako Eau de Toilette 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.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Fall
Also Works:
Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Date
Also Works:
Casual

Its moderate performance and understated character make it ideal for the office, where it won't overpower. The subtle sweetness and warmth also lend themselves well to intimate date settings, but it lacks the boldness for formal events or the freshness for sport.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

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

Jako opens with a quiet burst of citrus, where juicy plum and tart grapefruit mingle with bright mandarin and bergamot. The heart introduces a warm, subtly spicy accord of rosewood, cardamom, and a hint of fresh ginger. It settles into a creamy, smooth base of sandalwood and musk, with a touch of ethereal incense and soft leather, creating an understated masculine warmth.

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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

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