Van Gils (1988)
by Van Gils

I can't believe it took me so long to discover this wonderful fragrance. It has elements of some of my favorite scents...a little Kouros, a touch of Aramis 900, and even a pinch of Jean-Marc Sinan V.O. (minus the crazy amount of incense). This is perfectly balanced in my opinion, and is one of the best of the old school herbal fougeres. If any of this is ringing any bells for you, I suggest you seek out Van Gils, and smell for yourself. I think you will be happy you spent the time searching for it!

8th October, 2011.

A functional eighties powerhouse pretender, that never quite pulls off the feat of becoming three dimensional. Citric, herbal and lightly spiced in the opening, it quickly creates a soapy aura that mollifies those merely seeking a cleansed palate. Though lacking the requisite oakmoss to legitimately be called a fougere, it does all it can to give the illusion of membership. Aromatic, powdery and simplistic, it twists and writhes very little in its stroll to the base. Ultimately, Van Gils includes the blossomed sweetness of jasmine with some traditional base note stalwarts to finish on a moderate high. When judging this on affordability, simplicity and wearabilty – it’s an adequate creation. However, there are numerous candidates from this era that are better made and more worthy of attention

24th July, 2010.

Quite temperamental animalic patchouli scent. Shares a similarities with Dali PH, Givenchy Gentleman, Laura Tonatto`s Re plus some other scents that are heavy on patchouli.

Indolic jasmin dancing along with amber (plus that patchouli) can cause serious problems to some.

Very very masculine. Apart fom patch and animalics, I get herbs (mainly verbena) and woods (mainly cedarwood).

Wonderful when very moderately applied. Horrendous in larger amounts.


And here is the personable pyramid for this (jasmin and orange are quite rare as Basenotes) :

Top : Lemon, Bergamot, Vervain (Verbena)

Middle : Thyme, Rosemary, Coriander, Cardamon

Base : Orange, Patchouli, Vetyver, Cedar, Jasmine, Amber


Btw, the bottle of this can`t get anymore masculine.

18th November, 2008.

This scent is very unknown because the clothing house of Van Gils is based in Holland, and to my knowledge, doesn't export much. You only might see it in the UK.

The fragrance is much darker and stronger than those before me described. For me, it doens't really feel like boss no.1, it's maybe heavier, and maybe a little sweeter on the floral part. The florals are done VERY well, like in aramis, very subltle. The other notes on the other hand, are DARK

This scent doesn't nearly get the reputation it deserves, it's like a better version of Trussardi Uomo! Not only in terms of strength, but also lasting power and balance.

Enough raving about it, it's just a try before you die, if you like the 80's powerhouses!!

12nd January, 2008.

If buying anything by Van Gils buy this one.

Powered by roaring 80's engines proud of the smoke they generate Van Gils is a bit on the dark and sweet side. This is a vintage sports car at full speed - so full of classy energy it can even give King Kouros a match.

4th December, 2007. (Last Edited: 1st March, 2011.)

this has got to be my "lucky pants" fragrance,whenever i wear it i always get compliments.i love the woody/leathery dry down,and it lasts for ages.the body products are amazing,especially the shower gel.

9th January, 2007.