Karl Lagerfeld 1983 EDT

F ££ Acquired

KL

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Karl Lagerfeld KL is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1983. KL opens with Spicy Notes, Bergamot, and Orange, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and Orchid, and dries down to a base of Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Civet. Karl Lagerfeld's KL carries an Acquired verdict, a spicy-led wear.

KL is a lost gem for lovers of vintage spice bombs. It's a powerhouse, very much of its opulent 80s era, drawing comparisons to Opium and Cinnabar but with its own unique, slightly softer charm. Finding an original bottle now is a treasure hunt, but worth it for those who miss its bold, warm embrace.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Warm
  • Sensual
  • Classic
  • Luxurious
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KL 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
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

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its long-lasting performance and strong sillage, KL is too potent for most office environments. It shines best on dates and for formal evening events where its rich, sensual character can be appreciated without overwhelming. It's too heavy for casual daytime wear or 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.

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
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil from Clove
  • Limonene from Orange
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

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

KL opens with a vibrant, almost boozy burst of spiced orange and bergamot, quickly warming into a rich heart of cinnamon and clove, interwoven with opulent florals like rose and ylang-ylang. The dry down is a deeply sensual, velvety amber and vanilla embrace, grounded by earthy patchouli and the intriguing animalic whisper of civet and myrrh, creating a smooth, long-lasting warmth.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

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.