Fragrance Reviews by Dimitri

A remarkably accurate olfactory representation of the act of of drinking Ginger Ale!
This one has a sparkling effervescence that tingles in the nose, and the sharp fresh ginger soda accords both dazzle and amaze.
As far as "singular scents" are concerned, I do not often subscribe - however I made the exception with ginger ale. It sits well on the skin, but does tend to taper off quite swiftly and disappear within a couple of hours. After the bubbles subside, I find myself left with delicious clove and zestful ginger on my skin.
I have this one in my wardrobe as a spring/summer pick-me-up, just to spritz if the day is warm, or if I wish to avoid storming my senses with the application of a more complex fragrance.

"Colonia Intensa" is the sun in the Acqua di Parma universe, to my mind.
When wearing this, I am overcome with a sense of wistful sentimentality... a truly refined gentleman's scent that, despite reminding me of a bygone era; has a distinctive air of modernity.
The lush citruses present in the top and heart notes have their sharp edges softly rounded by faint spices and one of the most remarkable leather accords I have experienced yet. The woody, musky base is not at all overwhelming, rather, it lends a subtle earthy undertone upon which the whole composition sits neatly.
Its clever and understated blend of quality leather and mediterranean citruses is distinctly Italian in style.
More 'refined' and less harsh that "Colonia" and "Colonia Assoluta", Intensa is a sophisticated fragrance that can be worn and enjoyed on all occasions. It has swiftly become a favourite.

Musc Ravageur is far from the titanic scent that many tout it to be.

Nonetheless, it is a remarkable scent with very likable qualities. With the name "Musc Ravageur" one might expect animalic musks to dominate, but this is a tidy and relatively linear composition where creamy tonka, fragrant woods, soft lavender and warm spices prevail. There is something mildly synthetic about this scent - when I first experienced it, I recognized the perfume of old colored erasers that I once collected in primary school... soft and aromatic. But the combination of fragrant spice and precious woods suggest a warm amber-like feel here which prickles at the back of the nose.
One can sense the use of quality ingredients, and a remarkable sensitivity in their application, but Musc Ravageur is not the roaring lion that many expect. It does however boast impressive sillage and great longevity to boot, but it is a scent that I'd consider a well-made middle-of-the-road niche release. To me, its appeal is in its lack of complexity, and the striking warmth it radiates.

Gaultier2 features 3 basic accords: Amber, Vanilla and Musk.
Though its relatively liner composition doesn't evolve much from first spritz to final wisp on the skin; it does shift somewhat between these three featured accords.
Amber is the main star here - deep and resinous and warm. It melds to the skin like thick molasses and, when heated by your body, amplifies tenfold. The accompanying vanilla radiates this warmth and creates titanic sillage - imbuing the air with honeyed incandescent warmth. The underlying musk is not overtly animalic - but is ever-present to suggest something distinctly organic... the overall experience being like the heat of two bodies pressed together and the friction between them... tempestuous, fiery and yet tender.
G2 is not everyone's bag - but it does do exceptionally well that which it was originally intended to do... to illustrate and intensify the magnetism and volatility of attraction between two people, irrespective of gender and age. Perhaps a scent best left out of the office - but a great one to share at home with your partner.

An exceptional yet often-overlooked gem!
Cacharel Pour L'Homme is one of the "keepers" from the 80s. Where scents from that decade are often described as loud and excessive - CPL is a remarkably well-balanced understated scent.
The opening is very opulent and shimmers with zestful citrus played off against soft lavender. Carnation and (my beloved) Geranium lend an appealing dustiness to the heart. Nutmeg is also a prominent accord, although one might say that the sum of all these individual notes sometimes suggests the presence of clove alongside the nutmeg. The base is a sublime blend of woods where the cedar and vetiver prevail.
This is a fragrance that deserves attention, and there is something distinctly cosy and familiar about it. Though worn relatively close to the skin, L'Homme has remarkable staying power and an overall quality that draws others around you in, to indulge their senses.
Can be worn day or night and at any time of year. It comes alive in both warm and cool weather, where different nuances shift to the fore. Glorious.

Gaultier has really stepped up to the challenge of creating a 'masculine' floral fragrance. "Le Fleur du Male" is a triumph where this is concerned. Where some would suggest it is 'too' similar to 'Le Male', I would disagree... 'LFDM' is as groundbreaking in 2007 as LM was in 1995, yet the two are stikingly different.
Gone are the sweet notes of mint and vanilla present in its predicessor, instead LFDM is a bold bouquet of sharp dry floral accords and spiciness that hit the back of the nose. Its drydown is fresh, yet profound.
'Le Fleur du Male' promises to deliver longevity and memorable impact when worn. Not for the faint-hearted, or those who prefer lightweight 'lollywater' scents. Pity this wasn't released by a less-commercial niche fragrance house... I would have regarded this as a 'best-kept secret'!

"Arpége Pour Homme" could quite possibly be one of my favourite interpretations of Sandalwood.
APH requires light application to be fully appreciated. Its fresh topnote veils a warm beating heart of creamy spices, soft velvety florals, and precious woody accords. At center-stage of this composition, the Sandalwood features, and stars. When wearing this, I find myself wondering "what smells so damn good?!" throughout the course of the day.
Longevity and projection are a big plus! It need not be sprayed liberally, as theres a tonka bean accord there with a right hook! Less is more in most circumstances.
Arpege PH can be worn for any occasion and enjoyed at any time of day or night. I prefer it in cooler climates, but this is not a rule.

Full credit goes to Tauer for this remarkable and ground-breaking scent!

Andy has truly captured the dry heat and dustiness of the Maghreb desert with this fragrance. From first spray one is overwhelmed with the radiant hotness within... its dry husky cedar takes center stage while exotic cumin, petitgrain & coriander spices scuttle over it, as would a scorpion on the desert sands. This fragrance has a vintage quality - as though it has permeated from the pages of an old Agatha Christie novel, where british archaeologists dab their brows with pressed handkerchieves, and caravans of desert nomads roam the dunes. It is both romantic and robust, and, much like the desert itself, unrelenting. The parched and arid amber has an aura of equatorial warmth, and is juxtaposed carefully with soft jasmine and rose. The transitory notes and dry-down are so remarkable - one cant help but feel oneself transported to another far-flung landscape at dusk, under a rising Moroccan moon.
This fragrance will be appreciated by those whose passions lie beyond the mainstream and the predictable. "L'air du Desert Marocain" lulls and woos the wearer and draws one in... just like the pages of a timeless antique book.

I can't fault Loris Azzaro's work here.
CHROME is in fact a great scent for its price-point. Its the kid brother to the grown-up 'Platinum Egoiste', as both share not only a similar name, but also qualities that make each of them unique.
Chrome is sharp, crisp and penetrating. Its composition is quite perplexing; one might ask how citruses, green tea, amber, leather and musk accords amount to something so clean and pronounced. Whatever the case, it is an accomplishment. I wore this some years ago and was always complemented on it without fail.
Chrome is inoffensive and suitable for wear during the day or evenings. Two thumbs up for versatility and price.

Ive tried to adore this scent, but eventually gave my bottle away.
I "get" the fantastic woody/benzoin/incense-like accords but dont actually enjoy the total sum of these seperate components. To me it smells like a Byzantine Monestary nestled in deep cypress pines on the rocky slopes of Northern Greece. Albeit it inspires poetic visualisation in me, it's headiness does not inspire a purchase.

"Echo" will appeal to those wanting freshness and a sense of crisp cleaness.
The downside: there is a note at the heart that is so overtly synthetic that at times I find it completely intolerable. Whatever this accord, it has the same noxious quality as cheap plastic items manufactured in the far east whose odour burns the back of the throat when you remove them from their packaging.
Worth a look, but NOT a winner in my book.

Mass-marketed mass-produced lolly-water.

There is very little here that defines 'Unforgiveable' as a scent with clout. It is a typical "run-of-the-mill" celebrity scent with more effort invested into the marketing strategy, than the composition itself.
This will seal the fates of millions who "don't know better" and thus will sell hand over fist.

Platinum Egoiste is often unfairly measured against its predicessor "Egoiste", however I find Platinum to be the superior of the two.
This remarkable fragrance opens with wet, sharp rosemary/green accords. It is both rousing and commanding. The leafy heart is apparent here, and I find the use of my beloved accord geranium here to be one of the best yet. Its vetiver and mossyness play against the sharpness of the scent and balance the composition well.
Platinum Egoiste is a scent that begets respect. One cant help but feel important whist wearing this. Its pronounced aura can be detected from several feet, even after light application. Its very unique and long-lasting qualities will ensure it a favourite of mine for a long time yet!

DIVINE!
As many have said before me, Terre d'Hermés is a triumph! Its opening accords of fresh green/orange citruses are much akin to those found in Eau d'Oranges Verte - another of my Hermés faves. However, it quickly shifts into an unusual chocolatey/jaffa note before earthy and elemental accords come to the fore. One can almost smell the dusty earth as it is speckled with large raindrops. There is almost a sense of an "electrical storm" hanging overhead... TdH is as threatening and challenging as it is basic and familiar. It is the scent of a long forgotten orange orchid that is overgrown and earthy.
I give this fragrance full marks. Its projection is not the best, however it is worn close to the skin, and in doing so, allows the wearer this small personal luxury.

BURBERRY LONDON is destinctly British.
When first sprayed I am overwhelmed with velvety rich black tea accords, much like those found in Bvlgari Black... however a look at the fragrance notes suggests there are none. This fragrance is a warm, embracing scent which bursts with lush woody leathery notes. The lavender works well to soften the composition, and ensures the woods do not overly-dominate.
As this scent wears on, it improves tenfold! In cooler climates radiant hues emerge that have gone unnoticed when worn during the warmer months.
Burberry London is a fragrance that would be worn well with cashmere scarves and wool jackets. Its very composition lends itself to a feeling of comfort and coziness.
Its longevity is great and projection excellent. I will enjoy this scent for a long time to come.

I greatly enjoy that which Escada Homme has to offer.
Its opening zing of citrus and soft lavender is a great accompaniment to the rich cognac accord. There is an "aristocratic" feel to this fragrance, like you have opened an old treasured bottle of cognac that has been stored since the 1700's. Notes of black pepper prickle the nose whilst herbaceous and spicy accords at its heart soften and soothe. The musk in the base is ever-present and anchored by patchouli and woody accords.
this scent just gets better and better as it develops on the skin.
A fantastic office scent or fragrance to be worn for romantic evenings on the town.

COLLOSSAL is the word I would use to describe Narciso Rodriguez For Him!

This is a scent that epitomises stylishness... but in an assertive, excessive manner!
Layer upon layer of bold, commanding accords leap forward in an attempt to stand center stage.
The opening accords are green and lush - like the deep unspoiled emerald forests of New Zealand. All the while, velvety violet accords soften the "wetness" of this rich fougere. Heady patchouli acts as an anchor to bring this scent back to earth; and the ever-present clean musk I would describe as akin to running a thick silk ribbon across the back of one's neck... icy cool, but 'humming' with warmth. Yet curiously, these varied individual accords find an astonishing harmony here!
This is a powerhouse fragrance that commands respect. Its perfect worn with suit and tie, but also for casual wear for those who are bold and self-assured. Longevity and projection are great.
Absolutely two thumbs up!

First and foremost I must state that S.T. Dupont scents in general are underestimated. That being said, "Noir" is a scent that deserves wide recognition as a fragrance with clout!
It offers a hit of cool crisp spearmint that almost immediately subsides into the velvety, peppery warmth of clove and precious woods. Its freshness derives from the mint, lavendar and fragrant vetyver, but at "Noir's" heart lies a hot glowing ember of spice. Radiant woods and the musk-like cashmeran accords dominate on the drydown.
I find "Noir" warms exceptionally well on the skin, and lasts at least 5 or 6 hours. Perfect as a smart office fragrance, or for evening excursions.

The flacon is also extremely masculine - its highly reflective faceted surface looks AMAZING in any room and is a pleasure to hold in ones hand.

On the whole I enjoy green fragrances, and this scent reminds me of both the remarkable Bvlgari Pour Homme, and the less impressive Jasper Conran Man. Paul Smith's "Story" falls a little short for me. Its fresh citrus and green ivy topnote transforms almost immediately into a smokey woody heart which is dusty and almost incense-like. Some 2 hours later all that remains is a whisper of smoke on my skin. Its something I could wear, but not something I'd 'choose' to wear. Sorry Paul Smith, I wont subscribe.

Beyond 'Issey Miyake', I've always wondered what scents true Japanese designers could create. The idea of Japanese simplicity and minimalism has always appealed to me, even if I work in the visual arts field, and personally enjoy radical colour and decortive styles.
I sampled this 'Masaki Matsushima' release yesterday, and walked from the store a little underwhelmed. It had first appeared to be a fragrance that was transparent and lightweight - something which I had actually half expected. It was only over lunch that my wife and I felt there was a third person sitting at the table. "M;Men" evolved into a radiant presence around us - one that felt almost holy or angel-like. Its light, citrusy top notes dropped down into a fresh and strikingly unusual blend of herbaceous, tea and nutty accords. On the drydown, a very unusual 'creaminess' could be detected - not at all unlike the white chocolate accords in Bvlgari "Omnia" - but all the while, the scent maintained an impressive feeling of transparent freshness.
This scent could be worn literally at any time and for any purpose. It is a clever contradiction: both simple and yet extremely profound.
Astonishingly, just one puff lasted more than 6 hours.
I highly recommend you try it when given the opportunity.

A fragrance unworthy of much comment.
Pleasant, but lacking conviction and presence.
Fruity opening notes collide with some unusual musk/smokey accords, and then the whole composition just falls to pieces. 2 hours on, and there remained just the ghost of an odour on my arm.
Forgettable.

These days, its not often I run into a scent that has a curious and intriguing depth to it. "L'Instant PH" is one that pleases me greatly. It has a bold presence that does not serve to assault the senses; rather, it's fascinating blend of woods and spices act as an "olfactory marinade"... completely surrounding the wearer in a rich cloak of woody-oriental intrigue.
The drydown is a rich incense-like note that lingers 8+ hours on the skin.
I would compare this fragrance to "Scent Intense" by Costume National as both share similar hibiscus and tea accords. Where 'Scent Intense' is a dark and threatening raven, 'L'Instant PH' is a magestic bird of prey. I will add this scent to my wardrobe alongside my Costume National so that I may enjoy the nuances that each have to offer.

I don't know what it is about this scent that drives 14 year olds to swim in the stuff!
JOOP! is one of the few fragrances that I find totally unbearable... it is sweet, pungent, cloying, and absolutely suffocating. Despite this, it sells hand over fist to pimpled teens and adult men alike. I can't work this one out... perhaps just like Gaultier's 'Le Male', it entered the market at a time when there was great demand for male scents that branched away from the citrus/woody norm.
I've always referred to this fragrance as 'lolly-water' as it seems to remind me of the smell of a half-sucked jube. Steer well clear if you're looking for fine fragrance credability.

'Celine PH' is a vastly underrated fragrance. Admittedly, I too didnt fully understand this fragrance when first trying it... I initially wrote it off as another uninteresting woody scent.
Several years on, and with something more of a 'refined olofactory palate', I rediscovered 'Celine' and was wowed by its vibrance and warmth. Prominent at first, is the juicy citrus topnote which is build around warm Mediterranean accords of spices and geranium. When allowed to fully develop on the skin, this fragrance blooms with radiant musk. The composition is not so 'heavy' so that it would limit its use to only formal evenings or cooler climes; quite the contrary - 'Celine PH' can be worn inoffensively in any climate, and at any time.
I care not if this scent continues to be 'snubbed' by the masses - it simply means there's more for me! Definitely one for the wardrobe.

I enjoy greatly that which 'Allure Sport PH' has to offer in terms of a crisp, modern fragrance. When stacked against other "sport" oriented fragrances (eg: 'Boss in Motion', 'Ralph Lauren Sport' and the like), 'Chanel Allure Sport' towers high above the rest. It boasts a fresh sparkling quality, - thanks in part to its clean citruses and aquatic accords - that are balanced well against musks, amber and spices. This scent is clearly built around the original "Allure PH" base, but is adequately different enough from the original so that it is appropriate for both casual day or semi-formal evening wear. Though many Chanel enthusiasts will argue "its no Platinum or Egoiste", 'Allure Sport' doesn't try to be. It is what it is: an attractive and versatile 'lifestyle' scent.
On the whole - a well-rounded fragrance with much appeal... and distinctly 'Chanel' in the '00's.

Theres no denying that the market is somewhat saturated with 'L'eau D'Issey' PH, but the very fact it continues to appeal to markets both old and new, speaks for its mass appeal.
The thing is, its actually a fantastic scent - a woody marine fragrance with the freshness of citrus played against precious woods and spices. Other citrus/woody/aquatics such as 'Aqua di Gio PH' pale in contrast to this creation. For its complex variety of accords, LDIPH is remarkably clean and uncomplicated. It is a fragrance that projects well and lasts a long time. LDIPH is ideal in any season, day or night. IMO, its versatility and refined characteristics will see it remain a favourite for many years to come. Already a 'modern classic'.

"Scent Intense" is to perfume that which Hitchcock's "The Birds" was to 1960's cinema. Dark, confronting and yet morbidly compelling!
Wearing this scent is like wearing a theatrical mask - its initial impact is grotesque and disturbing, but beneath the mask lies something familiar and warm. There is no denying that Costume National fashion attracts a select clientele... as is the case with 'Scent Intense'. It takes a bold person with an underlying sense of devlishness to pull this one off.
Each time I've worn this fragrance, without fail, I have been asked what I was wearing. Ive often wondered if it was because the fragrance was liked, or because it did not conform to the mainstream 'norm' and challenged people's senses. Whatever the case, I rarely revealed the name. This is one best kept for those 'Mauvais Garcons' with a true respect for the dark and the daring! Two thumbs up.

'L'Homme' pales next to 'Rive Gauche PH' in the YSL portfolio as far as 'modern classic' scents are concerned, however there is a delicious substance and depth that should not be overlooked here.
L'Homme captivates with its shimmering citrus and herbaceous blend and its dry-down proves softer and warmer than its fresh opening accords.
The wife thinks its dead sexy, so its already a winner in my book. It's clean, fresh, and has a certain 'je ne sais pas' that makes it likeable and extremely wearable for most occasions. Stacked next to its predicessors, this is YSL's attempt to capture a more youthful audience. And it does just that.

Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert EXTRÊME (EDT)is my Bvlgari poison of choice.
The coarse EDC version does nothing for me whatsoever, yet the EDT concentration (15%)speaks volumes!
Fresh, citrusy and free from impurities, EPATV Extrême is stimulating and lively.... the strong green tea accords (central to the EDC VERSION)are pushed to the back a little to allow the piquant citrus and soft floral accords to feature. Extrême has excellent sillage and warms well on the skin.
Perfect for summer luncheons, open air concerts, or everyday use.
EPATV Extrême gets two thumbs up.

My first impressions of GPHII: underwhelming.
With a reported topnote of Bergamot I had expected an initial blast of citrus, but all I was assaulted with, is the black tea heart.
Some hours later, I was still left with black tea, an odd saltiness, and a hint of olivewood.
Is this Gucci's interpretation of a Bvlgari scent? Whatever the case, where GPHI was all about Byzantine Monestries, precious woods and incense, GPHII is all about Turkish teahouses on the waterfront.
Not unpleasant, but not an immediate winner in my book.

Working as an Angel/A*men Ambassador some years ago, I grew to fully appreciate this milestone male scent.
A*men is undisputedly a love/hate fragrance - however I would strongly recommend sceptics revisit this modern classic.
With notes such as 'burning rubber tyres' and 'roasted coffee', - its not one for blokey-blokes to shy away from just because of its gourmand tonalities. A*men offers quirkyness and a big set of bollocks to any man's fragrance wardrobe. It thus needs to be treated with respect... the old cliché of womens perfume applies here: spray a generous cloud and step into it - just as was intended when A*men was created. Avoid direct application to the skin - especially in warmer climes!
Though perhaps not appropriate for any and every occasion - A*men deserves its place amongst any serious perfume enthusiast's faves.

An enjoyable scent which is put together nicely.
VWFM draws you in with a refined citrus/spicy freshness that then tapers to warm Leather/Tobacco tones, - without being stuffy or smelling of 'old men's trousers'.
Although not ground-breaking, its well-rounded composition is pleasant and sexy. One for smart-casual day wear or early evening excursions. Longevity is not a strong point, but its enjoyable nonetheless.

Sun Men is a vibrant fragrance that is both luminous and warm... Jil Sander have done well in capturing the essence of summer in this creation. It is light, yet projects well, and one cant help but feel a sense of well being and vitality when wearing this. A nice play between citrus, herbaceous and woody accords.
Of the entire men's JS fragrance portfolio, this is the standout scent for me. However I have growing concern that it may be on the way out, as I have seen stock diminish in stores I've visited internationally. Time to stock up! This is a great fragrance to add to the wardrobe for balmy summer occasions or fresh everyday wear.

PS Extreme is a mild scent, perfect for occasions when you dont look to assault your senses, and those of others. I find many intriguing tonalities in this scent that conjure a sense of nostalgia, comfort and contentment. It is undeniably fresh, but in an intimately embracing way... its dry down reminds me of fragrant driftwood washed onto sandy shores. There is a feeling of being close to nature when wearing this one - its remarkable herbaceous and spicey accords are understated; played off against its powdery musk/sandalwood base.
With generous application (4+ spritzes), its longevity and projection are good.
A triumph as far as Paul Smith Parfums is concerned.

Not impressed unfortunately.
After the launch of Flowerbomb for women, I had high expectations of Viktor & Rolf's first male fragrance. The bottle looked promising, and the toxic green juice a lot of fun... however, after a ghost-like hint of citrus, this scent became transparent almost instantly, and I found myself huffing and puffing at my wrist for an hour until some interesting incense-like accords emerged.
Curious, even whimsical -but grossly lacking the character I would search for in order to commit.

FAR too much going on with this scent, - none of the (numerous!) individual notes can be determined nor appreciated.
The outcome is a pungent "wet ashtray" odour.

I couldn't remove it fast enough - and it seems, with its rapid deletion from their portfolio - neither could Trussardi!
The world will not grieve the death of this odour.

'For Her' could quite possibly represent my favourite contemporary woman's fragrance to date.
As a male whose partner wears it generously, I have never grown tired of it, and have often sprayed it on the back of my hand on weekends around the home so I too can revel in its remarkable presence, (ok, no sniggering fellas!)
Its genius blend of 'white' musk, precious woods and warm amber projects well, and the memory of the scent lingers long after one's initial introduction.
The dry, clean musk accords are most evident here in what I find to be a very linear composition. I would describe the scent akin to running a thick silk ribbon across the back of one's neck... icy cool yet 'humming' with warmth and radiating sexuality.
This is perfume GOLD, in my book - chic, tantalizing, refined, and quite possibly already a modern classic.

An inspired creation from the house of Mugler!
This scent is magic to my mind - long lasting, fresh and yet so calming! Testing this scent on the blotter will prove fruitless... it must be splashed liberally on the hands as it was originally intended. The introduction of body heat will diffuse this clean, embracing fragrance and allow it to radiate with full effect. The evident green citrusy notes veil an organic "S" note - one that is trademarked to the house of Mugler, which, when smelled alone is 100% sexual and animalistic (read: post-coital secretions). The combination of fresh accords played against the beating organic heart of this scent, sends pulses racing and heads turning!
Ideally worn (but not limited to) the warmer weather, long-haul travel, and spritzing on clean robes, towels or bedsheets to give a lasting feeling of freshness and renewal.
Sublime.

Minotaure was my second fragrance ever purchased. I was living in Greece at the time - completely in love with the Mediterranean and all things related.
To me, Minotaure IS the embodiment of the Mediterranean... its tangy orange citrus head is swiftly subdued by radiant geranium and then warmed by smouldering sandalwood and spicy accords that epitomise the feeling of a warm southern European summer day, or romantic summer night.
Similar in style to 'Roma' and with the same sparkling peppery quality as 'Fahrenheit', this is an old fave I am desperate to rediscover.
Recommended for those with heart, passion, warmth and a love of the Mediterranean Isles.

Certainly Prada Man is a scent designed for the commercial market, however it is a joy to wear nonetheless.
The clean soapy aura that it exudes I enjoy enormously - it is both soft and well rounded, yet surprisingly commanding.
It's first hit is fresh and modern, but then takes a whimsical turn on the dry down where there remains a powdery "white hot" coolness on the skin.
I added this fragrance to my collection purely and simply because its quite unlike any other male fragrance that I can think of.
To be worn when one longs for feelings of comfort, sanctuary, or simple nostalgia.

A massively underrated fragrance, to my mind.
Angel Schlesser PH is another scent that walks the fine line between the familiar and the unsettling.
I purchased my bottle whilst visiting Copenhagen in the colder months, and was wowed by the packaging... layers of papers and textures that you must strip away to reveal this solid, weighty flacon.
The scent itself has an earthy quality... without the actual fragrance notes available to me, when first sprayed I detect a gentle dill/fennel-like note (reminiscent of the first spritz of Hermés' Rocabar). Moments later a tangy heart is unveiled with hints of musk, which is almost sweat-like to the nose, but not at all unpleasant. It is this play between the organic and the elemental that I most enjoy about wearing this fragrance. The dry down is woody, but punctuated with vetiver and crisp ginger accords.
I'd recommend first time users take some time to get to know this fragrance - some unusual contrasts await.

Eau d'Orange Verte is, in my opinion, the jewel in the crown of citrus fragrances.
With strikingly sharp freshness, here the acidic lemon and zestful mandarin notes are delicately balanced with an unusual bitterness suggestive of the tight, aromatic rinds of unripe citrus fruits.
The benefits of wearing this fragrance are realised almost instantly - I find it embracing, uplifting and rousing; perfect for everyday use, but especially on the weekends as a refreshing morning splash.
Eau d'Orange Verte is both remarkably simple, yet surprisingly profound. As with all 'eau de colognes', its longevity is lack-lustre, however the EDC concentration I prefer over the newer EDT which I find a little synthetic in its dry-down.
Ed'OV is the noble partner to Mugler's contemporary 'Cologne' - another of my preferred summer splashes.

They say every old city has two faces. With Richard James' roots planted firmly in London amongst the distinguished tailors of Saville Row, so too does his signature scent - a contemporary fragrance that has been created with a remarkable sensitivity to traditional values. It is unmistakably British.
This scent is not to be taken lightly... it boasts an intriguingly devilish base, veiled cleverly by tangy citrus, rich florals and herbaceous accords. I wore this fragrance every day for a month before fully succumbing to its rich allure, - sometimes in awe and sometimes unsettled by its dramatic contrasts. Indeed, much like a stroll through the streets of London.
After a short time, this fragrance became a favourite of mine, and of those around me. As others here have mentioned, it was commented on almost daily.
Best worn with smart suits, wool coats, or velvet blazers - and certainly most appropriate (but not limited to) the cooler climes.

At first, I was dubious about exploring the Penhaligon's portfolio of fragrances - touted as "Perfumers to the British Royal Family" I had expectations of scents more stuffy and bland than a dusty old english drawing room. To my surprise, however, I found several favourites - one of which is the inspired LP No.9! That which I intially found disturbing and slightly repugnant about this scent ultimately proved to be the very same accords that I revel in when chosing to wear this fragrance. The uncharming "scotch and ginger ale" first hit, dries down to a humming blend of rosemary oil, black pepper, warm cinnamon and smokey amber.
Part of LPNo.9's appeal comes with its slightly intoxicating contrasts - shimmering yet delicate citruses played off against rich spices and earthy wood accords.
I would recommend it be worn with suit and tie to an evening gala, or beneath a crisp white shirt in the open air when the intention is to woo a partner. Its unusual blend will turn many heads, and its uniqueness will linger a long while in the olifactory memory of those whose personal space it penetrates.

"Python Uomo" is an extremely likeable fragrance in which fresh cypress and fruit-like accords dominate. It is bursting with character despite its modest composition. There are interesting contrasts between the succulent leafy/puply top notes and its fragrant woody and synthetic musk base. One could almost be fooled into thinking this was a well balanced aquatic, however there is a substantial depth to this scent that separates it from the norm.
Perfect for summer holiday evenings, days by the beach, and all occasions where fresh understated fragrances are appreciated.

"Rochas Man" was my perfume of choice on my wedding day back in 1999. I wanted the scent to echo the sweetness of the ceremony and the sentiment of the day... and even now some 8 years later, the olfactory memory is as vivid as ever.
This is a fragrance that embraces the rousing nose of sugared almonds, chilled coffee and vanilla ice cream. Although its gourmand tonalities make "Rochas Man" comparable to Gaultier's "Le Male" and Mugler's "A*men", - it has a pureness and clarity that is more understated than these.
Some might write this fragrance off as 'syrupy sweet', however its complexity is evident when radiant lavendar and warm amber accords dominate on the drydown. It projects very well, and has generous staying power.
A great fragrance for all casual or intimate occasions.