Ferré (2005)
by Gianfranco Ferré

Gorgeous! I agree with mbanderson that this scent is well blended. Everything compliments everything, and I really have no complaints with this one. I love the fruit notes which are smoother and more realistic than most I've smelled and not at all syrupy/sugary. Artificial but tastefully so- not obnoxiously, cheaply, sloppily artificial but more refined than other scents. It also doesn't burn my nose which is a plus. A feel good scent which makes me feel young and happy and carefree. Though it was made in 2005, Ferre reminds me of scents I smelled as an early adolescent in the 90s. Maybe the Calgon spray that's supposed to smell like rain? Except this one is so much better. Makes me feel innocent- and reminds me of long lost adventures with long lost friends. Which is pretty impressive since I'm sure I've never smelled it before!

Much confusion surrounds the various Ferre fragrances, whose names all contain the name "Ferre" and seemingly little else. The fragrance reviewed by the previous reviewer actually appears to be the 2005 Ferre Eau de Cologne (Bergamotto Marino), also by Bourdon. Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre should also not be confused with Ferre by Ferre (a floral aldehyde from 1991) or with Gianfranco Ferre (a floral from 1984).

Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre (Bourdon 2005) is a rich, warm fragrance with nectar-laden top notes that remind us of the reason why fruit notes really do belong in perfumes. Yes, pineapple and melon can be gorgeous if they are not amped-up with an artificial sweetness. Combined with the lightness of iris leaves, they float away and reveal a heart of iris petals, ylang ylang, jasmine and other florals. The notes are extraordinarilly well blended, with only the iris and perhaps magnolia asserting dominance. Iris appears again in the base, along with basmati rice, amber, sandalwood, vanilla and musk. The base is soft and warm, sweet, but not cloying.

Ferre is rightly compared to Iris Poudre, also by Bourdon, however, where Iris Poudre is sparkling and translucent from the aldehydes, Ferre is opaque. I love to compare them, one on each arm. I have a preference for IP, however the Ferre is growing on me each time I wear it.

Top Notes: Calabrian bergamot, melon, pineapple, iris leaves
Heart Notes: Ylang, magnolia, freesia, lily-of-the-valley, rose, jasmine, iris flower
Base Notes: Iris root, sandalwood, basmati rice, vanilla, amber, musk

I believe this one is unisex and the notes include:

Top: Marine Bergamot, Cassis, Melon
Middle: Neroli, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Muget
Last: Patchouli, Mahogany woods, Oakmoss, Seaweed, Ambergris, Musk

A wonderful light blend, this will be perfect for summer heat. Sweet, fresh, slightly floral (lily, jasmine and neroli all make brief appearrances before blending into the composition), marine with that special hint of motu, and a very pleasant light musk base. It reminds me of CSP Motu with a softer floral and citric opening and not as strong algae notes in the base. At the price I paid, $30 for a 50ml, it was totally worth it and in my opinion the best Ferre scent yet.