NISHANE
Hundred Silent Ways X
2023
PERFUMER
Anne Flipo
Peach
Mandarin
Tuberose
Gardenia
Iris
Heliotrope
Jasmine
Vanilla
Leather
Patchouli
‘HUNDRED SILENT WAYS has always been one of the top 5 bestsellers of NISHANE in global markets. HUNDRED SILENT WAYS X is designed to maintain the overall mood that the original fragrance (launched in 2016) offers. The leathery notes were resorted to be able to add an even more elegant touch to the original formula. HUNDRED SILENT WAYS X is a deliciously captivating fragrance that combines the elegance of floral notes with the richness of gourmand accords. The fragrance opens with a juicy burst of mandarin and peach, leading to a heart of delicate gardenia, iris, jasmine, and heliotrope. The base notes of vanilla, leather, and patchouli give the fragrance a sensual and warm character, making it perfect for those who appreciate a relatively sweet and comforting scent. HUNDRED SILENT WAYS X is a must-try for those who love the original fragrance and are looking for a new take on the charming mood the original formula has.’ – Nishane
With Hundred Silent Ways X I feel like I can add to the consensus that I’d seen online before writing this review. It’s very similar to the original (from memory, I haven’t smelled them side by side) with a slight faux-leather edge added.
It’s the same familiar DNA; very sweet, candy-bubblegum like with a tartness and white florals. Maybe a bit more caramelized even in this version. The original was great, but already in a style that I’d smelled before; this type of fragrance has been everywhere, but I loved the Hundred Silent Ways’ execution. Now adding the X with minor changes feels unnecessary to me.
Frankly, I feel like the entire X line is questionable as far as deviating enough to make them worth it. I don’t think they will sway anyone’s opinion over the originals, nor do I feel like they are a must-have when you already have the originals. That being said, I like the minor changes in Ani X and Wulong Cha X, but I don’t like them in Hundred Silent Ways X and it seems to be the most redundant one alongside Hacivat X (which arguably both are just not as a good as the originals).
Here, it depends on what you’re looking for. It’s a bit sharper, it’s a bit leathery. It is Hundred Silent Ways, minus some of its signature ‘soft texture’. Someone on Fragrantica asked why anyone would want to make ‘silent’ ways louder and I echo that sentiment. To my nose, this X version could read as a screechier clone of the original.
Still a great smelling DNA, but not necessarily a great release for me.