Calvin Klein Eternity Summer 2017 Review: The Scent of a Desert Sunset
A journey back to one of the most beloved limited editions—a warm, woody, and unforgettable summer mirage.
There are fragrances that act as portals. They don’t just sit on the skin; they transport you. A single spritz can whisk you away from a mundane Tuesday afternoon to a place of memory, of longing, of sun-drenched peace. Each year, the fragrance world eagerly awaits the seasonal limited editions, these olfactory postcards from imagined holidays. And within this tradition, the Calvin Klein Eternity Summer flankers hold a special place. They are fleeting, ephemeral, yet they capture the very essence of a season in a bottle. Today, my dear readers, we journey back to a particularly beautiful mirage: the 2017 edition of Eternity Summer for Men.
Launched in the heart of 2017, this fragrance arrived not as a revolution, but as a whispered evolution of the iconic Eternity DNA. The original Eternity for Men, a titan of the 90s, is a clean, aromatic fougère—a scent of dependable, classic masculinity. Its summer children, however, are allowed to be more playful, more relaxed. They trade the boardroom for the beach, the crisp shirt for linen. The 2017 edition was positioned as a moment of serene escape, inspired by the stark, quiet beauty of a desert at dusk. It wasn''t about the high-energy beach party; it was about the tranquil warmth that follows, the golden hour when the world softens and glows from within.
The concept was pure poetry: the contrast of cool evening air and the residual heat radiating from the sand. It sought to capture that feeling of peaceful solitude, of watching the sky bleed into a symphony of orange, pink, and purple. This wasn''t just another aquatic freshie. It was an attempt to bottle a feeling, an atmosphere. In a market saturated with citrus and marine notes, Eternity Summer 2017 dared to be different, weaving in desert botanicals and a creamy, unexpected warmth that set it apart from its peers.
Among collectors and enthusiasts, the 2017 edition is often remembered as one of the standout years for the line. While many summer flankers can be forgettable, this one possessed a unique character that has given it a quiet, cult-like following. It’s the one people search for on auction sites, a ghost of summers past. It represents a perfect balance—a fragrance that is undeniably summery and fresh, yet possesses a sophisticated, woody, and almost spiritual depth. It is, in essence, the scent of a memory you wish you could live in forever.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The perfumer for this specific 2017 limited edition flanker was not publicly credited by Calvin Klein. However, the fragrance builds upon the iconic DNA of the original Eternity for Men, created by the legendary perfumer Carlos Benaïm.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first 15-30 minutes are a gentle, warm sparkle. The bergamot is bright but not sharp, softened by a warm, almost sweet ginger and a subtle hint of licorice-like star anise. It feels like the last warm rays of a setting sun, inviting and serene.
The 1-2 hour phase is the soul of the fragrance. A stunningly realistic, creamy coconut nectar note emerges, beautifully blended with the juicy, slightly tangy starfruit. It''s a sophisticated tropical accord, enhanced by a touch of airy, green violet leaf. This is the heart of the desert oasis.
After 4+ hours, it settles into a warm, woody skin scent. The tropical notes fade, leaving a smooth, creamy sandalwood, dry cedar, and a clean, earthy vetiver. It smells like sun-warmed skin and driftwood, a deeply comforting and personal scent.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a moderate 5-7 hours on skin, which is respectable for a summer EDT. It becomes a personal skin scent after the 4-hour mark.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble of about arm''s length. It''s not a loud fragrance.
Leaves a soft, subtle trail. It’s more of an intimate scent that people will notice when they are close to you, rather than one that announces your presence.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives consistent, positive feedback. Compliments often focus on its uniqueness and pleasant, calming nature. It''s more of a ''You smell really good'' in a close conversation than a ''Who is wearing that?'' from across the room.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and beautiful coconut/starfruit accord that avoids sunscreen clichés.
- ✅ Evocative and atmospheric; truly captures the ''desert sunset'' theme.
- ✅ Very easy to wear and pleasant in warm weather.
- ✅ Considered one of the best Eternity Summer flankers, making it a collector''s item.
- ❌ As a limited edition, it is discontinued and very difficult to find.
- ❌ Performance is moderate, which may disappoint those seeking all-day longevity.
- ❌ Price on the secondary market can be inflated due to its rarity.
Price & Value
“If you can find it at a reasonable price, it''s absolutely worth it for its unique scent profile. For collectors and lovers of the line, the higher price is justified for its rarity and quality.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 25-50 who appreciate unique, non-aquatic summer scents.
- Individuals with a relaxed, sophisticated style.
- Anyone looking for a tranquil, mood-lifting fragrance that feels like an escape.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who want a powerful, long-lasting ''beast mode'' fragrance.
- Fans of extremely traditional, sharp masculine fougères.
- Someone looking for a formal or nighttime scent.
The Family
Previous year''s edition with a different, more aquatic and green profile.
Later edition with a saltier, sage-forward composition.
A version focusing on star anise, sage, and a solar salty accord.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a tropical vibe with coconut and citrus, but is much brighter and lime-focused.
Features a similar blend of fresh, aromatic notes with a creamy, woody base, though with an aquatic, fig-leaf twist.
While centered on fig, it shares the same green, milky, and woody coconut-like character.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A UK-based clone house known for creating impressions of discontinued fragrances, often cited as a close match.
Often creates ''inspired by'' versions of popular and rare scents, capturing the same tropical woody vibe.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who enjoy sophisticated, aromatic summer scents with depth.
Fans of elegant, simple, and refreshing citrus-musk profiles will appreciate its effortless class.
Another modern men''s fragrance featuring a prominent and playful coconut note, but with a sweeter tonka bean base.
More from Calvin Klein
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A molecule scent like Iso E Super to enhance the woody, cedar base and improve projection.
- A simple, creamy sandalwood oil to amplify the drydown and add warmth.
- A light, non-sweet vetiver fragrance to ground the tropical notes and add an earthy complexity.
🏆 Final Verdict
In a world of fleeting trends, Calvin Klein Eternity Summer 2017 is a testament to the power of a well-crafted concept. It is more than just a fragrance; it is an atmosphere. It’s the feeling of warm sand between your toes, the taste of coconut water on a hot day, and the breathtaking beauty of a desert sunset. It’s a scent that promotes a feeling of calm and well-being.
Is it worth searching for a discontinued, limited-edition bottle? For the true fragrance connoisseur, absolutely. Owning it is like owning a piece of art, a captured moment in time. It’s a unique take on a summer scent that avoids the clichés and offers something truly special and memorable. If you ever stumble upon a bottle, I implore you to experience it. Let it transport you to that dusty, golden twilight and remind you of the profound beauty found in life’s quietest moments. It is, and always will be, a summer to remember.