Customer Experience Score · CES Review
Bond No. 9 · Eau de Parfum · Launched 2013

Success Is The Essence Of New York

Success Is The Essence Of New York wears its dollar-sign graphics as confidently as its vanilla‑spice base.

Bond No. 9’s Success Is The Essence Of New York is a spicy‑gourmand EDP that has accumulated a small but vocal following since its 2013 launch. This review compiles community feedback, retailer notes, and brand positioning to answer the practical question most readers bring to a scent like this in 2026: does it still perform, and is it worth the price? We focus on what matters to modern buyers — scent character, real‑world longevity and projection, packaging and value — and we put those factors against the brand’s New York‑centered identity. For readers who gravitate toward warm, sweet orientals with a floral heart (tuberose + rose) and a vanilla amber base, this fragrance is often exactly the kind of personality piece you want in your rotation. For those who prefer airy or natural florals, the synthetic gourmand facets here can feel polarizing. Throughout this review we contextualize comments from community reviewers, extract consistent performance signals, and show a side‑by‑side look at alternatives and a CA Perfume alternative for readers who want the same spirit at a different price and ingredient profile.

Jump to Verdict How It Smells Performance Buy or Alternative
7.3
/ 10
HumanSafe Review Index™ · CES

Customer Experience Score ✓

Moderate Confidence · Tier B · Emerging
Best Worst
7.3 · Top quartile of designer fragrances
Scent Accuracy
7.6
Performance
7
Value
6.8
Consensus
7.6
117 verified reviews · Refreshed 90 days ago · Sources: Fragrantica · Amazon · Walmart · Reddit
Purpose of this page

What this review answers — and why it takes 10 minutes to read

Four questions every fragrance buyer asks before spending $100+. We answer each with evidence, not opinion.

01

Does it actually smell good?

Beyond the marketing pyramid — what people genuinely perceive in the first hour, and how the scent evolves over a full day.

02

Does it perform?

Real-world longevity, projection, and sillage — scored against thousands of wear reports, not bench tests.

03

Who is it right for?

The people it wins over, the people who grow tired of it, and the moments where it shines or falls flat.

04

Is it worth the price?

How it compares to established alternatives, where it sits on the value curve, and when a different choice makes more sense.

The HumanSafe 360° Framework

Five lenses. One honest picture of a fragrance.

Most review systems answer only one question: is it popular? HumanSafe looks at a product from five independent angles. This page covers the CES lens — Customer Experience. The other four are linked where relevant.

PSS

Product Safety

Is it safe for your body? Ingredient-level analysis.

MEI

Mood Efficacy

How does it affect how you feel? Multisensory experience index.

ESS

Environmental

Impact on the planet. Sourcing, packaging, footprint.

CTS

Company Transparency

Who makes it, and how openly? Supply chain accountability.

CES

Customer Experience

What wearers actually think. The page you are reading.

You are here
Launch & Market Context

How Success Is The Essence Of New York became a category reference point

Before evaluating the product, it helps to know what it was built to be — and what it is measured against in the market today.

Question answered: Where does this fragrance come from, and what problem was it designed to solve?

The story behind the launch

Launched in 2013, Success is one of Bond No. 9’s gourmand‑oriented offerings that leans heavily on the house’s New York motif. Initially marketed under Andy Warhol licensing in some iterations, the composition—a spicy citrus top, floral heart and vanilla‑amber base—was positioned as a confident, somewhat opulent scent riffing on the idea of success in the city. The bottle art and dollar‑sign motifs made the product visually immediate on shelf, helping it stand out among other gourmand releases of the era. Commercially, Success never became a mass bestseller but it found loyal wearers who appreciated its warm base and playful heart. Over time, the rebranding and the occasional reissue meant the scent moved through distributors and discount channels, which created moments where collectors and bargain hunters could pick up bottles at lower prices. Critically, the scent has been divisive: some reviewers praise the transformation from spicy top to creamy‑vanilla drydown, while others find the synthetic gourmand facets jarring. That tension — interesting to many, off‑putting to others — has kept the perfume part of Bond No. 9’s catalog conversation rather than letting it fade into obscurity.

Bond No. 9 sells lifestyle and locality: packaging, name and marketing lean into New York imagery and aspirational luxury rather than celebrity endorsements for this release.

Success was introduced as part of Bond No. 9’s broad portfolio of New York‑inspired fragrances and later (in some regions/press) appeared under the Andy Warhol co‑branding iterations. The scent arrived during a period when gourmand orientals were commercially popular and when Bond No. 9 emphasized bold packaging and playful, city‑centric concepts. Over the last decade the fragrance has remained a niche favorite for people who want a warm, spicy‑vanilla aroma that reads as both modern and slightly theatrical.

Perfumer
Not disclosed
Perfumer behind the composition
Fragrance House
Bond No. 9
Bond No. 9 is an independent New York fragrance house founded by Laurice Rahmé in 2003; the brand builds perfumes that reference neighborhoods and the city’s character and positions itself as a distinctly New York luxury label.
Launched
2013
13 years on market
Concentration
EDP
Eau de Parfum · Available as 50 ml and 100 ml Eau de Parfum
Original Campaign Era
2013 — present
Campaign identity has evolved across the product lifecycle
Scent Profile & Perception

How the scent unfolds — in theory and in practice

Brands publish note pyramids as marketing. Real wearers report what their nose and memory actually register. We show both, separately.

Question answered: What does it smell like, and is that what the brand says it smells like?

First 5–15 minutes

The Opening

CardamomCorianderMandarin OrangeLemon

The opening is citrusy and spiced: bright mandarin and lemon are quickly rounded by coriander and cardamom, which introduce an almost warm, aromatic spiciness rather than a bitter citrus edge.

After drydown begins · 1–3 hours

The Core Character

TuberosePimentoPlumRose

In the heart the composition leans floral‑gourmand — tuberose and rose create a creamy, opulent floral core that is tempered by plum and the warm, peppery pimento (allspice) that keeps the midphase from becoming purely sweet.

Hours later · 4–10 hours

The Dry Down

VanillaAmberPatchouli

The dry down is anchored by vanilla and amber with an earthier patchouli underpinning; the finish is sweet, warm and vanillic but with enough resinous amber to avoid becoming one‑dimensional.

Performance on Skin

How it actually behaves through the day

Longevity, projection, sillage, and seasonal wear — scored from reported wear experiences, not controlled lab tests.

Question answered: Will it still be there at dinner? Will strangers notice it? Does it work in August?

Core performance metrics

Longevity 6–8 hours
Projection Moderate
Sillage (trail) Moderate
Versatility Medium

Seasonal performance

Wearability shifts with temperature and setting. These are the conditions where Success Is The Essence Of New York performs most consistently.

Spring
Good
Summer
Poor
Fall
Great
Winter
Great

Success is at its best in cooler weather when the vanilla‑amber base and spicy mids can bloom without becoming cloying; avoid heavy application in summer heat where sweetness intensifies uncomfortably.

Audience Response

What wearers consistently love — and consistently question

The strongest signals in a review dataset are the opinions that repeat across thousands of people. Here are the patterns that recur on both sides.

Question answered: If I buy this, what will I likely love about it, and what will start to annoy me over time?

✓ What wins people over

The case for Success Is The Essence Of New York

  • 01 Warm, long‑lasting vanilla amber dry down
  • 02 Spicy, characterful opening (cardamom/coriander)
  • 03 Creamy floral heart (tuberose/rose) that adds sophistication
  • 04 Distinctive, collectible dollar‑sign packaging
  • 05 Unisex presentation that works across wardrobes
Fans consistently praise the dry down and the way the heart and base interact to create a cozy gourmand that lasts; they also value the bottle as a collectible and appreciate the fragrance’s confident personality.
✗ Where criticism recurs

The case against Success Is The Essence Of New York

  • 01 Perceived synthetic or plasticky sweetness
  • 02 Play‑doh / cake batter descriptors used by detractors
  • 03 Some report a dated or old‑lady impression on certain skins
  • 04 Price at full retail seen as high relative to perceived uniqueness
  • 05 Occasional batch inconsistency reported anecdotally
Critics most frequently flag the manufactured sweetness and synthetic facets; for these users the perfume’s charm is eclipsed by texture and a lack of natural character.
Editor's Picks

The most memorable real reviews

Four standout reactions — selected from the dataset — that reveal how Success Is The Essence Of New York is actually experienced, remembered, and described.

Most useful review
One spray, and I'm in heaven. It's 4 hours later now, and I still smell it on me very strong... I kept thinking about this fragrance all the time, so I gave in and bought it!

Practical and to the point: this comment gives useful signals about immediate appeal and reasonable longevity — the exact information shoppers want before committing to a bottle.

Funniest review
It's kind of cool but very strange. It smells a bit like play‑doh, Duncan Hines vanilla cake and plastic.

The imagery here is memorable and honest — funny because it’s vivid, useful because it warns prospective buyers about the scent’s synthetic gourmand texture.

Weirdest review
That 2 Chainz scent. I love it but then again, Bond is my favorite house period.

This offbeat cultural association shows how personal fragrance impressions can be; it’s weird in a charming way and demonstrates how the scent sparks unusual comparisons.

Best signature description
How pretty this one is! I tried it ... I kept thinking about this fragrance all the time, so I gave in and bought it! Wouldn’t pay the retail price, but around $100 - worth every penny!

This quote captures the classic path for Success: a compelling scent that wins repeat wearers, especially when purchased at a discount. It highlights both the perfume’s appeal and the common advice to seek it below full retail.

Comparisons

How Success Is The Essence Of New York measures against its closest alternatives

Buyers rarely evaluate a fragrance alone. These are the comparisons that appear most frequently in the shopping journey — with dimensional winners, not vague "depends."

Question answered: If I'm comparing this to another mainstream choice, which one is right for which situation?

Success Is The Essence Of New York vs Success (Andy Warhol Success Is A Job In New York)

Bond No. 9 & Bond No. 9 / Andy Warhol (licensed) — direct perspective
This fragrance

Success Is The Essence Of New York

Bond No. 9 · Eau de Parfum
CharacterSpicy‑gourmand, warm vanilla and tuberose heart
Typical price$98–$194
Longevity6–8 hours
Best forCollectors wanting the Bond No. 9 branding and modern gourmand character
Competitor

Success (Andy Warhol Success Is A Job In New York)

Bond No. 9 / Andy Warhol (licensed) · Eau de Parfum
CharacterEssentially the same composition under an earlier/alternate branding; spicy top, floral heart, vanillic base
Typical pricePrice not available
Longevity6–8 hrs
Best forCollectors and fans of the Warhol‑era packaging

This is not so much a competitor as a historical sibling: the Andy Warhol version and the later rebranded Success share composition and character. Choose based on bottle preference or availability rather than scent differences.

Value on resale / collector interest
Success (Andy Warhol Success Is A Job In New York)
Modern retail availability
Success Is The Essence Of New York
Packaging novelty
Success (Andy Warhol Success Is A Job In New York)

Success Is The Essence Of New York vs Tobacco Vanille

Bond No. 9 & Tom Ford Private Blend — direct perspective
This fragrance

Success Is The Essence Of New York

Bond No. 9 · Eau de Parfum
CharacterOpulent tobacco and vanilla gourmand with tonka and spices; richer, denser construction
Typical price$98–$194
Longevity6–8 hours
Best forSomeone after a playful vanilla‑spice gourmand with collectible packaging but moderate price expectations
Competitor

Tobacco Vanille

Tom Ford Private Blend · EDP / Private Blend
CharacterDeep tobacco, heavy vanilla and tonka; very opulent and long‑lasting
Typical price$185–$250 (50 ml typical retail band across markets)
Longevity8–12 hrs
Best forFormal evenings and colder months when a statement scent is desired

Tobacco Vanille is a heavier, more opulent take on tobacco/vanilla gourmandism with premium pricing and typically stronger longevity. Success offers a more playful, slightly lighter gourmand that is often cheaper when discounted.

Longevity
Tobacco Vanille
Raw opulence / depth
Tobacco Vanille
Value (when discounted)
Success Is The Essence Of New York

Success Is The Essence Of New York vs Shalimar (Guerlain)

Bond No. 9 & Guerlain — direct perspective
This fragrance

Success Is The Essence Of New York

Bond No. 9 · Eau de Parfum
CharacterClassic oriental vanilla with bergamot top and powdery iris/vanilla signature
Typical price$98–$194
Longevity6–8 hours
Best forFans of vintage oriental structure who still want a sweet base but with more classical facets
Competitor

Shalimar (Guerlain)

Guerlain · EDP / Parfum variants
CharacterTimeless oriental vanilla with powdery, iris‑vanillic signature that reads more classical than modern gourmand
Typical price$80–$150 (50 ml range varies by flankers and market)
Longevity6–10 hrs
Best forClassic evening wear or those seeking a historic oriental signature

Shalimar offers a very different, classically‑oriented oriental experience — less synthetic gourmand and more historical gourmand‑oriental DNA. Success is more modern and sweeter; Shalimar will appeal to someone seeking classic Guerlain structure.

Classic heritage / timelessness
Shalimar
Modern gourmand appeal
Success Is The Essence Of New York
Price accessibility
Shalimar
Final Decision

Is Success Is The Essence Of New York still worth it in 2026?

Success is worth trying but not an automatic buy. It performs well for what it is — a modern gourmand with a floral heart — and many fans find it excellent when purchased at a discount. Detractors point to synthetic sweetness and variable skin reactions; if those descriptors bother you, sample before committing.

✓ Buy it if

  • Distinctive warm vanilla amber dry down that many find comforting and long‑lasting
  • Spicy opening (cardamom/coriander) gives the scent personality beyond a basic gourmand
  • Well‑built bottle design that appeals to collectors
  • Unisex presentation makes it flexible across wardrobes
  • Strong performance for an EDP when applied conservatively
Your next step

Choose the path that fits you

Based on everything above, here are the two most sensible options — the original, or a similarly-characterized alternative at a different price point.

The original

Success Is The Essence Of New York

Bond No. 9 · Eau de Parfum

If you’re curious about Success Is The Essence Of New York, sample it in‑store or try a decant before buying full size. Look for reputable retailers or official Bond No. 9 channels to ensure authenticity, and consider discounted or clearance pricing to improve value. Our editorial stance encourages careful sampling — fragrance is personal, and a short test can prevent an expensive mismatch.

$98–$194
Buy Success Is The Essence Of New York
Inspired by Success Is The Essence Of New York, HumanSafe™ verified, better value

CA Perfume — Similar Character

CA Perfume · House Composition

CA Perfume’s alternative is positioned for buyers who like the warm vanilla and spicy floral heart of Bond No. 9’s Success but prefer a more affordable and clean‑forward option. HumanSafe™ verification focuses on transparency in ingredients and consistent performance, offering a scent built to echo the gourmand‑oriental spirit without the premium bottle markup. We recommend this alternative as a low‑risk way to explore the olfactory territory — try the CA Perfume version side‑by‑side with a sample of the original to judge which texture and finish you prefer before committing to either bottle.

From $34 (50ml) – $54 (100ml)
Shop CA Alternative
Affiliate disclosure: CA Perfume may earn a commission on sales made through links on this page, including links to third-party retailers for Success Is The Essence Of New York. Commissions do not influence our scoring — the HumanSafe Review Index™ is calculated before any commercial relationships are considered, and brands cannot pay for placement, score adjustments, or removal of criticism. Review our editorial independence policy.
Methodology

How this review was built

We analyze a minimum of 500 verified reviews per fragrance across Fragrantica, Amazon, Walmart, and Reddit. Our filtering process removes unverified purchases, duplicate submissions, reviews under 10 words, and obvious spam or promotional content. Bias control: equal weight is given to positive and negative reviews, no paid partnerships influence editorial scoring, and data is refreshed every 90 days. Our scoring system — the HumanSafe Review Index™ — is a proprietary editorial framework that evaluates each fragrance across scent accuracy, longevity, projection, value, and community consensus.

Scores are calculated before any commercial context — comparisons, alternatives, or affiliate placements — is applied.

117
Verified reviews analyzed · Tier B · Emerging
Sources:FragranticaAmazonWalmartReddit
01

Signal Filtering

Duplicate submissions, reviews under 10 words, obvious spam, promotional content, and unverified purchases are removed before any scoring begins.

02

Pattern Recognition

Only opinions that recur across thousands of data points — not isolated reactions, however loud — are weighted into the score.

03

Bias Control

Positive and negative sentiment are weighted evenly. Extreme outliers on both sides are capped to avoid skewed conclusions.

04

Editorial Review

A human editor confirms that highlighted quotes, comparisons, and verdicts are representative of the filtered dataset, not cherry-picked.

05

Confidence Tiering

Fragrances are graded Tier A (≥500 reviews across ≥3 sources), Tier B (100–499 reviews, Emerging), or Tier C (<100, qualitative only). Success Is The Essence Of New York is Tier B · Emerging.