Michael for Men (2001)
by Michael Kors

To me, it smells of a leather trimmed 1974 sports car leaking gasoline. Some may like this smell. Fond memories, but not something I want on my skin.

21st January, 2012. (Last Edited: 23rd January, 2012.)

The 1st time I tried Michael for Men, I thought, "disgusssting! Who would wear this nasty stuff? Smells like ****!" Half an hour later, it smelled even worse (if that were possible). Thoroughly displeased, I washed several times to remove all traces of the offending odor. Some weeks later I sampled it again, just to show someone how vile it was. To my surprise, they liked it- a lot. I gingerly sniffed my wrist again, and, what's that? That smells great! Note, it HAD dried down over an hour before I smelled it this time. What a difference! Fairly strong sillage, and I can easily detect it the next day. I've grown to really appreciate this scent. I just need to make sure I apply it well before I leave home to let it air out a bit. Anyone else have a similar experience with this one?

PS I detect similarities between this and Cartier's Pasha; several notes in common from top through mid to base, with more of a dried fruit,tobacco and boozey notes added. The nod goes to Michael over Pasha, though. See my review of Pasha.

21st December, 2011.

Very good fragrance from a top designer. I didn't expect the richness, but this is made (as a division) by Givenchy. I can see where the quality and notes come from. Definitely a spicy gourmand scent that packs a punch - and I mean that in a good way. If you want to be noticed - then this is a fragrance that stands out, in a good way. Some people have said it is a throwback to the 80's powerhouse boozy scents with tobacco, vanilla, leather, etc. - I can see why. Most people will expect something that smells cheaper than this does...although there are some noticeable synthetic aspects, it is still a fabulous fragrance for the price. It is a very cozy and comfortable scent meant for intimacy. If you are a "man", not a boy trying to smell good on a high-school date. Leave this stuff to the late-20's and up crowd and enjoy a nice cigar while wearing it. This is a skin scent, although it projects well from clothing (so a mix would be advised to get more longevity and sillage). It is a closer-in scent as many describe. This has been around an entire decade and, although I sampled it before, I always went for something else (not sure why). It is less boozy than other scents I have - including Gucci Pour Homme (Original) and Dirty English. I see the comparisons with the dried fruit to John Varvatos - but more Varvatos Vintage for me. The tobacco is stronger along with the more notable leather. I have all the John Varvatos bottlings (including Artisan and Artisan Black)...love the entire line - and this has some of the better qualities of tobacco, leather, incense, and dried fruits plus patchouli and sandalwood. This is a truly great bottle of juice for a very reasonable price point. Only drawback is that you don't get a long time with it...as most reviews say, 3-4 hours or so. But, I have to say that sometimes it is better to have a very good scent last for a shorter period of time than a mediocre scent last a long time (which is often the case). That, ironically, is my only issue with John Varvatos - great quality, excellent composition and exquisite chic-ness that lasts about 3-4 hours. After that, you can either reapply or move on to a flanker, which I often do (separates day into night)...or even bring in a new scent with similar aromatics and let it fly. After all, you are left with a very sweet and expressive drydown that is a nice memory - no reason to feel cheated. Michael Kors was the forerunner of where John Varvatos went and it still stands out after a decade. Very Good! Scent - 4.25+/5 stars; Longevity and Sillage - 3.5/5 stars; Overall - 4/5 stars for sheer enjoyment! Just like good sex, it doesn't last forever, but when it's good - it's damn good and you think of it often afterward...wanting more.

29th November, 2011.

I have had a small bottle of this for over a year and quite honestly forgot about it. The fragrance is predominantly sweet and herbal with a dry down that presents fruits and green notes. This cologne projects mightily and everyone will know you're wearing it. Lasts approximately 6-8 hours, although it breaks down during that time to a descending putrid fruit scent. This is one of those scents that isn't horrible, but is extremely rigid in it's statement and therefore very limiting in it's wearability.

14th November, 2011.

I feel quite much of plum in this scent, and I adore the smell of plums in fragrances. Incense doesn't dominate at all, it is hardly felt, at least on my skin. It is not a loud scent, yet quite present and elegant too, I do agree it is formal. To an extent it could be comparable with Xeryus Rouge in sense of style as they both share this fruity vibe, XR being less warm. This fragrance deserves more attention than it gets, and on this site it gets none unfortunately.

18th October, 2011.

Spicy and boozy acting at the same time. Mix this with dried fruits and we have the opening in Michael Kors for men.

Through time the tobacco kicks in leaving a very good impression in the drydown. At the base we then finally have somehow an ambery smell ending this scent.

17th October, 2011.