Narciso Rodriguez for Him (2007)
by Narciso Rodriguez

Has anyone noticed that this is very similar to Versace Black Jeans? Well, they are both cut from the same floral dominant cloth but VBJ dries down to a very dry, leathery masculine aroma while NR stays woody and floral. NR is very strong and long lasting so make sure you like it before you dowse yourself in it. I really don't care for either of them.

Inspired by a recent thread on "rain", I decided to revise my review to reflect an experience that is more personal, and that a few members have related similarly to. Well this scent reminds me of the initial whiffs of vapors that arise from tarmac roads when it begins to rain. This could essentially be the "synthetic" reference that many have experienced. Couple that with the scent of damp grass, and that is what makes up Narciso Rodriguez For Him, for me. It is one of my favorite designer scents.

Smells like synthetic violets on steroids with a chalky note reminiscent of cement/concrete and cucumber, over a base of amber, vanilla, (almost indiscernable) patchouli and slightly salty ambergris. Those who like the synthetic style of Le Male may enjoy this, as it's similar in texture (it's thick) and probably 100% synthetic - at that, it's unique like no other and very enjoyable. Seriously, what other fragrances out there smell like wet cement?

There is a definite “je ne sais quoi” vibe to it that demands attention, but the fragrance itself is soft and smooth like a cashmere sweater. It does smell damp, as other reviewers have said, but in a good way.

If you like NS for Him, but find it too potent, you might like Creed's Green Valley, which also has lots of violet leaf over patchouli and musk. Although NR is not my style, it’s very special and an incredibly creative work of olfactory art.

8.5/10

The Nose: Francis Kurkdjian.

For me Fleur D' Male & Le Male were his big mistakes... which he had overcome by creating this marvel Narciso Rodriguez, even Silver Shadow was also done very well by him... But amongst these 4 under my observation NR is the best yet modern, complex and sexiest fragrance.

Violet and musk are so well blended. NR has a dry affect but is quite suitable for a moist / cold weather. Lasting and silage are appropriate for the fragrance category of intimate / romantic wear.

NR is highly recommended for highly sophisticated.

I didn’t find any sort of resemblance b/w Grey Flannel (also in my top favs.) and Narciso Rodriguez; both are totally different worlds and inspiration never meant any ditto reproductions.

So bad it is downright terrifying. I am usually one who can find a positive in the most awful of scents, I sometimes feel like I like too many fragrances I should not, I end up buying too many also. But even I can't find the slightest justification in this to say it even smells ok. This is an avoid at all costs for me, I can't imagine paying money to smell this bad.

I tried this from a sample this morning and instantly regretted it. The smell is somewhere between fresh asphalt and the contents of a 1950s bathroom cabinet. I can just imagine that a target demographic for this scent might exist; perhaps third-rate professional footballers, but it does nothing for me.