by DSQUARED²
This fragrance is a nearly exact recreation of the iconic He Wood from 2007, re-released under the Original Wood label by DSQUARED². It opens with a crisp, ozonic aquatic character enhanced by Guatemalan cardamom and violet leaf, delivering a fresh, green-woody vibe that feels clean and natural, like damp forest after rain. The heart reveals a balanced woodiness—cedar and Haitian vetiver create a grounded, slightly sweet woody foundation. The drydown settles into a warm, powdery amber-and-musky base with Indonesian patchouli, adding depth and a subtle sweet mystery without becoming overpowering. While the top notes are bright and watery, the scent remains true to its woody roots, with the violet leaf giving it a delicate floral nuance that never veers into cloying territory. The performance is moderate, with longevity around 7–8 hours on skin and up to a full day on clothing, though projection is moderate and fades noticeably after a few hours. The bottle design is solid, with a magnetic cap and heavy frosted brown glass, enhancing its premium feel. It is strongly associated with the original He Wood, with many users describing it as either identical or slightly improved—more ozonic and slightly sweeter—but still deeply familiar. The scent is wearable year-round, particularly suited for spring and autumn, and stands out in the crowded woody fragrance market due to its authenticity and lack of overt trendiness. It’s perceived as highly masculine in character but is unisex in appeal, with an ease that suits daily wear, casual outings, or even formal settings. In contrast to many modern fragrances, it lacks complexity in layers and wears consistently from opening to drydown. Users note that while the scent is compelling and deeply satisfying for fans of the original, the longevity and sillage are not exceptional. The projection is moderate—best recognized at arm’s length rather than booming—and the scent fades noticeably after about 4 hours. The price point is seen as excellent, with many calling it a