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 But outdated?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.

I have always loved this fragrance in the dry down. When you first apply it, however, it smells overbearing and harsh. A few sprays will do because it is strong and lasts a long time on the skin. I am surprised at how sophisticated an inexpensive fragrance can smell.

I wouldn't go as far as Vibert and call this somewhat gourmand. Instead, it's softened and sweetened just enough to make the harsh element not just bearable, but enjoyable. What I like about it is that it avoids a super-musky quality that would have dated it terribly, and more importantly, made it unwearable (for me). Instead, this is a great blend that never goes too far in any direction while retaining its essential character (dry, woody, mossy, etc.). Those who once enjoyed various "niche" incense fragrances, yet now find them too harsh or dry should try this great "cheapo." With one spray to the chest, longevity and sillage were good to excellent.