Let's start at the end, because I know there's some misinformation out there: Tocade, a 1994 Maurice Roucel creation for the house of Rochas, is still in production. The perfume license of Rochas is held by Procter & Gamble (their Prestige department, I hope) and the company employs perfumer Jean-Michel Duriez, so we can assume that he's responsible for the current formulation and for any change made from the original Roucel version. Now, in the US Tocade as well as the other Rochas fragrances are mostly available from online discounters and mall kiosks, usually priced under $50, but in Europe it's sold full price at regular perfume stores (such as Marionnaud in France).
Now that this is out of the way we can actually talk about Tocade, a little rosy gem with a delectable (read: yummy) musky vanilla base. Looking at the official note list (bergamot, freesia, green note, geranium, rose, jasmine, orris, muguet, orchid, cedar, patchouli, amber, musk, vanilla. Via Atlas Olfactif) one might assume that Tocade opens light and fresh. But the bergamot and green notes merely keep the rose and powdery notes from taking over too quickly.
As the rose fully unfolds it reminds me of another under-appreciated perfume: Cabaret de Gres. It's not that these modern fragrance from classic fashion houses smell the same (Cabaret is very much a chypre while Tocade is firmly in the oriental camp), but there's something about the rose-orris-muguet heart that feels related. Then the fun begins. Maurice Roucel has a way with gourmand notes and Tocade is another example of that. The base of this fragrance is a thick and slightly chewy amber enriched with patchouli and a smoky vanilla. I consider the vanilla note the main event here: it takes the powdery rose into Turkish delight territory, rosewater scented milky rice pudding and a slightly burnt vanilla bean. It's irresistible.
My Tocade bottle is older and probably of the original formula (a red box with gold print, red cap with a blue neck). I haven't smelled the current formula but Luca Turin still gives it five stars in The Guide.
Top image: young Jane Fonda via Stirred, Straight Up, With A Twist.
Hello Gaia. Thank you for the lovely review. I was wondering if you could give us your thoughts on the longevity and sillage of this product? I might consider buying it if both are good.
ReplyDeleteSillage is medium+ and longevity is about 8-10 hours on my skin (less when I spend all day outdoors). I'm not sure if and how newer versions differ.
DeleteI have the newer version I think (a mini I bought about three years ago) and I'd agree on the medium sillage and the day-long tenacity. In this as well as in its purchase price, Tocade is outstanding value for money. I do find it quite sweet though, and I don't wear it often. Very sweet perfumes are not usually my thing but I adore Shalimar Parfum Initial, so go figure. Thanks for the review - I'm always glad to see Tocade getting some love.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for the responses. The day long tenacity sounds promising. I must admit though, I too, don't normally do very sweet perfumes, so that makes me perhaps a tad nervous of it. Although I do have Montale Sweet Oriental dream, and I can handle that one (just!)
ReplyDeleteI bought a mini Tocade because of your review and I love it. I probably would never even have tried it, I hadn't even heard of it to be quite honest. I am wearing it right now - it's great! Thanks!
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