Our take
What does Kouros smell like?
Composed by Pierre Bourdon and launched in 1981, Kouros takes its name from the ancient Greek statues of young men and embraces a sculptural masculinity. The opening is aldehydic and aromatic: coriander, clary sage, artemisia and bergamot for a soapy, herbal start. The heart combines spicy carnation, jasmine, vetiver, geranium and cinnamon in a dense, warm bouquet. Then the base reveals the scent’s full personality: animalic civet, sensual musk and leather, softened by honey, tonka and vanilla. The effect is at once soapy and carnal, clean and dirty, making Kouros one of the most divisive and recognisable men’s fragrances of the 1980s.
When to wear it
For evenings, or anyone who loves perfume with character : applied very sparingly; it delights fans of animalic fougères.
It belongs to the Fougère, Aromatic family. Kouros is one of 12 creations by Yves Saint Laurent in our encyclopedia.
