IF by R.K. is a woody fragrance launched in 2019 and created by Anne-Sophie Behaghel. It was inspired by a trip that Frapin's artistic director took to India - "I was lucky enough to travel from the north to the south of India during a charity race this year and on passing through Mysore, the verses of "If" by Rudyard Kiplong came to me. It was my grandfather, a great traveler if ever there was one, who introduced me to this poem when I was a child. This lesson that needs to be repeated every day in order to become what we are." - David Frossard, artistic director of Parfums Frapin. It features top notes of ginger, black pepper and bergamot; middle notes of fig, Cashmeran and cinnamon; and base notes of sandalwood, guaiacwood, tonka bean and patchouli. IF is an eau de parfum, edp.
FRAPIN IF BY R.K. REVIEWS
Fragrantica: "This is gorgeous. I get the comparison to Gris Charnel bc of the notes but they're not that similar to me. Gris Charnel is a cardamom bomb to my nose while this one opens up with a much softer spice of pepper and ginger. The balance between creamy and crisp is really nice and makes for a comforting and cozy scent that still makes me feel fresh wearing it."
Fragrantica: "This fragrance has a smooth wood and creamier texture. There is sweetness from the fig in the opening which can feel a bit much, but it becomes more wood-forward in the drydown, with guaiac wood and sandalwood becoming more prominent, which is the phase I prefer. The supporting notes like cashmere and pepper add nuance and give it a somewhat unique and elegant profile. The scent leans on the warmer side and fits well in colder environments, while still being versatile for most occasions. The scent sits close to the skin, although the longevity is above average. Tends to be compared to Gris Charnel, although this feels more toned down and better to me."
Fragrantica: "This is really nice. The opening is lovely and fresh, lots of ginger and bergamot plus a tiny zing from pepper. It then morphs into a smooth cashmere/sandalwood scent, very comforting but still elevated. I don’t get too much fig or patchouli, but they do (subtly) add a slight green character. Overall refined, smooth, and expensive smelling. But my main complaint is the silage is very soft!! Becomes a skin scent after 1-2 hours."
Fragrantica: "A light green and delicate pine opening, turning more soft and a little powdery as it dries down, with a hint of sweetness coming out. In testing this blind, this was pretty much a wall flower with a delicate skin scent giving an air of fragrance without really making itself known. Even the wood elements which come out later are very subtle and barely there. However, this ghost of a fragrance does hang around quite consistently. For as light and airy as it is, I found its longevity surprisingly long, always a skin to nose whiff away, even twelve hours later. By this time it's more of a residual warm wood. Looking at the notes now, all I can say is I guess it's sandalwood. It's so subtle there's no distinction towards any wood species. And while the hint of pine in the opening is probably the tiniest bit of cinnamon, pepper, and ginger, and maybe the sweet pinch is from the fig, none of these are really there in any recognizable way. Which is a shame because I'd be pretty interested if these notes were more prominent. Still, there's enough there to get a long lasting woodsy vibe that is very intimate. This makes it fall into the category of a fragrance for people who hate fragrance, or want to wear a fragrance without feeling like they are, being barely there, but definitely there. Take is an understatement here."
Fragrantica: "If is a fragrance that is difficult to describe, it doesn't smell like anything you imagine. What's more, it changes at every moment. I discovered it in La Rinascente in Rome, when I was trying to buy a bottle of Caron pour Homme. The saleswoman suggested I try it and told me the history of Frapin perfumes. I walked around the store for about half an hour trying to understand it, but I couldn't. In the end, I decided to buy it and it has been a journey up, because at first I wasn't completely convinced. Before it's finished I want to get a new bottle, the feeling is incredible, it surrounds you and embraces you. You're barely forgetting it and it comes back again. Wonderful!"
Fragrantica: "I adore this. It’s not strong, but it lasts, which is my favorite combination. It wears like a patina, stronger than a skin scent but similarly subdued. It’s complex, equally lactonic, woody, green, spicy, and sweet. It’s calming, cozy, and a touch mysterious. My favorite from Frapin."
Fragrantica: "Def one of the top tier sandalwood perfumes I've tried; very smooth, understated, and lux. The opening is very sweet and gourmandy. Notes of tonka, cream, and cookies. Dry down is woody. Only complaint is that it does not last long!"
Fragrantica: "Wow, IF by R.K. is what I would have liked Gris Charnel by BDK to smell like on me. A delicious, smooth and ultra creamy sandalwood plus cashmeran forward fragrance with a delicious, sweet fig note. Fig is rarely a note I enjoy in fragrances but in IF by R.K. and in Ortigia by Ciatu (a brand originally from peninsula Ortigia, Syracuse, east coast of Sicily) it’s really nicely done. These two fragrances are the only ones where I can genuinely say love fig! IF is the perfect fall or rainy day scent. It’s so comforting and soothing, warm and soft, with a prominent hint of fruitiness coming from fig and bergamot plus a mild spicy side coming from a blend of cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. But what I get the most from IF is the softest, most expensive smelling mix of sandalwood, smoky guaiac wood and sweetened by tonka beans. Absolutely delightful creation that represents for me the best sandalwood-fig combination I’ve encountered in a fragrance so far! Performance wise seems to be on par with the other Frapin I’ve tested recently, 1270, moderate as far as longevity and projection goes. Seems like this French house creates absolutely gorgeous smelling perfumes but not that high performing. The ratio between quality and price is very fair, their perfumes sell for less than designer perfumes sell in 2024! If you’re like me and tried to make BDK’s Gris Charnel and the Extrait version work for you but it wasn’t your cup of tea, it was too masculine leaning, get a sample of IF by R.K.. This is the amazing quality, more feminine smelling in my opinion and it’s a cheaper version of that scent profile. And nobody speaks about this online.. It’s a true gem!"
Fragrantica: "Chronologically; Sweet fig/coconut fresh creamy, some powder, some wood, some red fruit, some more wood, a hint of soap (that must be sandalwood/patchouli), coconut and cream is gone, fig's still there. Not gourmand anymore, it's fruity soft soap on wood now. All the while something musky is lurking in the background waiting to strike, but never does. It's quite friendly after all. It's actually pretty good. Very good. Maybe I should have this as a very interesting evening scent. I should add that it lasts for eternity and would recommend it for cold weather only."
