Mind Games Gardez Extrait

Description

Gardez takes its name from the old chess call announcing check against the queen, a warning delivered with confidence, and wears that same unapologetic boldness. Perfumer Emilie Coppermann opens with blackberry leaf and apricot, moves into a heart of orris root, cassis (blackcurrant), jasmine sambac, and palisander rosewood, and lands on a base built around black leather, cedarwood, and an unexpected note of popcorn that adds a warm, buttery contrast to the leather's edge. Launched in 2022, it's a woody floral leather that balances sharp and soft, strength and vulnerability, in roughly equal measure.

Scent Character

• Leather & Woody: 50% (black leather, cedarwood)
• Floral: 33% (orris, jasmine sambac, rosewood)
• Sweet: 17% (apricot, cassis, popcorn)

Translation: juicy fruit and buttery popcorn soften a confident black-leather-and-cedar base, with jasmine and orris adding lift.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top: Blackberry Leaf, Apricot

Heart: Orris Root, Cassis (Blackcurrant), Jasmine Sambac, Palisander Rosewood

Base: Black Leather, Cedarwood, Popcorn

Performance

Longevity: Long-lasting, typically 6+ hours.

Sillage: Moderate, leaves a trail without overwhelming.

Projection: Confident on application, settling into a skin-close leather by the second hour.

Best Occasions & Season

Best suited to fall and winter, where the leather-and-cedar base can carry real weight, though the fruity top keeps it viable for cooler spring evenings too. Leans toward evening and going-out wear, with enough polish for confident daytime use.

Concentration & Provenance

Concentration: Extrait de Parfum

Perfumer: Emilie Coppermann

House: Mind Games (est. 2022, USA)

Year: 2022

Try Before You Commit

Gardez is currently offered as a full 3.4 oz / 100 ml bottle. If you'd like to try it before sizing up, check Venba's decant and sample listings for this fragrance or reach out. We're happy to help.

100% Authentic

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FAQ

Is Gardez unisex?
Yes. It's formulated and marketed as a genderless extrait de parfum.

What does the “Gardez” name reference?
It's an old chess call warning that the queen is under attack, part of Mind Games' chess-inspired naming across the collection.

How long does it last?
Typically 6 or more hours with moderate, skin-close sillage.

Is there real leather in this fragrance?
No. “Black leather” is a perfumery accord built from synthetic and natural materials that evokes the smell of leather, not an animal-derived ingredient.