Wild Fig and Cassis - 787

No. 787 takes on Jo Malone's Wild Fig & Cassis, a scent whose cult following comes from its green, slightly bitter fig-leaf character rather than raw sweetness. The dupe opens with a good approximation of that sharp black currant and green top, though it settles into a rounder, sweeter fig than the original's more leafy, almost bitter rendition. The woody-earthy base of cedar, patchouli and musk plays a similar supporting role to Jo Malone's cedar-patchouli-amber drydown, giving both a grounded, natural finish. Because the genuine Wild Fig & Cassis is notorious among Jo Malone fans for fading fast - often needing reapplication within a few hours - this dupe's shorter performance is less of a letdown than it would be against a longer-lasting original. It is a fair, more affordable way into that Mediterranean fig-and-greenery mood for casual daytime wear, if not a note-for-note match on the green sharpness that makes the real thing distinctive.