First Impressions
The first spray of Blue Cedrat announces itself with a paradox: it's called "blue," yet it radiates warmth. Marketed as feminine but structured like the best unisex woody fragrances, this 2013 release from Comme des Garçons immediately reveals the brand's characteristic contrarian streak. There's no overt sweetness, no conventional florals waiting to bloom—just a bright citrus opening that quickly settles into something far more architectural. The cedrat (citron) promised in the name appears not as a shrieking lemon note but as a whisper, a suggestion of brightness that illuminates rather than dominates. Within minutes, you understand this isn't about shock value or avant-garde experimentation. Blue Cedrat is Comme des Garçons playing with restraint, and it's utterly compelling.
The Scent Profile
While specific notes remain mysteriously unspecified—typical of Comme des Garçons' enigmatic approach—the accord breakdown tells the story with crystalline clarity. This is a fragrance built on a woody foundation so dominant it registers at 100%, creating an unmistakable skeletal structure around which everything else orbits.
The opening moments lean heavily aromatic (84%), that citrus element (65%) dancing across the surface like light on water. The cedrat here feels refined, more Mediterranean grove than supermarket produce aisle. It's the kind of citrus that knows when to exit gracefully, never overstaying its welcome or turning harsh as it fades.
As the fragrance settles into its heart, the aromatic qualities persist while a subtle muskiness (56%) begins to emerge. This isn't the clean laundry musk of modern freshies or the animalic funk of vintage perfumery—it's somewhere in between, adding body without weight. The woody accord remains constant throughout, providing that signature Comme des Garçons minimalism that feels both Japanese in its restraint and utterly contemporary.
The base reveals unexpected softness. A powdery aspect (48%) emerges alongside amber (45%), creating a foundation that's warm without being heavy, comforting without becoming soporific. The powder never reads as dated or overtly feminine; instead, it adds a sophisticated matte finish to the woody structure, like fine-grained paper against polished wood.
Character & Occasion
Blue Cedrat is unmistakably a warm-weather fragrance. The community data speaks volumes: 75% favor it for summer, with spring close behind at 72%. This makes perfect sense—it has the lightness and brightness that won't suffocate in heat, yet enough structure to maintain presence when temperatures rise. The woody backbone prevents it from becoming just another ephemeral summer splash-and-go.
The day-night split is even more telling: 100% recommend it for daytime wear, with just 26% finding it suitable for evening. This isn't a criticism but a clarification of purpose. Blue Cedrat is morning sunlight through linen curtains, a lunch meeting in a coastal city, an afternoon spent in good company. It's the scent of competence and calm, not seduction or drama.
Despite its feminine classification, this fragrance reads decidedly unisex. Anyone drawn to the clean woody profiles of fragrances like Grey Vetiver or Terre d'Hermès will find Blue Cedrat speaks their language. It would be equally at home in a man's rotation as a woman's, making it ideal for those who reject gendered fragrance marketing or couples who enjoy sharing their scent wardrobe.
Community Verdict
With 350 votes tallying to a 3.83 out of 5 rating, Blue Cedrat occupies interesting territory. This isn't a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it composition, nor is it a crowd-pleasing universally acclaimed masterpiece. That near-4-star rating suggests a fragrance that delivers exactly what it promises: a well-executed woody aromatic that won't wow everyone but disappoints few. The substantial vote count indicates genuine interest and engagement—this isn't an overlooked obscurity but a fragrance that's found its audience and earned their respect, if not always their passion.
How It Compares
The comparison fragrances reveal Blue Cedrat's position in the woody minimalist canon. It shares DNA with its sibling Wonderwood, another Comme des Garçons exercise in woody purity, though Blue Cedrat brings more brightness to the equation. The mentions of Encre Noire by Lalique and Terre d'Hermès position it among serious, contemplative woody fragrances that prioritize elegance over flash. Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford offers perhaps the closest parallel—both are refined, daytime-appropriate woody compositions that wear impeccably in professional settings. Yet Blue Cedrat distinguishes itself with that citrus-aromatic lift and subtle powder, making it slightly softer and more approachable than its more austere cousins.
The Bottom Line
Blue Cedrat won't be the fragrance that converts woody-skeptics or those who prefer their perfumes rich and enveloping. What it does offer is a masterclass in restraint: a warm-weather woody fragrance that maintains presence without weight, brightness without banality. The 3.83 rating accurately reflects its appeal—this is very good rather than groundbreaking, refined rather than revolutionary.
For those building a fragrance wardrobe, Blue Cedrat fills a specific and valuable niche: the sophisticated daytime scent for warm weather that works across professional and casual settings. It's the fragrance equivalent of a perfectly tailored linen shirt—understated, appropriate, and far more interesting than it first appears. Anyone who appreciates the Comme des Garçons aesthetic of intelligent minimalism, or who's searched for a truly wearable woody summer fragrance, should absolutely seek this out. Just don't expect fireworks. Expect something quieter, and in its own way, more lasting.
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