Mogul (2007)
by Parfums Raffy

Is that as in ski bump? When things come as unsolicited free samples, there’s usually a reason. Sometimes it’s because they smell like Mogul.

When I first read the esteemed the_good_life’s reviews of Parfum Raffy’s scents I thought: “They can’t really be THAT bad.” Guess what? They can. This is a cheap knock-off of a cheap knock-off of Cool Water that smells more like a deodorant stick than anything else. Perfumery hits a new low.

I get no citrus in the opening. I get a synthetic smelling lavender that is struggling to stay afloat in a sea of perfumy alcohol. Its struggles are short lived. I feel compelled to immediately wash it off because it’s giving me a headache…probably some leather note in there somewhere. Mogul is in a place that I do not want to be.

I tried to visit A List Fragrances' website, which apparently were the ones "responsible" for this.. little abomination. Well, it appears they didn't even bother creating a website, which clearly reflects their level of effort. Seriously though, this is just a more concentrated recreation of various 80's-themed frags. This one has no heart and soul.

Headache-inducing synthetic brew thrown together with all the care of a Jackson Pollock. Say no to action-perfumery! Jasmin should sue for having been put in that note pyramid against its will and I would rather be thrown into a vat of Iso E Super than having to wear this sinus-searing concoction for more than thirty seconds. If you want a decently made version of this, just go for mat;very male or B* Men. Parfums Raffy seriously needs to refocus on selling other people's perfumes.

Very similar to Joop! Nightflight (citrus, clean laundry) but not as outgoing, different or refreshing.
Also not particularly good longevity.
It is still very nice smelling, however I wouldn't buy a bottle when I already own 2 bottles of Nightflight.

Mogul is a 21st Century incarnation of a late 1970s-early 1980s powerhouse fragrance. It bears a resemblance to it's a second cousin on its mother's side, the redoubtable Hugh Boss Uno, both of which are gently bewitching. Mogul differs from its ancestors in that it is not overwhelming, and will not cause consternation in its wearers as to whether its sillage will cause disruptions (read coughs or snide comments) in the commercial, social or domestic setting. In fact, Mogul is a gent, it is rich citrusy. warm, sophisticated and nicely complex in a 21st Century way -- just a touch sweet as it develops, but not so as to be a problem. It is not like late 70s Van Cleef & Arpels or Givenchy Gentleman, which are loved and revered, but can not be warn without a high degree of prudence and sharp self-awareness. You should always be careful not to over apply anything, but Mogul is less likely to cause problems in this area. This is a subtle smell of power and sophistication that can make it onto the street with confidence. A distinction has to be made with a fragrance such as Birley, which one could also call a subtle, sophisticated, and (perhaps) moneyed smell. The fact is Birley is purely contemporary, whereas Mogul harkens back to the earlier age, and successfully updates the vibe, as I have said above. I would have wished I had perceived the patchouli note called out in this pyramid. I didn't, but in the final analysis I was all right with that. This starts off fresh and green and moves to mellow more bronze-like aspect. While it is not too strong, it amazingly lasts all day, moving to the mellower aspects of its nature as time goes by. In the final analysis, Mogul deserves an enthusiastic thumbs up because it stands out nicely from the stampede of "me too" fragrances, and while it is totally contemporary, it has a character all its own, and has an ambitious goal to reflect classic taste, and succeeds. More Pierce Brosnan's "Thomas Crown Affair" than Steve McQueen's, yet it still reflects Thomas Crown; not an easy feat, and very well done. Works in all venues, can go to the best parties.