# CoSTUME NATIONAL — Costume National I

> Costume National I is the Italy half of the house's 2019 I/J diptych: aromatic saffron, thyme, lavender, ambroxan, cedar, and soft leather, conceived as an homage to Tuscan leather craftsmanship.

## Essence
Costume National I is the Italy half of the house's 2019 I/J diptych: aromatic saffron, thyme, lavender, ambroxan, cedar, and soft leather, conceived as an homage to Tuscan leather craftsmanship.
## Scent Profile
The opening is bright and herbal, with bergamot, thyme, and crisp saffron. Lavender, geranium, and labdanum make the heart smoother and slightly powdery. The base brings ambroxan, cedar, and leather, with the leather often reading as suede-like and polished rather than raw. Many wearers also notice a sweet, candied-fruit lift that places it near Layton-style territory.
## Performance
Performance is the strongest consensus point. It lasts a long time, projects strongly in the first hours, and often outperforms the more expensive fragrances it is compared with.
## Wearing Context
It is versatile, leaning fall and winter but fresh enough for some shoulder-season daily wear. The scent reads unisex with a masculine tilt and works as a signature for someone who wants clean strength rather than a rough leather statement.
## Comparisons & DNA
The dominant comparison is Parfums de Marly Layton: I is often described as more aromatic, slightly leathery, and better performing. Other references include Layton Exclusif, Tuscan Leather, and sweet aromatic designer-niche hybrids.
## Reception
Reception is strongly positive, especially around value and performance. The main split is leather quality: some find it smooth and high quality, while others experience a chemical ruggedness. Originality is the other caveat, since the Layton comparison is hard to avoid.
## Versions & Reformulation
No reformulation is documented. It launched in 50 ml and 100 ml Eau de Parfum sizes as part of the paired I and J release.
## Acquisition Notes
Discount pricing has made I a strong value recommendation. The main practical problem is the single-letter name, which makes it unusually hard to search for online.
## Notable Facts & Lore
- I stands for Italy, specifically Tuscany.
- It was paired with J for Japan as an East-West project.
- The pair connects Italian tailoring and leather craft to Japanese minimalist design roots.
- Perfumer Julien Rasquinet is a Pierre Bourdon mentee.