KITHARA

Kithara is a rich Oriental Woody fragrance built around a core of sweet tobacco and powdery orris. The opening provides a unique marmalade and mandarin brightness, which slowly fades into a warm base of amber, vanilla, and tonka bean. It feels both modern and grounded, suiting those who enjoy substantial, non-cloying sweet scents.

The initial spray hits with a vivid burst of tart raspberry, bergamot, and sweet marmalade. As it dries down over thirty minutes, these fruity top notes soften significantly. The heart reveals a smoky tobacco leaf wrapped in velvet orris and rose, ultimately settling into a deep, resinous labdanum and vanilla base that lasts for hours.

Most wearers find Kithara to be very long lasting, often exceeding eight to ten hours with ease. On clothing, the scent can linger well into the next day. The performance is bolstered by the heavy amber and tonka base, which anchors the more volatile citrus and berry top notes effectively throughout the day.

Kithara possesses significant sillage, often described as reaching arm's length or further for the first few hours of wear. It is not a subtle skin scent, especially in the opening stages. Because of this strong projection, it is wise to start with fewer sprays if you are in a small office or closed environment.

The combination of warm amber, tobacco, and vanilla makes Kithara a standout for autumn and winter weather. When the air turns crisp or cold, these heavier notes project beautifully without feeling overwhelming. While it can be worn in spring evenings, its dense structure may feel slightly too heavy for a hot, humid summer day.

It is a confident, bold scent that can certainly be worn to the office, provided you watch the trigger. Due to its strong projection, two sprays are usually sufficient to carry you through a workday without bothering others. Its tobacco and orris backbone gives it a professional gravity that suits formal or serious business settings.

Kithara is firmly unisex. While the tobacco note and resinous base often pull toward a more traditional masculine profile, the floral heart of rose and the powdery, lipstick-like quality of orris add a smooth, versatile texture. It adapts well to any wearer who enjoys sophisticated, woody, and sweet scent profiles regardless of their gender.

If you enjoy tobacco-centric fragrances and prefer strong performance, Kithara could easily become a signature. Its complexity keeps it interesting for daily wear, yet it remains consistent enough to define your style. However, because it has such a strong presence, ensure you enjoy these dominant accords before committing to daily use.

Layering Kithara can be tricky because it is already a complex, high-performance composition. If you want to alter it, try pairing it with a simple, linear scent like a pure citrus cologne to brighten the opening, or a woody sandalwood fragrance to enhance the base. Avoid pairing it with other heavy, sweet perfumes to prevent olfactory fatigue.

Kithara is often compared to Layton due to their shared family. While both share a sweet, woody character, Kithara swaps the apple note found in Layton for a more distinct, powdery orris and a slightly less sugary sweetness. If you find Layton too sweet, you may prefer the tobacco-heavy, drier structure of Kithara.