Ex Nihilo Chandigarh Express EDP

Description

Chandigarh Express is Ex Nihilo's ode to a city built from nothing. Released in 2024 by the Paris niche house, perfumer Gaël Montero's composition mirrors the modernist Indian city of Chandigarh, a bright cardamom-citrus opening gives way to a supple leather-jasmine heart, before settling into an earthy vetiver-tonka base. It's warm, textured, and appeals to fans of leather-forward niche scents without leaning overly aggressive.

Scent Character

• Woody: 25%
• Sweet: 17%
• Amber & Resinous: 17%
• Fresh: 17%
• Spicy: 8%
• Leathery: 8%
• Floral: 8%

Translation: A warm, woody leather scent softened by sweet amber-balsamic depth, with a bright spicy-citrus spark up top.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top: Cardamom, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot

Heart: Leather, Balsam Fir, Davana, Mahonial, Jasmine

Base: Vetiver, Benzoin, Tonka, Patchouli

Performance

• Longevity: Moderate to good, reviewer accounts range from a solid all-day wear to a more average, several-hour run, so expect some variation by skin chemistry.
• Sillage: Moderate, present without being loud; a few reviewers suggest more than one spray to let it fully register.
• Projection: Close-to-skin to arm's length through the leather-jasmine heart, settling closer to skin as the tonka base takes over.

Best Occasions & Season

• Fall and winter evenings
• Everyday wear for leather-fragrance fans
• Layers well under a jacket in cooler weather

Unisex.

Concentration & Provenance

Eau de Parfum
Perfumer: Gaël Montero
House: Ex Nihilo, Paris
Launched: 2024

Try Before You Commit

Not sure yet if Chandigarh Express is your signature scent? Start with the 1mL sample ($8.99). The lowest-cost way to test its leather-vetiver character on your own skin before stepping up to a 5mL or 10mL decant.

100% Authentic

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FAQ

Is Chandigarh Express a men's or women's fragrance?
It's designed and worn as unisex. The leather-citrus-vetiver profile works equally well on men and women.

How long does it last on skin?
Reviewer experience is mixed: some get a full day of wear, others find it closer to several hours. Skin chemistry plays a big role with leather fragrances like this one.

What does Chandigarh Express smell like?
A spicy-woody leather fragrance: bright cardamom and citrus up top, a supple leather-jasmine heart, and an earthy vetiver-tonka base.

Who composed it, and when?
Chandigarh Express was composed by Gaël Montero for Ex Nihilo, released in 2024.