Dior Homme (2005)
by Christian Dior

This reminds me of Bach's Art of the Fugue in its baroque darkness and complexity. I get a lot of iris, tonka, cedar, and vetiver (in that order) after the vaguely fruity opening, although the iris and tonka seems to exchange places in terms of dominance depending on the day.

Like the Art of the Fugue, this isn't for everyone. It isn't even for me all the time, but it's a unique and worthwhile addition to my wardrobe; I can't imagine getting bored of a fragrance this enigmatic.

Who needs one more review of Dior Homme?

If you think you do, here's my take on it: This was an unusual scent for men when it first came out. It seemed a bit too powdery, too floral, too sweet. Yet it made an instant hit in a big way, and other designer fragrances for men began to feature iris in imitation of it. I know this isn't for everyone but let's face it: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Having said that, let's look at the composition. Iris: powdery; lavender: herbal-floral; cacao and amber: sweet. But also, sage: green; bergamot: green-citrus; cardamom: spicy; vetiver and patchouli: woody; and leather. There is a lot of balance for the powdery, sweet, and floral notes. I believe that balance, along with the novelty of this kind of offering as a mainstream men's scent, is what made it a success.

I wear it and like it; sometimes I think I like the even more reviled (and to my nose drier) Lanvin Arpège pour Homme even better. Both of these bring iris (orris root) back out of exile from men's perfumery; they set the clock back to 16th century Tuscany and made iris a men's note again. That wasn't easy. Others had been trying, mostly niche houses and "edgy"noses. This was the one that broke through to the larger market.

Well, I sprayed this on the strip and found it enticing. It seemed worthy of a test drive, so I spray it on the wrist and immediately, lipstick. Not completely disagreeable, but enjoyable to me either. I considered washing it off at this point but decided there was something I liked on the strip, so I'd wait and see. I'm certainly glad I did. The odd lipstick-y smell faded at about 20 where it begins it's manhood. The dry down was rich and a little edgy-- certainly wearable and enjoyable.

I love it. It smells of spring. Nice and floral but yet masculine and clean.

This review is under revision.

I used both Dior Homme and Dior Homme Intense(I don't think this one is being sold in the US at the moment), and let me tell you I love them both. So sophisticated and gentleman-like. It is for the guy who doesn't care what others would think of him necessarily, yet still wants to make a bold and significant statement about himself. It is not one of those Acqua di Gio/D&G Light Blue clones out there: it is quite unique.

Heavy iris, and lavender notes at the top, slightly feminine for an opening, I'll admit. Yet the gorgeous green vetiver balances it so perfectly, that it turns into a dry, airy, at the same time, intriguing scent. Iris is very strong, so it is not for the faint of heart. It was unlike anything I smelt before, so I had to have it. One must be confident with his sexuality with this one. But there is absolutely no way this could be a woman's fragrance anyways: vetiver is too strong to my nose for it to ever be one. Dior Homme Intense feels slightly more powdery, and with heavier lavender notes all around this time. But they are pretty much the same scent, as they should be.

Not only is it unique, but also very elegant and refined. Women go crazy for it, yet it is not just that. I know many guys who feel very comfortable wearing it. It completely surrounds your body, gives it a warm dryness, and dangerously extravagant flower notes. I will say though, it is more suitable for a younger crowd. Must test before buying, yet with a scent this unique, I wonder why one would have any doubts.