Comme des Garçons Radish Vetiver: An Earthy Clash of Roots
Exploring the botanical friction of Series 10: CLASH
By Vivir··Updated
In this review
In the landscape of niche perfumery, few houses command as much respect for the avant-garde as Comme des Garçons. Under the creative direction of Christian Astuguevieille, the brand has consistently challenged olfactory norms. In 2019, they launched 'Series 10: CLASH,' a collection dedicated to the exploration of intentional friction. The standout of this trio is Radish Vetiver (also known as ACCIDENT Radish Vetiver), a fragrance that seeks to unite two botanical elements that, in the words of the house, 'were never meant to cross paths underground.'
Radish Vetiver is more than just a scent; it is a study in textures. By pairing the sharp, watery, and somewhat abrasive profile of the radish with the deep, smoky, and grounded nature of vetiver, the fragrance creates a bridge between the garden and the laboratory. It represents a shift away from traditional 'pretty' perfumery toward something more cerebral and literal, yet surprisingly wearable for those who appreciate the smell of the earth after a heavy rain.
Longevity
2.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
2.0
$75
SpringSummerFallWinter
Accords
Green35%
Woody30%
Aromatic15%
Earthy15%
Oud-like Spice5%
Notes Pyramid
Top
Radish (Raphanus Sativus)
Heart
Cypriol Essence India (Papyrus)Guaiac Wood Essence Paraguay
Base
Vetiver Essence HaitiAkigalawood
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The fragrance opens with a startlingly realistic explosion of cold, crunchy radish. It is peppery, watery, and slightly metallic, mimicking the sensation of slicing through a fresh root vegetable pulled straight from damp soil.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
After roughly thirty minutes, the sharp vegetal edge softens. The heart introduces the smoky, leathery facets of Cypriol and the dense, slightly creamy warmth of Guaiac Wood, transitioning the scent from the garden to the forest floor.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
The final stage is dominated by clean, grassy Haitian vetiver and the peppery, woody shimmer of Akigalawood. The 'oud' accord mentioned in the notes is a ghost-like presence here, providing depth without the typical funk of agarwood.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity2.0/5
3-5 hours; the fugitive nature of the radish note means the experience is relatively short-lived.
Projection2.0/5
Intimate; it stays very close to the skin after the first hour of wear.
Sillage2.0/5
Soft to moderate; it creates a personal bubble rather than a room-filling trail.
When to Wear
SpringBest
SummerOK
FallOK
WinterAvoid
Casual daytimeOutdoors / gardeningArt gallery visitsCreative work environments
Pros & Cons
+Incredibly unique and photorealistic opening
+High-quality raw materials
+Artistic concept successfully executed
+Great for layering
−Poor longevity for an EDP
−High price per ml ($75 for 30ml)
−The radish note may be too literal for some
Price & Value
$75
Luxury boutique pricing
“A fair price for an artistic piece, though the performance makes the cost-per-wear high.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported; consistent with Givaudan's high production standards.
Layer with a simple molecule like Iso E Super to extend the woody base
Pair with a citrus cologne to brighten the earthy drydown
Final Verdict
Radish Vetiver is a triumph of conceptual perfumery that manages to remain wearable. While its performance is fleeting, the initial olfactory 'clash' is an experience every fragrance enthusiast should sample at least once.