
Striking
Striking by Rich Mess is a daring unisex scent that blends industrial metallic notes with a burst of synthetic watermelon and guava. Launched in 2022, it defies convention, offering an ozonic experience for the experimental collector. It is perfect for summer wear when you want to stand out, though it remains a polarizing choice for those who prefer classic, gentle perfumes.
Similar Suggestions
BETAFragrances with the nearest note and performance profile.
For more in-depth suggestions.
Performance Metrics
177 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect moderate longevity in the 5 to 7 hour range, with sillage that projects well beyond arm's length for the first two hours of wear.
Notes Pyramid
Search these notesChoose where each note belongs.
Striking is an experimental, ozonic composition defined by cold metallic notes, synthetic watermelon, and guava. It possesses a sharp, industrial texture that gives way to a sticky, candy-like sweetness, grounded eventually by woody notes and a warm amber base.
Main Accords
13 MAPPEDThe ozonic and aquatic accords create an initial feeling of cold, industrial space that is quickly filled by the aggressive, fruity watermelon presence, resulting in a complex, shifting texture on the skin.
Community Data
169 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in summer and spring. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
A truly unique, avant-garde scent profile
Excellent for collectors of experimental perfumes
Strong projection during the opening
Captures an interesting lightning-like metallic vibe
Stands out in a world of boring, mass-market scents
Interesting evolution from metal to fruit to wood
Performs best in high summer heat
Makes a very strong, uncompromising statement
Provides a genuinely different sensory experience
Ideal for those bored by traditional designer perfumes
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Extremely polarizing and often misunderstood
Synthetic watermelon can smell cloying to some
Metallic opening may be perceived as abrasive
Not suitable for office or professional settings
Risk of smelling like industrial bathroom cleaner
Lacks the traditional comfort of mainstream fragrances
Difficult to layer with other scents
Can feel overwhelming in confined indoor spaces
Not a reliable compliment-getter in public
Requires multiple wears to truly understand the concept
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Striking by Rich Mess: A Polarizing Dive Into Metallic Fruitiness”
The opening of Striking by Rich Mess is immediately confrontational. It hits the nose with a sharp, cold blast of metallic notes and a hint of pink pepper that feels like pressing your face against a piece of stainless steel. It is not a polite or gentle introduction. This stage is designed to stop you in your tracks and force you to acknowledge its industrial, uncompromising nature right from the start.
As the fragrance transitions into the heart, the sharp metal softens, but only to make room for a loud, potent wave of synthetic watermelon and guava. This is not the refreshing, natural fruit smell of a summer orchard. It is closer to the intense, sugary, and slightly plastic scent of fruit bubblegum or even a flavored candy left in the sun. The ginger adds a faint, spicy prickle that keeps the fruitiness from feeling entirely flat, though it never quite tames the synthetic vibrancy.
On the skin, the accord behavior is chaotic. The ozone and aquatic elements make the scent feel almost airy, yet the watermelon and amber combination acts like a heavy, resinous anchor that lingers stubbornly. It fluctuates between a clean, cold mineral vibe and a sticky, overripe fruit sweetness. You might find the smell shifting unpredictably as you move through different temperatures throughout the day, which keeps the experience interesting but often difficult to wear.
Performance-wise, Striking is surprisingly persistent. It projects with moderate to strong intensity for at least the first two hours, creating a wide bubble that cannot be easily ignored. It tends to last around 5 to 7 hours, with the amber-woody base providing the final, grounding layer once the watermelon eventually retreats. It thrives in high summer heat where the air can carry these strange, ozonic molecules, but it often struggles in confined spaces.
This scent is meant for a very specific audience. If you enjoy challenging perfumery that sits on the edge of wearable art, you might find it fascinating. However, if you are looking for a signature, everyday scent that draws compliments, this is likely to be a frustrating experience. It is intentionally difficult, and that is its main purpose.
Ultimately, Striking is a project, not a perfume for the masses. I recommend sampling it first to see if you can handle the persistent, metallic-fruit paradox it presents. It is not for everyone, and it does not try to be. Approach with an open mind and limited expectations.
FAQs
What does Striking actually smell like?+
Striking is defined by a sharp metallic opening that quickly shifts into a synthetic, candy-like watermelon and guava accord. It is highly ozonic and aquatic, often compared to the smell of fruit bubblegum resting on cold, industrial steel. The scent experience is intense, unconventional, and frequently triggers strong reactions from those around you.
How does the fragrance change from opening to dry-down?+
The opening is a piercing mix of metallic notes and pink pepper. After a few minutes, the watermelon and guava take center stage, giving off a bubblegum sweetness. As it dries down over the next hour, the fruitiness mellows, leaving a resinous, amber-heavy woody base that feels much more approachable than the initial blast.
What is the typical longevity of Striking?+
Longevity varies significantly based on skin chemistry, but most users report moderate performance, lasting around 5 to 7 hours. Because of the synthetic nature of the watermelon and metallic accords, the scent remains quite noticeable through the mid-stages, though it may require reapplication if you are planning to spend a full day outdoors.
Is this a strong projector?+
Striking carries moderate to strong sillage for the first two hours. The combination of ozonic and metallic notes helps the fragrance cut through the air, creating a distinct scent bubble that others will easily detect. It is not an intimate skin scent; it is designed to be noticed and to make a statement.
Which season is best for wearing this?+
This fragrance shines best in the heat of summer. The aquatic and ozonic accords thrive when temperatures are high, as the warmth helps lift the fruity notes of watermelon and guava. In cooler, winter weather, the metallic notes can feel too sharp and cold, which may make the composition feel unbalanced and less pleasant.
Is this suitable for office wear?+
Striking is generally not recommended for an office environment. Its unique, industrial, and sometimes divisive nature, often described as metallic or even rubbery, can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces. Save this scent for casual settings where your choice of fragrance is unlikely to distract colleagues or guests during meetings.
Does this scent lean masculine or feminine?+
Striking is a true unisex fragrance that ignores traditional gender boundaries. The metallic and woody notes provide a structural foundation that many associate with masculine scents, while the heavy watermelon and guava fruitiness offers a bright, playful sweetness that leans feminine. It relies entirely on your personal style and how the notes react with your specific skin chemistry.
Should I blind buy Striking?+
Do not blind buy this fragrance. It is a highly experimental and polarizing scent that deviates significantly from mainstream perfumery. Because of its eccentric metallic and synthetic fruity profile, it is essential to sample it first to see how it performs on your skin before committing to a full bottle.
Who is the ideal audience for this perfume?+
The ideal wearer is someone who views fragrance as a form of conceptual art rather than a daily accessory. It suits individuals who enjoy eccentric, avant-garde scents and are not concerned with pleasing the crowd. If you are a collector looking for something genuinely unusual, this will definitely grab your attention.
How does it compare to other aquatic scents?+
Unlike traditional aquatic fragrances that mimic sea salt or ocean breezes, Striking opts for an industrial, metallic aquatic vibe. Where a scent like Acqua di Gio aims for natural freshness, Striking presents a more synthetic, artificial, and challenging version of the concept, making it feel less like nature and more like a laboratory creation.
Rankings
Full rankingsWear Diary
0 COMMUNITY WEAR LOGSKeep sprays, longevity, weather, and compliments in one practical log.
Sign in to keep private wear notes.
Compliment Signal
FROM WEAR LOGSReviews
17 TOTALNo owner review yet. You can be the first.
Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORENo dupes submitted yet. The first useful DupeScore can come from your community.
There are very few true alternatives to this specific metallic-watermleon experiment. If you enjoy the challenging nature of this scent, look into the works of Etat Libre d'Orange for other avant-garde options that prioritize art over wearability.
Live questions about Striking
Ask one quick question and let the community weigh in while it is live.
No live pulse yet.
Trusted Sellers
Community-submitted stores that regular buyers trust, by country.
No trusted sellers added for this fragrance yet.
Where to Sample
Discovery sets, official samples, and trusted decants.
No sample or decant options shared for this fragrance yet.