Halston Z-14 (1976)
by Halston

Long lasting spicy dark citrus with a leather-like thing going on. The positives: it is a well blended juice, recalls some of the 70s powerhouse, so, I will call it a powerhouse. And at giveaway prices, what's not to like? Well...the negatives: strong and harsh in the opening, but it does wellow out fairly quickly. It doesn't try to be modern which limits when you can actually wear it, compared to Halston's same launch year 1-12, which borders on timeless. Still a worthy juice for the money, an excellent substitute for soem of the no longer available or selling for an arm and a leg old timers (Monogram, Polo Crest and much more).

HALSTON Z-14's opening citrus is very similar to Bowling Green's - green and mildly spicy, dry but not harsh. However unlike the rampaging cardamom in BG, the coriander and cinnamon are much more agreeable partners here and compliment the herbs and woods middle rather well, allowing for a smoother transition to a pleasant ambery musk drydown. Unfortunately the retro 70's vibe is strong on this one; spritzing Z-14 is like clothing myself in bell bottoms, a tight long sleeved shirt with flared collars and other funky accessories from that era. Not a particularly great look for me unless I happen to be auditioning for an episode on That 70's Show. And that is the only reason why I won't be wearing even such a well-structured scent anytime soon.

Wow, I almost forgot this one still existed, it's been so long since I last wore it. Amazing that you can easily score a jug of this juice for under $15 at a Marshall's or TJMaxx, because Z-14 is one rich, dense and complex scent, outdoing even many of today's ultra-expensive niche frags. It's got the sweet, ambery richness and weight of an oriental, the green mossy base of a chypre, and the sweet top notes of a citrus fragrance. On my skin, it has incredible all-day staying power and monster sillage - others may not agree, but I consider Z-14 a legitamite powerhouse.

I remember the magazine ad for this back in the 1980s, the one with a picture of a nude Cindy Crawford staring upward. The ad was appropriate because Z-14 just flat-out smells sexy and erotic.

Does Z-14 smell dated? A little. But outdated? No way. I don't wear Z-14 anymore, and probably never will again, but no one can deny that it is an exquisite and very well crafted fragrance whose quality far surpasses its low price. Don't be a snob - ignore its pricetag and the fact that Amouage doesn't make it, and get yourself a bottle of Z-14 if you're looking for a beautiful, rich, complex fragrance that will bring you many compliments.

Z-14 starts off with a blast of lemon, basil and cypress. This is actually quite good if you are prone to powerful openings. I dig it...especially the way it meanders into the heart. The top doesn't dissipate. It just slides over to make room for the onset of an earthy wood accord. I really don't get any floral in this juice and it's just as well.

A solid and controlled leather base finishes off this wearing. It's a strong frag by today's standards, but no monster frag by any means. Excellent quality for what you pay for these bottles.

Note to RuffDawg : I'm unsophisticated and on a lower level than you because I like this? You have seriously pissed me off you condescending schmuck. Try growing a set of nuts before using a mans frag.

Z-14 is a fragrance classic. I have a bottle of this and where it on occasion. I like the citrusy opening and find that the cinnamon middle notes smell great on me. The leathery dry down is great and long lasting, too. This is the type of scent that I can wear all day and never get a headache from it. Funny, but being this frag is now so old, young people will ask me what it is and then ask ........is it new? I hope EA continues to keep making it because many "older" guys still wear it.

Z-14 reminds me both in name and nature of Zyklon B - a gas the nazis used to kill people they didn't like. And while Z-14 hasn't been known to kill per se its beginning is as uncomfortable as whisky vomit.

So what happens if you survive the initial agony ?

Well, after a while, sometimes a pyramid of hours, you get an odd impression of wearing the smell of a pharaoh's tomb.

There is no light except what you take with you, no wind and almost no oxygen. If history wore a fragrance this would be it.
If a man wears it on a date he's probably history before the meeting has begun. For nobody wants a partner who idealizes the picture of himself as a corpse drinking tea in a crypt.