Ho Hang (1971)
by Balenciaga

A warm woody Oriental, classic in construction. Ho Hang has that extra drama – that touch of surrealism – that is prominent in several of the Balenciaga fragrances I’ve experienced. I find the opening very aromatic, which, to me, emphasizes the otherwise understated citrus / herbal top. The aromatics are primarily accomplished through the lavender and basil – a particularly aromatic form of each of them. When I first experienced Ho Hang, I found the opening rather discreet, but the more I wear it, the more power the opening seems to have. The wood middle continues the Oriental nature of the fragrance especially with the help of the dramatic carnation, rosewood, and cedar, smoothed and evened by a mild patchouli. The base is Oriental – not as sweet as the list of notes would indicate – and probably the least dramatic of the levels. Ho Hang is a somewhat fresh, very woody, semi-sweet fragrance, rather old-fashioned, a touch dramatic in its quiet citrus way. It throws a moderate sillage and has very good longevity. Orientals are not my favorite category and I find a sort of built in contradiction about citrus Orientals: I guess I prefer my citruses light and airy… but even so, this is a well made, attractive fragrance.

Ho Hang... what a surprise! It is delightful. Easy to overlook this one. As others have said; it is a fresh, woody Oriental. The elements are very well blended and create a lovely accord. The only clearly distinguishable notes are citrus at the beginning and lovely cedarwood throughout. The vanilla is not a problem here (it usually is for me). This is not a rich or overly spicy scent; it is sprightly, invigorating and enjoyable. Excellent dry-down. I’d say HH is in the same mood-camp as Worth pour Homme or Jil Sander Man Pure (Original) & I like it!

Hang Ho Hang! Truth be told it is not a bad scent, just mediocre. One big yawn.

Ho Hang is the olfactory translation of the word "understatement" : it sparkles with refinement. Classic (and classy), effortlessly chic, appropriate under just about any circumstance... It is both fresh and sophisticated, perfectly clean yet somewhat "dirty", a little old-fashioned but sure never to go completely out of style : a magnificent scent, for those who know, and need not say more. Bravo !

Wonderfully fresh top notes remind me of a womens perfume, but this is followed by an incredibly enticing middle and oriental base that simply knocks me out. It's so different to everything else I've owned or tried, and I've been asked several time what it is.

Very clean and soapy smelling, sort of warm and fuzzy, with a slight woodsiness and citric edge that keeps it from being a comfort scent. Stays close to the skin, would make a good daytime office scent. In the end, for me it smells a bit dated, and so was a slight disappointment compared to this house's timeless duo Pour Homme and Portos.