I’m sampling The Ten Party by The Party today. I had expected quite a bit from this due to the price point and their level of supposed exclusivity. There’s a great story behind it though – 10 philanthropic friends that the scent was dedicated to for their commitment to brotherhood. They even all wore this for a year before it was released to the public. The packaging looks to be pretty spectacular as well, with a sterling silver cap and silk coverings.
Unfortunately, I’m finding the actual scent to be somewhat of a letdown. It seems to follow a very traditional pattern of bright citrus + lavender opening, a pleasant transition through the middle with the warmth of clove and cypress, and a dry down of nondescript woods, some oakmoss, and a touch of patchouli. The whole ride is pretty fleeting and somewhat confused. They claim to use only natural oils, which the scent would seem to confirm, but that also means its lasting power is a bit compromised.
Overall, it is a very nice scent, but it’s one that’s been done before and done better, at that. At a few points in its progression, it brings to mind Parfums de Nicolai’s New York, but a stripped down and much lighter version with a sweeter, less obtuse approach. I checked their published notes, and they actually do share quite a few. I suppose if New York is too much for you (it can be pretty intense), The Ten Party might be a good alternative that has some of the same feeling, but in a more reserved and modern fashion.