Féminité du Bois is a landmark composition that famously broke the rules of 1990s perfumery by placing a massive dose of cedarwood at the heart of a fragrance marketed to women. It opens with a sophis...
The fragrance is widely regarded as a revolutionary milestone in perfumery for moving away from traditional florals and introducing a woody, unisex aesthetic to the feminine market.
Enthusiasts frequently compare Shiseido’s original 1992 version to the later Serge Lutens reissue, with a strong consensus that the Shiseido original possesses more depth, richer floral notes, and a more natural sandalwood texture.
Performance is considered reliable, with many users noting that the cedar and spicy fruit accords linger on the skin for the better part of a day, though the projection remains personal and sophisticated rather than loud.
It is most highly recommended for Fall and Winter evenings, as the warmth of the spices and the density of the plum accord harmonize best with cooler air and formal or intimate settings.
The scent is somewhat polarizing due to its "darker" facets; while many love the complex blend, some find the combination of spices and fermented fruit to be sharp or overly masculine.