We all know Donna Karan is crazy in love with New York and her big applelicious DKNY line is a regte testament but now she’s gone and surprised me by teaming up with singer/actress Rita Ora, a girl who’s a little more edgy than her usual faces, and created a scent that – wait for it – doesn’t smell like apples!

A fresh patchouli-musk-type scent, DKNY My NY (R560 for a 50ml EDP) opens up with raspberry, pink pepper and galbanum (a green, ‘sappy’-smelling resin) top notes. It soon reveals a heart of jasmine, freesia and orris resting on a base of patchouli, vanilla, musk and ambergris. (FYI, ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the intestines of whales that, according to google, has a musky-waxy-honey-like smell. Sjoe!)

Anyway, when I sniff My NY I only pick up on the raspberry, something fresh and green, patchouli, musk and jasmine. To me, it smells feminine and girly, but refreshing and light – not overly sweet in the least. In fact, you could happily douse yourself with it and still not offend anyone. Something about it makes me think of a much lighter, less sweet version of Issey Miyake Pleats Please, another berry-patchouli juice, or possibly a ‘spritzer’-version of Chanel Chance.

In short, this is a very pretty, super feminine, easy-to-wear scent that’s perfectly suited to a hot summer’s day and, much like Donna’s bestselling Be Delicious line, I’m quite sure this is going to be a real crowd pleaser. Keep an eye out for it in stores like Edgars and Red Square as of 22 September. 

Love, love

Leigh