Antaeus (1981)
by Chanel

A thumbs up, but I'm not in love with this one. Firstly, it's not organic enough in its delivery. It is manly, yes, but what type of man. A scent has to communicate a distinct persona, and this one is a little jumbled (banker, hunter, gym-guy, pick one). And, I have never received one compliment from the female persuasion while wearing. Yet, I wore out my bottle. Alas.

I would say this is for people that want a step up and away from classic Polo, but don't want to venture too far off its tracks . . . in the vein of Bel Ami, but without the style or depth. To me, it's decidedly 80's, but more Patrick Bateman than Bruce Springsteen.

22nd January, 2012.

Initial take- top: citrus (lemon-lime, bergamot?), nice, somewhat sharp, but generic perfumey scent
@ 10" I'm picking up some mild floral aldehydes that I can't quite identify (perhaps rose), with some slight spiciness (almost, but not quite, Old Spice-iness)
@ 30" I'm sensing non-descript woody notes, nothing yet animalistic
@ 45" smooth, sweetened patchouli, + what?
@ 60" Oh my goodness- what happened? This is really NICE! But how do I describe it? Beautiful! Believe it or not it makes me think of the nicest aspects of Kouros (I know, I know, some of you probably think there ARE no nice aspects of Kouros, but, there it is). I like it- but, do I like it enough to buy it? Undecided, but considering- will have to test a few more times first…

9th January, 2012.

"The Grey Governess"

Antaeus is a great fragrance beyond question. But I am quite shocked when I apply it. I do not know any other perfume that gives off such an aura of rigour and strictness.

I feel that Antaeus is space-consuming and sophisticated. Always in a bad mood, it is driven by the need to spoil any feeling of Laissez-faire or even the slightest smile. At any time it demands moderation and temperance, and strict fulfilment of one's duties – like a governess in a high-necked, mouse grey outfit.

Its depth of francincense transforms whoever wears it into an inhabitant of fathomless urban canyons. With its tristesse, it suits Keanu Reeves in the movie “Matrix” or any other version of the Brave New World. A great perfume that unfortunately sends out strong negative energies.

6th January, 2012.

This is the quintessentially masculine fragrance. Why anybody doesn't like this is completely beyond me. It's not just the fragrance of CEOs, it's the fragrance of masculinity and refinement, classic meeting modern at an intersection of art, science, and high culture. I will cry the day this is discontinued.

22nd December, 2011.

Tested finally for real, meaning two good shots on both of my wrists. The result: I felt myself surrounded by a manly, leathery, dry, bitter-dark vale with a touch of the 80's glory.
All the notes seems, after a while, perfectly blended together, for short time some of them like patchouli, thyme, coriander, or oakmoss rising their head to make noticed their presence in the wonderful whole, masterfully wrapped in a gorgeous french labdanum & rose aura.
I almost was off put by the initial burst, but I was patient and rewarded after: the middle and the base were heavenly for me, ones of the best I experienced in a men's fragrance until now !.
In my 'love' and 'wanted' list. My humble rank 9/10.

14th December, 2011.

Antaeus, the reigning god of chypre, introduces himself with a strong myrtle note accompanied by citrus and herbal accords. I find this opening attractive, if somewhat overpowering. Myrtle is not a note I smell frequently, but I do like its overall presentation in Antaeus. The mid notes of Antaeus are herbs and florals. The basenotes are where the gradual, magical transformation occurs. The beast is unleashed with a good dose of castoreum. Patchouli and oakmoss bring a dry warmth to Antaeus. The beeswax and labdanum accord is unique and provides enough sweetness to prevent Antaeus from becoming desolate and arid. Antaeus is a rich, warm, spicy, leathery and woody powerhouse that projects testosterone more than any of its listed notes. Wearing Antaeus makes you want to run for higher office, manage a hedge fund, or chop down a tree. Yes, its that kind of fragrance.

14th December, 2011.