Comme des Garçons Fragrance review

Comme des Garçons Mirror by Kaws Review: A Clean Reflection

Exploring the intersection of pop art and olfactory minimalism in a 2021 collaboration.

By Vivir ·
In 2021, the avant-garde fashion house Comme des Garçons continued its long tradition of artistic collaborations by partnering with world-renowned artist Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS. The result was 'Mirror,' a fragrance that aims to translate the visual language of KAWS—specifically his iconic 'COMPANION' character—into a scent profile. This release marked a significant moment for both the fragrance world and the contemporary art market, as it packaged a high-concept olfactory experience within a bottle that serves as a collectible art piece. Comme des Garçons has always occupied a unique space in the perfume industry, often eschewing traditional marketing in favor of conceptual 'anti-perfumes.' However, Mirror represents a more accessible entry point into the brand's catalog. While it retains the experimental spirit of CDG, it leans into the 'clean' fragrance trend that gained massive momentum in the early 2020s. It is a scent designed to be as versatile and unobtrusive as the modern urban environment it inhabits. Reporting for Vivir.com, we have analyzed the data surrounding this release to provide a clear, factual overview of how Mirror performs in the real world. From the technical aspects of its captive molecules to its practical longevity on skin, this review breaks down whether the fragrance lives up to the hype of its high-profile collaboration.
Longevity
3.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
3.0
$90-$130
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Powdery 30%
Amber 15%
White Floral 15%
Citrus 10%
Warm Spicy 10%
Woody 10%
Musky 10%

Notes Pyramid

Top
NeroliTurmeric
Heart
Powdery NotesOrange Blossom
Base
SinfonideCashmeranBenzoin

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with a bright, clean neroli note that is immediately tempered by the earthy, slightly bitter spice of turmeric. This creates a crisp, energetic start that feels modern and dry rather than sweet or juicy.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

After roughly 30 minutes, the citrus elements recede, allowing a soft, abstract powdery texture to emerge. The orange blossom provides a floral backbone that remains clean and soapy, avoiding any heavy indolic qualities.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The final stage is dominated by Sinfonide and Cashmeran. This creates a 'second skin' effect—musky, warm, and slightly woody. The benzoin adds a subtle resinous depth that anchors the scent without becoming overly sweet.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 3.0/5

moderate (4-6 hours)

Projection 2.0/5

soft to moderate

Sillage 3.0/5

moderate

When to Wear

SpringBest
SummerBest
FallOK
WinterAvoid
officecasual daytimepost-shower everyday wear

Pros & Cons

  • Unique use of turmeric in the opening
  • Exceptional bottle design for collectors
  • Highly versatile for professional settings
  • Performance is relatively short-lived
  • May feel too simple for fans of avant-garde CDG
  • Price point is high for an EDT concentration

Price & Value

$90-$130
Moderate

“Fair value for a limited artistic collaboration, though performance metrics are low for the price.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported since its 2021 release.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Art collectors
  • minimalist professionals
  • fans of clean laundry scents

Not Recommended For

  • Those seeking high-projection 'beast mode' fragrances
  • lovers of heavy gourmands

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Not a Perfume Superdose Juliette Has a Gun
Eau des Sens Diptyque
724 724 Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Comme des Garçons Mirror by Kaws is a masterclass in modern, 'clean' perfumery that prioritizes texture over traditional structure. While its performance is modest, its artistic pedigree and unique use of turmeric make it a worthy addition for collectors and those who prefer a subtle, sophisticated scent bubble.

More fragrances we love

Sponsored picks

Also worth your attention: watches

Sponsored picks
Comme des GarçonsKAWSUnisexClean ScentNicolas BeaulieuLuxury Fragrance