S-ex by S-Perfume, 2004

S-ex is pop-art. Just like Basquiat, Lichtenstein or even Andy Warhol. Where brands such as Comme Des Garcons create their own language by introducing alien smells, "environmental odors" and abstraction, Se-x achives a similar result by taking a couple of perfumery pillars and pairing them together for an unexpectedly interesting result. On one side we have the hyper-classic floral-leather structure. On the other, the polarizing, generic, department store-reminiscent and emblem of the 90s: Calone. In this context, Laudamiel is just like Warhol who used to take very popular icons to transform them into "pieces" of art. If you prefer a musical analogy, just think about those musical mash-ups that used to take famous pop-songs and pair them with electronic/avant-garde bases. Among the most successful there was Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance With Somebody (RIP), layered with Computer World by the Kraftwerk, or the amazing revisitation by Boards Of Canada of the classic Midas Touch by Midnight Star. S-ex it's just like those mash-ups: it pairs the sacred with the profane. The aristocratic and "cultured" language, with the slang. The dirty animalic notes with the laundered age. What comes out is a destabilizing yet fascinating concoction of sweet/salty plastic-smoky leather, juxtaposed to a fresh marine, fruity/floral vibe that will appeal to anyone who's into the most daring fragrances by Comme Des Garcons and the likes. S-ex stays quite close to the skin, revealing a nice musky quality especially during the drydown. Modern, slightly weird and perfect for metropolitan parties in the most avant-garde clubs around the world. Minimal techno with a tad of pop! The smell fo Berghain.

S-ex perfume! From the reviews I found online and the rumour of it having sperms printed on the bottle, I expected a more masculine scent but I still couldn't resist trying such a perfume with such a cool combination of notes of two different types of leather and musk, strawberry, salt and malt. Malt! My fave thing in the world in a scent? Just couldn't resist the combo. Now to the scent. I found this to be very sweet! You can hardly detect the saltiness if any. My beloved malt was MIA! I would describe the actual scent to be a "not clean yet not dirty" musk with whiffs of leather which is only noticeable in the top notes, and stable fruit note accompaniment. I assume this is supposed to be the strawberry. *smh*!! At such low level of quality, all "fruit" notes are indistinguishable. They just read as 'cheap subpar fruit of no particular kind' and of course when you sniff them, you know that no fruits smell like that. If you are all excited to try this because it lists strawberry, expecting the said note to smell like strawberries, you will be gravely disappointed! S-ex is neither ugly nor attractive. He is just average but only in appearance! S-ex is NO one minute man. I'll tell you that. Whatever he lacks in appearance, he easily makes up for in performance. This one outperforms his more attractive and unique peers! I'm talking over 40+ hours of powerful nonstop continuous action, in the shower and out and this S-ex machine just wont quit! This well endowed mister has a very strong back I tell ya! Of course S-ex avoids a thumbs down for being.. well, a machine :P. Overall, I won't say this fragrance wooed me but I must be fine with it because cutting my arm off from such a monstrous lasting power never crossed my mind...... Then again, why would it? ;)