Jacomo #02 EDP in The Art Collection is described as “a highly tactile scent”. The inspiration: “a mysterious girl who could have escaped Carlstedt’s New York Studio, leaving a trail of gum, leather, and modeling clay scents in her wake”. Now you can see why I was a little scared to try #02. Cecilia Carlstedt’s illustration is hauntingly beautiful, drawing inspiration from Guy Bourdin and Hokusai.

This description frightened me. I’ve been setting on this sample for way too long. I couldn’t get myself to try it even though I have  pleasant experiences with the other Jacomo Art Collection perfumes. I don’t want to smell like leather, bubblegum, and clay. Why? I hate the smell of pink bubblegum. I’m also a speech therapist that has a past of working in a developmental preschool and autism program. Play-Doh ™ is nostalgic for most people but for me, it reminds me of work. Kevin posted a review on Now Smell This and this prompted me to finally give #02 a try.

OK, so #02 is odd but wearable. At first I get this strange almond cherry liquor with powdery Double Bubble bubblegum. This isn’t what I find odd. There’s an ozone saltiness quality to it. This is odd. This ozone fades within a few minutes. #02 becomes sweet. It reminds me of a frangipane with Play-Doh ™ smashed in it. It’s kind of good. Play-Doh™ has made “scented” doughs before. They need to look into making a frangipane tarte one for the budding gourmand. Most of the wear of #02 is an almond custard, with vanilla of course, and a synthetic and commercial dough made for children. With a bit more time, toasted tonka bean is added to this mix. I get the feel of suede, but there’s still dough. This is how it wears, very linear, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s long-wearing. You’ll get hints of this fragrance 10+ hours after initial spray.

Strangely, I like #02. It’s like other gourmands on the market, but it has that strange synthetic note to it that gives it personality. I really like the almond, vanilla, tonka bean combo. I’m still undecided if I want a bottle of this or not. I like it but it is very sweet. I feel my collection has enough vanilla in it. But, none of these smell like Play-Doh™. This makes the scent unusual and easily unisex. I would love this fragrance as a home scent. There’s something very “nesty” about it. I guess it’s that smell of luxury baked goods and happy little children.

Notes listed include: bergamot, amaryllis, tonka bean, vanilla, suede accord, amber, and patchouli.

Give #02 a try if you like sweet custard or vanilla/tonka perfumes. Or if you have Play-Doh™ nostalgia. This is a dough scent for perfumistas.

The Jacomo Art Collection can be purchased at C.O. Bigelow with prices ranging from $69-$89. 

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And there’s my review of #08 from the Art Collection

*Disclaimer – This sample was provided by Jacomo. I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. My opinions are my own.