Kashaya Kenzo 1993 female 68

The Verdict

Kashaya by Kenzo is one of those fragrances that deserved a longer life than it received. Launched in 1993 and named after the Sanskrit word for eternal love, it was created by Sophia Grojsman, one of the most celebrated perfumers in the industry. Despite its pedigree and devoted following, Kenzo eventually discontinued it, making vintage bottles a treasure for those who discover its charms.

The composition is a rich oriental floral that balances fruity top notes with an opulent floral heart and a warm, ambery base. It represents a particular era of perfumery when fragrances were allowed to be bold, complex, and unapologetically sensual. For those who connect with it, Kashaya offers something increasingly rare in modern perfumery: genuine warmth and voluptuousness.

What It Smells Like

Kashaya opens with a burst of ripe stone fruits, predominantly peach and apricot, joined by tropical pineapple, anise, mandarin, and bergamot. The effect is lush and inviting, like biting into a perfectly ripe piece of fruit on a warm day. Hyacinth adds a green, dewy quality that keeps the opening from becoming overly sweet.

The heart is where the fragrance reveals its true character: a grand bouquet of ylang-ylang, tuberose, orchid, narcissus, carnation, orange blossom, lily, rose, and jasmine. This is an expansive, full-bodied floral that some describe as voluptuous and delicious, while others find it overwhelmingly rich. The florals are heady and intoxicating rather than fresh or transparent.

The base brings warmth and comfort through benzoin, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, musk, and cedar. After several hours, the composition settles into a soft, vanillic skin scent that lingers with gentle persistence. The overall trajectory is from bright fruit to lush flowers to cozy warmth.

When to Wear It

Kashaya is best suited for cooler months and evening occasions. Its rich, oriental character pairs beautifully with fall and winter weather, where the warmth of the composition can bloom without becoming cloying. Romantic evenings, dinner parties, and intimate gatherings are ideal settings.

Daytime wear in warm weather is not advisable, as the sweetness and density of the composition can become overwhelming. However, a light application on a cool autumn afternoon could work beautifully for those who enjoy being wrapped in a fragrant cocoon.

Longevity & Projection

Despite being an eau de toilette, Kashaya delivers respectable performance. Most reviewers report longevity between five and eight hours, with some finding hints of vanilla persisting even longer. One reviewer noted the fragrance holds for almost eight hours before leaving vanilla traces on the skin.

Sillage varies by report. Some describe it as tremendous, while others find it moderate. The general consensus is that Kashaya projects well in its first couple of hours before gradually becoming a more intimate skin scent. The sillage is sufficient that those in close proximity will notice it.

The Community Says

Opinions on Kashaya range from enthusiastic praise to mild disappointment. Admirers call it a first-class floriental and describe it as relaxing, comforting, and enveloping. Some consider it a masterpiece that Kenzo should never have discontinued, with its warm, soft fruity aroma and sensual floral character earning devoted fans.

Critics find it somewhat bland compared to other oriental florals of its era, noting that it lacks the distinctive hook that might have secured its commercial longevity. The strength and sweetness can also be divisive, with some finding it too rich and candy-like with too much amber.

Who Should Buy This

Kashaya is ideal for women who love classic 1990s oriental florals and appreciate fragrances with depth, warmth, and sensuality. If you enjoy compositions built around tuberose, vanilla, and amber, this forgotten gem by Sophia Grojsman is well worth tracking down.

Vintage perfume collectors will find it an interesting addition to their wardrobes, representing both a talented perfumer at the height of her powers and a style of perfumery that has become increasingly rare in the modern market.

The Bottom Line

Kashaya is a beautifully composed oriental floral that deserved better than its quiet discontinuation. Named for eternal love, it delivers warmth, sensuality, and comfort in a richly layered composition that rewards those who appreciate classic perfumery.