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Chaos Fragrances buying guide

The Best Chanel Sycomore Clones & Alternatives

Compare Lalique Encre Noire À l’Extrême and Encre Noire EDT with Chanel Sycomore EDP: smoky vetiver, scent differences, estimated similarity and longevity.
Independently ranked by the Chaos Fragrances editorial team
#1 Closest fuller alternative Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP $34.99
Shop best price at Jomashop Compare every pick →
The original vs. the alternatives Which scent gets closest?
The reference Chanel Sycomore EDP 2016 fragrance bottle Sycomore EDP #1 Closest fuller alternative Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP fragrance bottle Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP
Encre Noire Lalique EDT fragrance bottle #2Encre Noire Lalique EDT
01 / The shortlist

The quick picks

Start here if you already know what matters most to you.

Quick answer

Lalique Encre Noire À l’Extrême is our first Sycomore EDP alternative to sample, at approximately 82% resemblance. Its vetiver, incense and fuller woody base make the closer overall connection here. Original Encre Noire EDT follows at approximately 78% for a drier, more stripped-back cypress and vetiver interpretation. Both leave clear differences in sweetness, texture and development.

Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP fragrance bottle Closest fuller alternative Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP Approximately 82% resemblance; smoky vetiver, incense and a warmer resinous finish. $34.99 Shop now → Encre Noire Lalique EDT fragrance bottle Drier vetiver alternative Encre Noire Lalique EDT Approximately 78% resemblance; cypress and rooty vetiver with a more austere woody finish. $27.95 Shop now →
Chanel Sycomore EDP 2016 fragrance bottle
The reference fragrance

Sycomore EDP

See the original fragrance profile, notes, performance data and current retailer options.

View fragrance & prices →

Chanel Sycomore Eau de Parfum balances smoky vetiver with cedar, soft warmth and a polished woody texture. If that contrast of earth, smoke and smoothness is what attracts you, Lalique’s Encre Noire fragrances offer two useful alternatives to sample.

Start with Encre Noire À l’Extrême at FragranceNet or À l’Extrême at Jomashop for the fuller incense, vetiver and resinous interpretation. Compare original Encre Noire EDT at FragranceNet and Encre Noire EDT at Jomashop if you prefer a drier, more austere cypress and vetiver direction. These are alternatives with their own identities; neither reproduces every part of Sycomore’s wearing.

02 / Compare

Compare the best options

A fast side-by-side look at similarity, performance, value and who each fragrance suits best.

Rank Fragrance Score Similarity Longevity Best for Best price
#1 Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP 8.4/10 82% 6–8 hours smoky vetiver with incense, soft orris and resinous warmth $34.99 Shop now
#2 Encre Noire Lalique EDT 8.1/10 78% 5–7 hours a more austere cypress, rooty vetiver and woody musk direction $27.95 Shop now
03 / Reviews

The full ranking

Each pick includes the important differences, tradeoffs and our bottom-line verdict.

#1 Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP fragrance bottle
Closest fuller alternative Best for smoky vetiver with incense, soft orris and resinous warmth
Lalique

Encre Noire A L'extreme Lalique EDP

À l’Extrême develops from cypress, bergamot and elemi into vetiver, incense and orris. Benzoin, sandalwood and patchouli give the finish more warmth and body than original Encre Noire.

Best tracked price $34.99
Shop best price at Jomashop Compare prices & details
Choose Lalique Encre Noire À l’Extrême Eau de Parfum. The early FragranceNet and Jomashop links select this edition. Original Encre Noire EDT, Encre Noire Sport and Encre Noire Pour Elle are separate fragrances; confirm the bottle size and retail or tester presentation.
Chaos score 8.4/10
Similarity 82%
Longevity 6–8 hours
Chaos verdict

Start here if you enjoy the fuller smoky side of Sycomore EDP. Plan around 6–8 hours, including quieter wear, with shorter results possible. Check the first spray and late resinous finish before deciding whether the differences suit you.

How it differs from the original

The opening can be sharper or more medicinal, and incense and resins have a more pronounced role. It does not preserve Sycomore’s exact balance of smoke, sweetness and soft woods. On some skin the warmth feels dusty or musty rather than smooth.

What works
  • The closer overall Sycomore EDP connection here
  • Incense and orris add depth to the vetiver
  • FragranceNet and Jomashop options linked early
Tradeoffs
  • Sharper or more medicinal at the start
  • Resinous warmth can feel dusty or musty
  • Wear can be shorter than the name suggests
#2 Encre Noire Lalique EDT fragrance bottle
Drier vetiver alternative Best for a more austere cypress, rooty vetiver and woody musk direction
Lalique

Encre Noire Lalique EDT

Original Encre Noire pairs aromatic cypress with rooty vetiver and a cashmere wood and musk finish. It gives the shared woody idea a leaner, drier character, with an inky impression that is part of its appeal.

Best tracked price $27.95
Shop best price at PerfumeBox Compare prices & details
Choose original Lalique Encre Noire Eau de Toilette. The early FragranceNet and Jomashop links select the original EDT; check the selected volume and presentation. À l’Extrême, Sport, Indigo and Pour Elle are separate choices.
Chaos score 8.1/10
Similarity 78%
Longevity 5–7 hours
Chaos verdict

Choose this when cypress and dry vetiver matter more than a close recreation of Sycomore’s full texture. Plan around 5–7 hours, allowing for shorter and longer results. Its quieter later presence can be appealing if you enjoy the scent up close.

How it differs from the original

It feels more stripped back and less softly rounded than Sycomore EDP, with a different musky woody finish. The early vetiver can be bitter or harsh. Someone who enjoys Sycomore’s smooth warmth may find Encre Noire too austere.

What works
  • A distinctive dry cypress and vetiver character
  • A simpler alternative when extra sweetness is unwanted
  • FragranceNet and Jomashop options linked early
Tradeoffs
  • A broader match to the current Sycomore EDP
  • Can feel bitter or harsh on some skin
  • Projection may become quiet well before total wear ends
04 / Our process

How we chose these fragrances

We assess the opening, heart and drydown with weights of 30%, 40% and 30%. Direct comparisons with Sycomore EDP and differences in smoke, warmth and woody texture matter more than shared note lists. Resemblance percentages are subjective editorial estimates, not formula measurements or controlled-test results. Overall scores also consider scent character, wearability and purchase options.

Use 6–8 hours as a planning range for À l’Extrême and 5–7 hours for Encre Noire EDT, allowing for shorter and longer wear. Total wear includes the quieter finish and does not promise strong projection throughout. Concentration names alone do not establish which lasts longer, and clothing persistence is a separate result.

The final verdict

Sample Encre Noire À l’Extrême first if you want the fuller smoky vetiver alternative. Its incense, orris and resinous warmth make the closest overall connection in this selection. Choose original Encre Noire when the drier cypress and rooty vetiver are more appealing than extra warmth. Keep Sycomore EDP in contention when its particular smoothness, balance and soft woody finish are essential.

Explore our Grey Vetiver clone guide, Terre d’Hermès clone guide, and Bois Impérial clone guide for other woody fragrance directions.

05 / Questions

Frequently asked questions

Which Sycomore alternative should I sample first?

Start with Lalique Encre Noire À l’Extrême, estimated at approximately 82% resemblance to Sycomore EDP. Original Encre Noire EDT follows at approximately 78% as the drier, more austere alternative.

Which version of Sycomore is the reference?

The Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eau de Parfum. Earlier Sycomore EDT, the Extrait de Parfum and scented body oil are separate interpretations and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Are these exact Sycomore clones?

They are alternatives with their own identities. À l’Extrême brings more incense and resinous warmth, while original Encre Noire takes a leaner cypress and vetiver direction. Neither preserves the whole Sycomore EDP wearing.

How long does Encre Noire À l’Extrême last?

Use 6–8 hours as a planning range, including the quieter finish. Shorter and longer results are possible. Its EDP concentration and name do not guarantee stronger projection or longer wear on your skin.

How long does original Encre Noire last?

Plan around 5–7 hours, allowing for shorter and longer results. Projection may soften well before the scent disappears completely, so judge the full wearing rather than the first hour alone.

What does À l’Extrême add to original Encre Noire?

Incense, orris and a resinous base give it a fuller and warmer character. It is a different balance, rather than simply the same scent made stronger.

Which is the drier alternative?

Original Encre Noire EDT is the drier, more stripped-back choice here. À l’Extrême adds warmth and body through incense, benzoin, sandalwood and patchouli.

Does more incense make À l’Extrême closer for everyone?

No. The balance of vetiver, smoke, sweetness and woods can change on skin. Some people will prefer the original EDT’s sharper simplicity, while others will value Sycomore’s smoother finish.

Is Encre Noire Sport the same fragrance?

No. This selection uses original Encre Noire EDT and À l’Extrême EDP. Sport, Indigo and Pour Elle are separate choices, so check the complete listing name.

Are these easy fragrances to buy without sampling?

Vetiver, cypress, incense and earthy woods can feel bitter, medicinal or musty depending on your preferences and skin. Try a modest application and follow the full drydown before buying a bottle.

Where should I shop for the alternatives?

The introduction links to FragranceNet and Jomashop for both. Compare the exact edition, bottle size and presentation, then confirm current availability, shipping and the final checkout price.

When should I buy Sycomore EDP itself?

Keep Sycomore when its particular balance of smoky vetiver, soft warmth and polished woods is what you enjoy. A less expensive alternative makes sense only when you like its own complete wearing.

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