Short answer: Executive is D&E Fragrances' Extrait de Parfum take on YSL Tuxedo. It costs from £14.99 (5ml sample) to £44.95 (50ml), against £295 for 125ml of the original at YSL UK. Shop Executive →
- Smells like: a smooth, spicy patchouli and vanilla with a soft rose and pepper heart
- Best for: autumn and winter evenings, smart occasions, anyone who loves a warm, dark, slightly boozy-feeling scent
- Honest note: inspired by, not an exact clone
Tuxedo is part of Yves Saint Laurent's Le Vestiaire des Parfums collection, a range inspired by the house's most famous fashion pieces. As the name suggests, it is the scent take on YSL's iconic Le Smoking tuxedo: sleek, a little mysterious and unisex. It has built a loyal following among people who want a warm, grown-up patchouli-vanilla that feels polished rather than sugary. That polish comes at a price, though. At the time of writing it is listed at £295 for 125ml on the YSL Beauty UK site and at Harrods.
What does YSL Tuxedo actually smell like?
Tuxedo opens bright and green, turns gently floral and peppery, then settles into a dark, creamy patchouli and vanilla base. Based on the published notes:
- Top: violet leaf, bergamot, coriander seed
- Heart: rose, lily of the valley, black pepper
- Base: ambergris, patchouli, Bourbon vanilla
The magic is in the contrast. The coriander and pepper keep the vanilla from ever feeling too sweet, while the patchouli gives it a smooth, almost velvety depth that people often describe as smart and a little smoky.
Why people look for a YSL Tuxedo dupe
£295 is a big commitment for any fragrance, especially one from a boutique collection that is not stocked everywhere and can be hard to sample. Many people love the idea of Tuxedo but want to wear a scent in that warm patchouli-vanilla family every day without worrying about the cost of each spray. A lower-priced alternative, with a 5ml sample to try first, takes the risk out of it.
YSL Tuxedo vs Executive at a glance
| Tuxedo (original) | Executive (D&E) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £295 for 125ml | £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Style | Spicy patchouli, vanilla, rose, pepper | Warm patchouli, vanilla and soft spice |
| Sizes | 125ml (smaller sizes vary by retailer) | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Executive - Insp by YSL Tuxedo
Executive is our own composition, inspired by the warm, spicy patchouli-vanilla family that Tuxedo helped make popular. It is available as a 5ml sample at £14.99, a 12ml oil roller or 15ml at £19.99, a 30ml at £34.99 and a 50ml at £44.95. Like every D&E scent it is made as an Extrait de Parfum, which means a higher concentration of fragrance oil than a standard Eau de Parfum, so it tends to wear rich and close with good staying power. It is a great pick for evenings out, the office party season or any time you want to feel put together. Try Executive from £14.99 →
Being upfront about the comparison
We want to be clear: Executive is inspired by Tuxedo, not a copy or replica of it. Designer and niche perfumes are built from their own materials and formulas, which we do not have, so you should expect a similar mood and direction rather than an identical scent. If you love Tuxedo, you will probably enjoy the warm patchouli and vanilla feel of Executive, but the details will differ. If you want to compare for yourself, start with the 5ml sample.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait de Parfum, Executive should last a good number of hours on skin, with moderate projection that is noticeable without being overpowering. Results always vary with skin type, climate and how you apply it. Spraying two to four times on pulse points and onto moisturised skin helps, and a warm, resinous scent like this tends to really shine in cooler weather.
The verdict
If you love the smooth, spicy patchouli-vanilla of YSL Tuxedo but not the £295 price, Executive is a worthwhile and affordable alternative to explore, especially from £14.99 for the sample. Just go in knowing it is its own scent inspired by Tuxedo rather than an exact match. For more from the same house, see our YSL Babycat dupe guide and our YSL Libre Santal Couture dupe guide.
Shop Executive - Insp by YSL Tuxedo → (/products/executive-insp-by-ysl-tuxedo)
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Yves Saint Laurent, YSL, Le Vestiaire des Parfums and Tuxedo are registered trademarks of their respective owners. D&E Fragrances is an independent UK fragrance brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Yves Saint Laurent. "Executive" is our own original composition, inspired by the popular fragrance family that Tuxedo helped define.