Often citedLattafa
Qaaed
Same warm spiced opening as Polaris, kept darker by the leather and oud — and unlike the original, still findable.
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Issey Miyake
One fragrance is widely sold as a cheaper version of this. Ranked strongest match first.
Search Amazon for Nuit d'Issey PolarisLike a polar night sky of oud and leather with black pepper cypress and amber stars
Main accords: woody, fresh spicy, amber, vanilla, leather, aromatic. 2020 · Eau de Parfum
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Often citedLattafa
Qaaed
Same warm spiced opening as Polaris, kept darker by the leather and oud — and unlike the original, still findable.
Search AmazonRanking combines how widely wearers agree a fragrance is a dupe with how closely its notes and accords line up. “Strong match” means both signals agree; “loose match” means it is in the same family but noticeably different on skin. 1 of these link to a published source.
Lattafa Qaaed is widely sold as a dupe of Issey Miyake Nuit d'Issey Polaris. Same warm spiced opening as Polaris, kept darker by the leather and oud — and unlike the original, still findable.
Lattafa Qaaed is the closest we have on record. Wearers name it more often than the alternatives, though agreement is not unanimous. Same warm spiced opening as Polaris, kept darker by the leather and oud — and unlike the original, still findable.
Yes, though only one: Lattafa Qaaed. It is the only fragrance we have found a first-hand comparison for.
No. A dupe is built to the same idea, not the same formula, and cheaper materials usually show in the opening and in how long it lasts. That is why every entry here says how it differs instead of giving a percentage. Of Lattafa Qaaed, for instance: Same warm spiced opening as Polaris, kept darker by the leather and oud — and unlike the original, still findable.
Like a polar night sky of oud and leather with black pepper cypress and amber stars It opens on Cypress, Black Pepper, Bergamot.
Issey Miyake Nuit d'Issey Polaris is a fragrance for men released in 2020. It is the darkest, most intense entry in the Nuit d'Issey line. The composition layers black pepper and cypress over a rich oud-wood heart and a deeply warm base of amber, leather, and vanilla. It is named after the North Star, and like its namesake, it is a constant, unwavering presence. Dark, warm, and powerful.
The top notes are bergamot, black pepper, and cypress. Bergamot provides a brief citrus brightness. Black pepper adds sharp, clean heat. Cypress contributes a cool, green, slightly smoky freshness. Together they create an opening that is spicy, green, and masculine. The pepper and cypress combination is bracing and confident, immediately establishing the dark tone of the fragrance.
The heart features cedar, oud, and patchouli. Oud brings its signature deep, complex, slightly medicinal quality. Cedar provides dry, clean wood structure. Patchouli adds earthy, slightly sweet depth. Together they create a heart that is woody, exotic, and richly layered. The oud gives Polaris its dramatic, night-sky character. It is dark and expansive, like looking up at the stars on a clear night.
The base is generous with amber, gurjan balsam, labdanum, leather, and vanilla. Amber provides warm, golden depth. Labdanum adds a warm, ambery, slightly leathery richness. Gurjan balsam brings a smooth, balsamic, slightly floral woody quality. Leather adds smooth masculine richness. Vanilla contributes warm sweetness. Together they create a base that is deeply warm, complex, and long-lasting. The gurjan balsam is the unusual touch, adding a smooth, resinous quality that makes the base feel luxurious.
Polaris is a fall and winter evening fragrance. It suits formal events, date nights, and special occasions. The projection is moderate to strong and the longevity is excellent.