Inox

The Verdict

Clive Christian Inox launched in late 2025 alongside the brand's new flagship store on New Bond Street, with packaging co-designed by artist Harry Nuriev of Crosbystudios. The fragrance, created by perfumer Julien Rasquinet, explores the contrast between cool, metallic impressions and a deep woody-leather foundation. The name Inox, French for stainless steel, signals the intended aesthetic: sleek, modern, and industrial-luxe.

Reception has been genuinely mixed. Some reviewers find the metallic-fresh opening intriguing, drawing comparisons to Creed Himalaya. Others feel the composition loses coherence as it develops, with the contrast between cold metallic elements and warm woody-leather base feeling more like a collision than a conversation. At 490 pounds per bottle, expectations are understandably high.

What It Smells Like

The opening is crisp and cool: saffron, cassis, and bergamot create a bright, subtly tart impression with a metallic shimmer. Some detect icy, clean notes reminiscent of steel and silver in this first phase. The heart introduces ozonic notes, lily of the valley, and gurjan balsam, which add a fresh, airy quality with resinous warmth. One reviewer described this middle phase as having a poolside chlorine accord that feels distinctive if polarizing.

The base shifts to oud, sandalwood, and leather, moving the composition into warmer, more traditional luxury territory. After 20-25 minutes, the woody-oud character takes over. The transition from cold-metallic to warm-woody is the defining feature of Inox and the source of its most divergent opinions. Some find this journey compelling, while others describe the drydown as a generic mildly saffrony creamy sandalwood base.

When to Wear It

Inox is best suited for cooler weather and more formal occasions. The metallic opening works well in crisp autumn and winter air, while the oud-leather base provides warmth appropriate for evening events, business settings, and cultural outings. It carries a certain architectural quality that pairs well with tailored clothing and structured environments.

Longevity & Projection

Performance appears adequate for the price range, though detailed community performance data is still limited given the fragrance's exclusivity and newness. The oud and leather base notes should provide reasonable longevity, and the saffron opening tends to project well initially before settling into a moderate sillage during the drydown. As more wearers encounter the fragrance, a clearer picture of performance will emerge.

The Community Says

Early reviews paint a picture of a fragrance that is technically competent but not universally exciting. Positive responses focus on the icy, clean metallic quality of the opening and the nobility of the Clive Christian presentation. A more enthusiastic reviewer called it a hidden gem. However, critical reviews note that the drydown lacks distinction, with one describing it as a metallic-floral-wood mess that does not justify the 500 euro price point. The consensus leans toward this being a fragrance for Clive Christian collectors rather than a must-try for the broader fragrance community.

Who Should Buy This

Inox is for Clive Christian loyalists and those who specifically seek out metallic, ozonic fragrance experiences paired with oud and leather. If you have the opportunity to visit the New Bond Street store and sample it, the in-store experience adds value to the purchase decision. Those who cannot sample in person should approach with caution given the mixed reception and significant price tag.

The Bottom Line

Clive Christian Inox is an ambitious metallic-to-woody fragrance that offers an interesting concept but inconsistent execution according to early reviews. Its exclusive availability and luxury pricing position it as a collector's item rather than a mainstream recommendation, with the ultimate verdict depending heavily on individual taste for metallic and ozonic fragrance elements.