CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 Review (Laurent Bruyere and Juliette Karaguzoglou) +  Italian Comfort Draw

 

Costume National 21

CoSTUME NATIONAL Spring Summer 2013 /Getty Images

CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 was created in 2007 to celebrate the Italian designer house’s 21st anniversary. As background, CoSTUME NATIONAL is an Italian fashion house founded in 1986 by designer Ennio Capasa. The House is known for its urban” rocker” chic with slim and sexy silhouettes. The fragrances and the flacons are a study of minimalism (the first was  Costume National Scent which debuted in 2002).  13 years ago, CoSTUME NATIONAL 21was ahead of its time; there is a long list of ingredients that comprise this fragrance, but milk is one of the key notes. Lactonic fragrances have been prominent over the past few years, but this year, 2020, in particular we crave its creamy comfort during unsettling times. What begins as a dreamy study in white is enriched with woody and spicy notes (oud, patchouli, and resins ) with vanilla and amber adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the cloud like opening. It is a sometimes-unnoticed fragrance from an often-overlooked house. –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

 

Editor Sebastian Jara reviews CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 

Thanks to Europerfumes the US distributor of CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 we have a 100ml tester of CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 to a registered CaFleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA only (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review, AND MICHELYN’S INTRODUCTION.  What ingredients comfort you lately? Have you tried any CoSTUME NATIONAL fragrances? Draw closes 12/21/2020

Available at Luckyscent.com to sample or purchase here

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75 comments

  • Pam Kalamaja says:

    I had not heard of this house at all but love the minimalist bottle. I love Milky scents especially with notes of almond. As usual Sebastian makes you feel as if you can smell the fragrance. I would love to try this one.

  • pjkalamaja says:

    I am having problems posting comments. I had not heard of this house at all and was surprised. Love the minimalist design and I crave a nutty or milky scent in the winter. More milky than sweet. As usual Sebastians descriptions make you feel as if you can smell the fragrance.

  • Giselle B says:

    I love Sebastian’s reviews, he’s very thorough and solid, but what I liked the most about his review was the emphasis in the lactonic note. I love lactonic fragrances, I hope I’ll be the lucky winner :-)), I’ve never tried any of their fragrances.
    If I understood correctly, here’s Michelyn’s introduction:

    CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 was created in 2007 to celebrate the Italian designer house’s 21st anniversary. As background, CoSTUME NATIONAL is an Italian fashion house founded in 1986 by designer Ennio Capasa. The House is known for its urban” rocker” chic with slim and sexy silhouettes. The fragrances and the flacons are a study of minimalism (the first was Costume National Scent which debuted in 2002). 13 years ago, CoSTUME NATIONAL 21was ahead of its time; there is a long list of ingredients that comprise this fragrance, but milk is one of the key notes. Lactonic fragrances have been prominent over the past few years, but this year, 2020, in particular we crave its creamy comfort during unsettling times. What begins as a dreamy study in white is enriched with woody and spicy notes (oud, patchouli, and resins ) with vanilla and amber adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the cloud like opening. It is a sometimes-unnoticed fragrance from an often-overlooked house. –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

  • Steve says:

    Haven’t heard of CoStume National, and this is the first I’ve heard of milk as an ingredient in any scent. Different and something I’ll look into. A thorough review that peaked my interest. Steve in Arizona, USA.

  • John Cooney says:

    Always trust Sebastian! I trust especially on fragrances I have never tried! While I have some different tastes he generally covers my preferences !

  • Navaro Whitfield says:

    Hello, I love Sebastian‘s video! Was not familiar with the Custom National house. I love exploring new fragrances/houses. Looking forward to explore the catalog. I’m very excited about the 21 Fragrance. Impressed by the long list of notes. I would love to have this bottle. I’m just getting familiar with patchouli. Thank you for the opportunity Sebastian as well.

  • Ben A says:

    I’ve never tried any CoSTUME NATIONAL fragrances. But I’m finding myself reaching for gourmands a lot these days. So I’d love to try this one! I always love Sebastian’s reviews. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • JASON GARCIA says:

    This seems interesting. Never really tried a milky scent. Curious!

    Thank you for the content Sir!

  • Greg PT says:

    I learned that Costume National 21 was to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Italian fashion house and is overlooked from Michelyn. From Sebastian he really goes deep into the milky Amber with patchouly. I do own Costume National Soul. I never knew of this one and I know I would like it
    USA

  • minortriad says:

    I would like to be entered in the drawing please. I enjoy Sebastian’s youtube review as usual because he’s always talking about fragrances I’m not aware of and goes into it in depth. I enjoyed the introduction about how milk is a prominent note in the fragrance and the house was ahead of its time years ago. Thanks.

  • INYA says:

    My comfort zone includes a tall glass of chocolate milk, so I like the idea of a lactonic scent. I haven’t tried any Costume National fragrances. Sebastian mentioned Royal Jelly as a note in 21, and that interests me. Thanks for another great draw! Mich USA

  • scentastic27 says:

    I have never try anything from the costume national house, and i would definitely love to try this new scent, my favorite notes are vanilla, tonka and patchouli they are always very comforting to me, as always sebastian its a master at what he does and this review was phenomenal and very descriptive, i have bought many parfums base on his advice and he is always on point. Thx for the giveaway and keep them coming.

  • ll grhm says:

    I always like Sebastians reviews because he does a great job describing what a perfume smells like and how it functions. I enjoyed Michelyn’s background on CoSTUME NATIONAL. Perfume notes that I have found comforting and appealing are creamy figs and vanillas and carmel scents mixed with woods. I have not tried any CoSTUME NATIONAL fragrances yet.

  • Sngash says:

    Thank you Sebastian for the review and Europerfumes for the giveaway. I found the notes combo as you described them quite intriguing. Milk notes with saffron, patchouli and vanilla got me hooked. I also agree with Michelle on craving the creamy comfort of milk in these hard times I’m in USA

  • Andrei Artimon says:

    Never tried anything from rhiw house , really like the review and would like to win this one , new york , usa .

  • Sanjay Ray says:

    I am a regular user of Homme. It’s just beautiful in one word.

    Sampled 21. Would love to explore 21 and CN as a house, more.

  • chichiq1234 says:

    never tried a milk scent or anything close would like to try this one. Sebastian didnt go into longevity and this like that, love the bottle

  • MR_USA says:

    Shout out from NY! As always, I love Sebastian‘s video! I am not familiar with Custom National. I liked getting to know more about the fragrance from Michelyn’s review, because as frag lover I love exploring new frags. 21 Fragrance looks amazing, so I am really keen to smell how all of those notes smell combined. Impressed by the long list of notes. I’m a big patchouli fan.

  • Pat steele says:

    I love patullia! This sounds like its right up my alley. I love all you reviews. The way you explain the notes is wonderful. Sometime it seems like I can smell them while you describe them. Great job Sebatian. Wish me luck.

  • Trinity33 says:

    A creamy vanilla patchouli fragrance with amber and other spicy notes sounds like a warm cashmere blanket with a roaring fire and a gentle snow falling outside. Sebastian always gives such wonderfully detailed reviews. I’ve heard of Costume National 21 nut never tried any of their scents. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Karyanne says:

    I don’t own any milky fragrances! But I love spice and am definitely interesting in trying this one!

  • Kaitlyn says:

    From Michelyn’s introduction: I agree that this fragrance sounds comforting, which is perfect for the present time. I am also now intrigued by this designer house in general, because I really like the urban “rocker” chic style.
    From Sebastian’s review: I really liked how he went into great depth about how the fragrance develops over time. Because of his review, I’d love to try this fragrance.

  • NimirRa says:

    I liked how Sebastian mentioned the contrast between the appearance of the bottle and the scent itself. A pure white bottle makes one think of lighter fragrances, but he explained how this was not one- the bottle just represented the milky note.

    I also enjoyed that Michelyn pointed out that this is an often overlooked house. I hadn’t heard of them before even in passing, so it makes me all the more eager to try them out. I love to seek out more unknown fragrances. I haven’t tried any from this brand before. My go-to comfort scents lately are vanilla and patchouli.

  • alex0607 says:

    What I enjoyed from Sebastian’s review is that he described the notes / accords that stand out the most throughout the life of the fragrance. In the other hand, I also enjoyed that he encourages us to dive into the whole brand since it proposes niche quality scents.
    In addition, I enjoyed Mychelin’s introduction, because it gives us not only an insight from the brand, but also supports the idea of easing the mind during stressful or unsettling times with comforting scents, such as the milky and spicy CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 fragrance.

  • Milton A Hernandez says:

    Mr. Sebastian does great reviews. I haven’t heard of this particular fragrance before but I would love to try it out. I love the shape and color of the bottle.

  • emancebo13 says:

    Big fan of Sebastian’s work in Smelling Great Fragrances. His was one of many objective and thorough reviews where I get to learn about the fragrance industry and Costume National as a creative brand.

    I’m a lover of Oriental Woody fragrances, especially during fall season. Amber, sandalwood, oud wood, cedar, ginger, spices, musk come to mind when speaking about my favorite notes.

    Haven’t tried fragrances from the brand but Homme and 21 have my attention, especially since I have never smelled milk notes in fragrances. If you wanted to intrigue me, it worked!

  • emancebo13 says:

    Also Michelyn’s intro was educational and informative. Again, I wasn’t aware of the lactonic notes until now, and more interesting info about Costume National is always welcome.

  • Brian says:

    I’ve heard of this fragrance house before (from watching Sebastian’s channel), but I didn’t know anything about them. I appreciate learning more about them from the video and from Michelyn’s intro. I haven’t tried any fragrances that have a prominent note of milk yet, so I appreciate learning more about that kind of a fragrance. In this fragrance, milk seems to go well with patchouli. These days, I’ve been enjoying fragrances that have prominent notes of pineapple, tobacco, and citrus. I hope that I win the draw; I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • Michael Lynady says:

    Always enjoy Sebastian’s reviews. Haven’t heard of the house, but the use of just a few notes, but all being outstanding is really intriguing.
    Sounds like a great one.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • Steph says:

    I enjoyed getting to know the background of this fragrance from Michelyn’s intro and really appreciated Sebastian describing the experience of Costume National 21 over time.

    I’m finding lactonic notes very comforting lately and hope to be trying Costume National 21 as my first Costume National fragrance! If not, I’ll certainly be on the look out for an opportunity.

  • Kyle Karnes says:

    This fragrance sounds great, I love creamy/milky scents. I love Sébastien’s channel and he always talks how he likes creamy scents too, so his review was great because you could tell how much he liked it. Michelyn’s review at the beginning of the article was nice too, because her description of the notes make you almost smell it.

  • poetsblade says:

    Sebastian’s review as always was very thorough. The intro above described the thought behind the creation. Vanilla and tobacco are scents I find comforting. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Karoucell says:

    Whenever notes are described to me, I always try to imagine the smell relative to what perfumes are already out. Imagine my confusion I was with this one! Whenever Sebastián was first describing the notes I thought okay, okay, so it’s like a citrusy, oriental with bergamot and milk okay… But then came the middle and base notes which completely threw me off! With cumin, clarey sage, oud wood, saffron?! Truly a unique concoction!

  • bradkunz says:

    I’ve only ever seen Soul reviewed by this brand so I’m unfamiliar with them, but this sounds awesome! I didn’t know they were known for the more alternative fashion stylings so that’s super interesting! I love in Sebastian’s review that it goes from milky to super dark an interesting. I’m from Pennsylvania.

  • Amanda32828 says:

    Like always Sebastian reviews are very informative and thorough. The notes description are always detailed and clearly presented. Lately I have found great comfort in Oriental Vanilla fragrances, they are easy to wear and made me feel completely relax. I’m very interested in this fragrance because currently I don’t own any lactonic fragrance and it sounds like the notes are pretty similar to what I’m craving right now. Thank you for another great review and for the opportunity to participate in the draw. Commenting from Orlando, Fl

  • zibbyz says:

    This scent sounds so comforting yet unique. Loved Sébastian’s review, and hearing more about this house from Michelyn. I think a friend wore a CN scent but I can’t remember which one. I do like milky fragrances so this will be interesting to try, and if I don’t win I will get a sample online if I can! Thank you for the draw, the reviews, and I’m in the US (not the snowy NE!)

  • Steve A. says:

    I’m craving creamy. I like the description in the base notes portion. I have tried some from the house in sample size. US

  • FC says:

    I have Costume National Homme but have not tried any other from the brand. Sebastian says this is milky composition which caught my attention as I like milky compositions. Seems that milky and rice notes are getting attention in recent years. USA

  • MSrisuwan says:

    A new house for me – and similar to Seb, a beautiful presentation pulls me in, and a wonderful product will keep me there! I’m half way right now and hope to go all the way soon. Different plays on “Oriental” fragrances are exciting!

  • wilsonwc76 says:

    I don’t know this house, but this scent sounds amazing! Milky scents are so unusual, so I like to try them when I see them. I really love the milky gourmand scents from Hilde Soliani. Love Sebastian’s videos, as always, because he introduces me to new scents, like this one! And happy to learn about this website, such great information in this introduction.

  • mronhubbard says:

    Heard of Costume National years ago, but didn’t realize they had such a long history. 21 sounds like an uncommon combination of notes. I’ve read a lot about milky notes lately but I don’t know that I’ve really experienced one, so I’m very curious about this. When I was watching the video, my partner perked up and said, “I want that. Where can we buy it?”– repeatedly. Sebastian is an asset to the perfume world! He can really sell without selling. What have I found comforting lately? Some desserty-er frags… coffee and chocolate notes… and animalics.

  • tnepola says:

    I love the idea of a cloud like opening Michelyn described. Also the fact it dries down to a dark fragrance in the oriental spicy category like Sebastian said. Right up my alley. USA
    -Thanks!

  • Micah says:

    Sebastian makes it sounds quite spicy, with saffron, which I love. The intro really familiarized me with this house, which I don’t know very well. Lately I’ve been comforted by really floral/rose scents. I haven’t tried any Costume National scents but I’d love to!

  • Alan Gordon says:

    Haven’t Tried any CoSTUME NATIONAL yet, but been enjoying the milky scents from January Scent Project–their second, Horla, was released this year perhaps riding the wave that Michelyn refers to. It’s something that seems like it shouldn’t work but totally does. As always Sebastian paints a clear picture of what the scent has going for it. California, USA

  • zacharyari23 says:

    Though it will be approaching 14 years since its inception, I think 21 by CoSTUME NATIONAL would be an excellent choice to ring in the new year, 2021. We all need some comfort right now, and milk is the ultimate comfy scent. The woody and spicy notes sound like they bring a rounding warmth to whole composition. I really like frags that tell a story as you wear them, especially if they have an edge that turn heads. I always enjoy Sebastian’s reviews. I appreciate his straightforwardness and I trust his nose! Michelyn’s intro was fabulous as always, and timely as we keep trudging through this pandemic. I’ve been on a serious vetiver kick lately, grabbing up every bit of Dior’s Vetiver that I can get my hands on. Something about the simplicity and cleanliness of vetiver mixed with coffee and buttery orris just…. instantaneously sets my mind at ease. Also, burning palo santo as incense has a calming and grounding effect for me. Its vanillac warmth always brightens and brings cohesiveness to a messy home. Thanks for another great review. Zachary in USA

  • gianluca says:

    I don’t have a milk scent yet. A fragrance ahead of its time definitely triggers some interests. I trust Sebastian’s review that this one has the niche quality. Thank you both for the introductions. (US)

  • fragrancefanatic says:

    The thing I love about Sebastian’s review is that he fully described all the notes and how the fragrance change after you put it on. Michelyn’s introduction was informational, it made me understand the creation of CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 and I enjoyed how the writer relating to the time we’re living in right now. Citrus and Orange Blossom have been comforting me lately. I have never tried any fragrances belong to CoSTUME NATIONAL, but would love to since hearing about the milkiness and the notes of this particular fragrance. It just sounds like my cup of tea. Ben from NC, USA

  • pimpompompam says:

    Sebastian’s review makes me wanna drink whatever is in this white bottle of amazingly smelling potion. Michelyn’s introduction make me wanna grab another bottle of it 🙂 Never had one before. Never heard of it even.. But I can see myself wearing it since warm amber and vanilla are ma favs at the moment.

  • drjedi says:

    Nice introduction by Michelyn on popularity of lactonic fragrances the last few years. I am, however, not familiar with lactonic fragrances, nor with CoSTUME NATIONAL fragrances, yet. From Sebastian’s review, as well as Michelyn’s introduction, it seems it is very much an oriental-woody-spicy fragrance, which, in any combination of strengths or styles of the three, I love. Not sure how milk will appeal to me, but the darker woody, oriental, and spicy elements seem strong enough to not make this a concern. Would love to try this out. Thanks for the review and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • Fraglovermg says:

    This is a new house for me and I don’t own any.
    Love the bergamot note in this. Sebasatian is very through in explaining the accord of
    Milk, citric and sage note. From PA, USA

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I really enjoyed Sebastian’s review, as it was quite informative and well-thought out, so as to make ‘milky’ fragrances sound excellent. And thanks to Michelyn for giving a little more history concerning the company, and the inspiration behind the fragrance.

    The scents that comfort me are bleach (don’t laugh), fresh baked goods, amber, rose, plus a couple more.

    I ‘ve only tried Costume National Soul.

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • Jacalyn Anderson Dolani says:

    Sebastian always describes fragrances so well. I love the idea of a lactonic spicy fragrance.

  • Natalya says:

    I’ve been enjoying my woody perfumes lately, but Sebastian’s review reminded me of my love for Molly perfumes, and made me pull out a few of them. I have not tried any of the Costume National perfumes; this review made 21 sound very interesting. I am curious about Michelyn calling the perfume “a study in minimalism”; I wonder how a long list of ingredients agrees with this assessment.

  • Cynthia says:

    Recently I’ve becomed fascinated with perfumes featuring milky notes. I had not heard of this one. It sounds calming to me. Thanks for the review.

  • Diana D says:

    Love Sebastian’s review of this fragrance. I really enjoy spicy scents. I like that he mentions the milky note remains throughout the development of the scent and that there is a big dose of patchouli in the base. I love patchouli in spicy fragrances.
    I’ve never tried anything from CoSTUME NATIONAL 21. Would love this to be my first!
    I live in the USA (PA)

  • Teresa Mello says:

    I love his reviews…he really gives you a good idea of what the scent is like…he always makes me want to try something new … which can get expensive however!

  • Zeke says:

    Never tried custome national fragrances but I love cereal and the milk note sounds intriguing! Please drop my name in the hat! Thank you

  • patrick_348 says:

    I was struck by how the picture that Michelyn inclouded in her intro didn’t seem particularly dated. There is now something almost classic about that look, with its combination of calculated effect and an I-don’t-care attitude. As a scent that commemorates an anniversary, I like how it seems to look both backward to traditional perfumery and forward to innovation and experimentation. Sebastian’s breakdown was, as usual, brilliantly descriptive. His description makes it sound both light and heavy at the same time. I hope that makes sense. I don’t know any Costume National scents. I find rose fragrances comforting. I am in the US, in North Carolina.

  • wallygator88 says:

    I’ve heard of this brand but I’ve not smelt any of their fragrances.

    Love that minimalist bottle. It’s fascinating to hear how much the milk caries through in spite of the oud, patchouli and resins.

    Thank for shining the light on this wonderful lactonic fragrance Sebastian. I often don’t get to hear of these and I thoroughly enjoyed listen to your take on the different parts of this fragrance and how it all comes together. The intro to Sebastians video was hilarious :D!

    Michelyns paragraph made me realize that this fragrance has been around for a while. I was shocked to find that out.

    My favourite comfort ingredients are lavender, oud, vanilla, patchouli and vetiver!

    Cheers from Madison, WI, USA

  • DaisyX says:

    I enjoyed how much he goes into detail on this beautiful fragrance. I’ve always loved a milky fragrance and the warm spicy really sells me on this one

  • jundaasian says:

    From Sebastian’s Youtube review, I really liked hearing about how even though Costume National 21 is a fashion house, its fragrances are niche level. From Michelyn’s introduction, I really liked reading about how the fragrance transitions when one is wearing it. This is a house I have never heard of so I have never tried any of their fragrances before but I am definitely interested!

  • Andre Bugg says:

    I enjoyed Michelyn’s description of lactonic notes as it relates to fragrances and Sebastian’s thorough and entertaining review of the fragrance as a whole. I don’t have any milky or lactonic fragrances, and both Michelyn’s introduction and Sebastian’s review of CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 have me very, very intrigued!

  • Michael Prince says:

    Michelyn great introduction, I enjoyed learning about the relatively new fashion house of Costume National. Sebastian, I loved your review of Costume National 21 which has a sweet lactonic quality, but also has a unique depth with spices and woods. Ingredients that comfort me are cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel…most notes found in gourmand fragrances. I haven’t tried any Costume National fragrances, but I have heard positive reviews about a few of them. I am from Ohio, USA.

  • seanchen says:

    From Michelyn’s introduction, I really liked reading about how the white notes are enriched by the spicy and woody notes. From Sebastian’s YouTube review, I am was intrigued by the milky scents and almond notes. I really enjoy the way that Sebastian does his reviews. Lately, Sandalwood has really been comforting for me. I have not tried any CoSTUME NATIONAL fragrances before though.

  • Juan_hernan says:

    I really enjoyed from the introduction how the fragrance with its white notes, woody notes, spicy notes, vanilla notes, and amber notes create sweetness and depth, making the fragrance feel like a cloud. I really enjoyed how thorough Sebastian was when he described his fragrances, it really makes it feel like you can actually smell it in a way. Recently, something that I found very comforting in my fragrances is vanilla. I used to overlook those types of fragrances but not anymore. I have never tried CoSTUME NATIONAL before but now I know I should. I live in Florida, US.

  • NiceVULady says:

    Loved Michelyn’s introduction and Sebastian is wonderful as usual. this sounds so right for this time in our lives. I like the notes. Many thanks for the great intro and for the review and many thanks to CoSTUME NATIONAL 21 for making this draw possible. I’m in the USA

  • KateD says:

    Lots of notes indeed! All those basenotes sound like a beautiful deep winter fragrance. I haven’t tried this house yet, I think I may have overlooked this house due to the minimalism Michelyn mentioned which is odd considering my love for CdG fragrances! Sebastian’s mention of their similarities makes me tempted to blind buy. I’ll have to exercise some restraint and put it on my sample list. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • Ruben Garnica says:

    Sebastian has excellent taste and always introduces us gems that many other reviewers never speak of, not to mention very knowledgeable and to the point. I recently bought Scent Intense and am so excited by how unique and beautiful it is. I would love to win a bottle of 21 to add to my collection .

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    I love laconic notes as well as amber and patchouli so this sounds fantastic. Also, Sebastian always seems to make me want to try what he’s describing. I haven’t tried this house yet. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • Ruben Garnica says:

    The last part of my comment got cut off. I wanted to mention what intrigues me about Michelyn’s article is the mention of comfort in times of uncertainty. Fragrance is so much more than just smell and I love that it can evoke different emotions.

  • nick1127 says:

    I always enjoy Sebastians reviews! I liked how he introduced the lactonic note. It’s not one I have ever smelled before. I love how machelyn said that the milky note is extra nice in these crazy times and I can see how that would be true! We all need a little more cozy in our lives.