Old Empire For Women

Old Empire chases the elegant, summery freshness of Creed Millesime Imperial. It opens bright and breezy - a wash of sea salt and juicy fruit, nodding to the ozonic, watermelon-like sparkle that makes the original feel like sun on the Sicilian coast. The heart brings a clean citrus trio of bergamot, lemon and mandarin lifted by a touch of powdery iris, the zesty-floral lift the original reveals as it develops. It dries down to a soft, woody-musky marine base, fresh and slightly salty, the pleasant aquatic finish the Creed fades into. Wearers find this dupe reasonably close, and because the modern Millesime is itself only a moderate performer - strong for the first half hour then quickly a skin scent - the usual dupe gap in staying power is narrower here, though this version still sits a touch flatter and simpler. Best in spring and summer, it is a clean, versatile office, casual and daily scent that carries to light sport and daytime dates - a likeable, recognisable budget stand-in for Millesime Imperial.