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Acqua Di Gio: Why real men would never wear it  

post #1 of 45
6/10/10 at 8:01pm
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So I'm standing at the bus stop near a popular Irish bar (yes, another one of those) when the door is open by an employee running outside to grab some litter. Almost immediately, a HUGE plume of AdG blasted me right in the nose. It was nauseating, seriously. I know it wasn't the employee who ran out either, but there were some guys hanging out near the door. Usually what I see hanging out in places like these are hipster wannabe 20 somethings with un-tucked polo shirts, shorts & spiky hair (with "cool" cell phone in hand, don't forget). Sprinkle in average ditzy 18 to 24 year old blonde girl and there's your bar scene. Example:


The point I'm trying to make is that some stupid loser was wearing this stuff probably thinking that dousing themselves in this crap is really going to get them laid! I mean, I was thinking "are you kidding me, is this a joke?!" Whoever it was, it's not the only guy doing this. They're all over the damn place!

There is no way in hell I'd wear this shit now, or any aquatic scent for that matter. Who wants to be lumped in with these kinds of people? The difference between the men and the boys is that boys wear AdG, while men wear frags like GIT. Sorry to offend fans of AdG, but I'm saying it, I mean it and I'm sticking by it! This is the fragrance for people who want to be like everyone else. Many of you have this in their wardrobe, and if you are registered here these statements probably don't apply to you. Afterall, you have to be somewhat of a serious frag connoisseur to even be on Basenotes. It's not you I'm attacking, for the record.

BTW I'm aware this isn't a news flash but I had to vent.

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post #2 of 45
6/10/10 at 8:40pm
So much anger over a scent that in and of itself is pretty good.

Why do the logistics of who wears what and who thinks what concern you so much?
post #3 of 45
6/10/10 at 8:40pm
AdG is the standard designer fare in this mass market culture. AdG is not the worst of its genre, but it is far less than mediocre. Even TH 1815 is more uppercrust than AdG. When you walk into Macy's and under 30, AdG is what they suggest that all the ladies (or gentlemen) love.
post #4 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladdypwnz View Post

So much anger over a scent that in and of itself is pretty good.

Why do the logistics of who wears what and who thinks what concern you so much?

I'm not angered over the scent itself, but the "type" of person I usually encounter who wears it. In truth it's just a small part of a bigger picture in which society as a whole tend to be "sheople". Baaaaaaaaaaaah.
post #5 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:06pm
What's wrong with that? You do realize that if everyone was a sophisticated fragrance-wearer your puny tastes and experiences would be a lot less special and this hobby would be a lot less exciting.

I don't understand why hate people. I mean, of course I dislike certain individuals but time and time again I don't dismiss people based on a variety of illusory factors that I feel are important and time and time again I can either get something out of them or learn something from them or get hooked up with something via them.

Ya feel?

Let them wear their AdG. Be stoked that you don't have to.
post #6 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:16pm
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post #7 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:22pm
way to generalize and stereotype there.
real men don't give a damn about fragrances, especially not to the extent of going after ones more elusive than old spice or... gio.
how's that for generalization?
post #8 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewfoo View Post

So, it is those "losers" you should be frustrated with, not ADG. If people did the same to GIT, the title of the thread may change? I felt a wee bit insulted when I read the thread title, but reading the actual post, I do suspect your frustration is directed at certain people, and not like the title suggest: ADG and the ADG wearing population (which includes me).



Sorry, but I do think you've actually insulted more people than you imagined...

Bottom line: I think it is naive to presume that EVERYONE wears/uses ADG the way you have just discussed.

Did you read everything I wrote? Just about everyone who is a member here what I said doesn't apply. You can't deny that that the average person (not EVERYONE) who wears this is pretty much as I described. Please explain where I am wrong in my assessment.

That said, a lot of people say I'm guilty of painting the broad brush (shocker) to which I plead guilty. I need to improve on that!
post #9 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:41pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Naitch View Post

Did you read everything I wrote? Just about everyone who is a member here what I said doesn't apply. You can't deny that that the average person (not EVERYONE) who wears this is pretty much as I described. Please explain where I am wrong in my assessment.

That said, a lot of people say I'm guilty of painting the broad brush (shocker) to which I plead guilty. I need to improve on that!

Yes.

You ended saying that people on this board do not apply. Which I find contradictory to statements like:
Quote:
The difference between the men and the boys is that boys wear AdG, while men wear frags like GIT. Sorry to offend fans of AdG, but I'm saying it,

The "Average" person in the US or your state might be like you've discussed. But I'm half-way round the world, I wouldn't know.

Quote:
I mean it and I'm sticking by it! This is the fragrance for people who want to be like everyone else. Many of you have this in their wardrobe, and if you are registered here these statements probably don't apply to you.

It just comes across as venting/generalising, but not wanting to face consequences for making certain statements. Fact is, statements like these will affect those of whom you have to intention of implicating.

Maybe I was just feeling a tad insulted (maybe unnecessarily) already, to be picking apart what you've said, this way. Reading the title alone, made me a little defensive, I admit.

That being said, I can understand where your frustration is coming from.
post #10 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:43pm
your argument doesn't really go anywhere.
the average person acts like average people do? no kidding.
post #11 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:48pm
How are we supposed to feel elite and superior if they plebes wear the same crap we do?
post #12 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:52pm
I feel this rant is mainly because Acqua Di Gio is popular. Therefore more people wear it than any other fragrance so there are douches and gentlemen alike that wear it. Fragrance is just a smell to be worn, it's not a style. You certainly wouldn't assume as Irish Spring Soap users are wife beaters or Dove soap users are wimps. Stereotyping is not a good way to base an arguement off of.
post #13 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:56pm
I could make generalizations about the average type of person who'd have a wrestler as their avatar and in their signature, but I won't.
post #14 of 45
6/10/10 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarıpatates View Post

way to generalize and stereotype there.
real men don't give a damn about fragrances, especially not to the extent of going after ones more elusive than old spice or... gio.
how's that for generalization?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul

I could make generalizations about the average type of person who'd have a wrestler as their avatar and in their signature, but I won't.

Touché! No argument there. What do think I deal with when I've told people about watching wrestling growing up? I'm the first to admit the average fan lives in his parents' basement and watches porn on the computer. The people in the crowd look like they just left Jerry Springer. We all have or have had vices in our lives.

On the flip side, when it comes to clothes, jewelry, etc. you better be a hell of man (as in very confident) to talk about those things. Besides, I'd wager a person who would call said type of man various names that devalue manhood would also be uneducated and listen to Tim McGraw in his pickup truck. What real woman wants that type of guy? Let's see, a man who is wears designer duds, smells good and some kinda fine or...t-shirt, fat gut, tobacco spewing, eh, well, you get the picture.

Real men do wear pink btw!

Lastly, stereotypes exist for a reason.
post #15 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:07pm
What is your problem with this cologne? It is a great cologne that I own. I don't wear it regularly,but I do wear it. The great thing about cologne is that no perfume or cologne or going to smell the same on two people that wear it. It goes by your own body chemistry and no two people on this plantet have the same body chemistry. It doesn't matter if you are wearing aqua di gio,jean paul gultier Le Mal or any other popular fragrances. I own a couple that are extremely popular that are more mainstream cologne's like aqua di gio and then I have some other's that are not near as known or mainstream as far as sales go. You have a lot of anger toward a particular cologne and I don't understand why. It is just a fragrance. No big deal.
Take Care,
Jernizzle459
post #16 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:09pm
A long time ago, I was warned by a mod after I started a post entitled: "Kouros: A case of olfactory masochism?" or something like that. I was seriously interested in knowing whether those who wore Kouros enjoyed a kind of olfactory jolt. There was an old TV commercial about Skin Bracer as a "cold slap in the face," as if that was something a "real man" should look forward to! Can't we just all eat quiche and get along? LOL.
post #17 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:10pm
AdG is the best! Take a look at Sephora, look at which characteristic is brought up the most in reviews. That is why lots of guys wear this stuff! There are probably lots of annoying guys who wear GIT too trying to show that they have $$$. All sorts of people sport both of these scents.
post #18 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:11pm
I usually dont reply to threads like this but I cant ressist.

Wow, what a stupid thread !

I am sorry that I am not rich snob who can buy fragrances for real men that costs $150.

/sarcasm off


I dont want to offend anyone that wear/buy stuff like Creeds. Its your money. Just pointing out how stupid is generalization.
post #19 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamer81 View Post

I usually dont reply to threads like this but I cant ressist.

Wow, what a stupid thread !

I am sorry that I am not rich snob who can buy fragrances for real men that costs $150.

/sarcasm off


I dont want to offend anyone that wear/buy stuff like Creeds. Its your money. Just pointing out how stupid is generalization.

Wow, feel the heat! Here I thought the weather was scorching. No telling what will be posted here when I check back tomorrow night. I'll be burned to a crisp by then I guess.
post #20 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:32pm
Hello,I just wan't to say one thing to you. I would never spend money on a creed cologne that cost's over $150.00 for a tiny bottle as you mentioned. I am not a fragrance snob. Have a great day.
Take Care,
Jernizzle459
post #21 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:34pm
It's like seeing a communist party leader wearing a bespoke suit from Henry Poole Co, it's just so disturbing!
post #22 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:37pm
when i was 19 i had a spray of a designer imposter that smelled just like adg , it was ok at that time, now smelling adg it is too sour for me, at age 24 i only buy Creed now.
post #23 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:38pm
Oh man, opening up the floodgates of controversy. You might want to deflect by starting a Cool Water vs GIT thread.
post #24 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:42pm
You must have serious money to burn if you are going to spend your money on creed cologne's. A average 3.4 ounce bottle of cologne will last 2-3 month if used daily I am guessing and at $150-$250 a bottle that really would add up big time. I only will buy designer fragranes that you can purchase either at online places like fragrancenet.com,fragrancex.com and many other online sources or at department stores like Macy's. I just would never purchase a creed no matter how great the fragrance is.
Take Care,
Jernizzle459
post #25 of 45
6/10/10 at 10:55pm
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In Croatia there are no tons of ppl and boys wearing AdG, in fact if someone wears it it's 30+ guy with a proper job. Not all countries and ppl are the same, although I do understand your loathing, you find those ˝never read a book and probably won't do jack s**it with my life kids˝ annoying, further more they bathe in a certain frag. In my country PR 1 milion is the frag I loath in the manner you loath AdG, every little worthless piece of s**it wears it.
post #26 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:28pm
Guys, guys, guys...c'mon. Relax. All's good.

Here's what I think is the essence of Naitch's post.

AdG is a fragrance that is mass marketed. I see it everywhere - television, print, internet, Macy's direct ad cards. Creed's GIT (or any Creed, for that matter) will never have that level of marketing penetration. Nor should it. (Disclosure: I like AdG. Barely. )

I think what Naitch is trying to go for is that the youth of today are too misled by marketing campaigns telling them what they should look like; who they should try to aspire to; what they should smell like. There was an article posted not too long ago somewhere on the internet that likened the younger generation to being consumers, not producers. Extrapolated, that means that the four young men in the example picture above have been so influenced by the media that they have no choice but to buy what is force-fed down their throats. In other words, these boys haven't discovered the myriad world of fragrance.

I am in agreement with the underlying argument here - that is, people should think for themselves. I was once one of those who bought into mass-marketing, until I discovered basenotes.
post #27 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:29pm
First of all, bashing Acqua di Gio is a well-known popular sport here in BN, just as is bashing aquatics in general. Aquatics happen to be among my favorite classes of fragrances, especially since some of the best moments of my life have been spent at the beach. And the last time I checked South of the Border, I seem to be a "real man." Anyone relying upon someone's choice in fragrance to decide whether someone is a real man ... is himself lost. Besides, real men are distinguished by what they think, do, and say when they smell awful, not when they smell good.

Oh, and by the way, I do wear Acqua di Gio occasionally. Not only that, but I even wear the InStyle cheap knock-off of it ("impressions of the world's most popular fragrances") available at Walgreen's.
post #28 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:39pm
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MidiGuru's made a very valid point.

Upon a PM clarification with Naitch, I am now convinced that he probably didn't word his comments/statements as specifically as he could have/wanted to. The slight offense I'd taken initially, was a little misguided.
post #29 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:54pm
This is rather funny. I had a night out tonight and oddly enough... I ran into some people clearly wearing Kouros out tonight... and wearing multiple sprays of it.

I had to move my table because it was... killing me. If I wanted to occasionally smell an urinal cake whilst chewing my food or sipping my beer... I would have moved closer to the bathroom. But I wasn't.

And this dude just kept flirting with the waitress. She would come over to my table, chat for a while... and then complimented me on not smelling like that dude. What was I wearing? Creed Himalaya. I know it wears close to the skin; but she said she smelled it when I got up to go (ironically) to the bathroom.

Anyway, I told her that the men (or one man) was wearing Kouros. I heard her ask the man a bit later... and he loudly screamed "HELL YEAH! GIRL, YOU KNOW IT's LIKE CHICK CATNIP, RIGHT? SNIFF DEEPLY BABY!" to which she responded "That gentleman over there told me the name. And honestly I'd rather say "No thanks" to continue to smell that garbage." and stomped off.

Jerks can wear anything... and regardless of the fragrance, it just makes them a cologne wearing jerk.
post #30 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:56pm
Well, If only ADGs popularity was your point Naitch, then you should rather pick some another less known designer fragrance as example of manly scent. It would sound less snobish ;-).
post #31 of 45
6/10/10 at 11:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jernizzle459 View Post

You must have serious money to burn if you are going to spend your money on creed cologne's. A average 3.4 ounce bottle of cologne will last 2-3 month if used daily. I just would never purchase a creed no matter how great the fragrance is.
Take Care,
Jernizzle459

Except that most of us DON'T use the same cologne daily. The Creeds I own represent a fine and long lasting investment when used in rotation with numerous other products.
Don't buy Creed - It's absolutely your prerogative, but IMHO you're missing out on some great experiences.


As far as ADG is concerned I'm largely apathetic towards it. I've never understood why it sells by the truckload just as I don't get the loathing. I wouldn't entertain it personally (it's just not interesting enough) but certainly wouldn't mock or stereotype anyone for using it.
post #32 of 45
6/11/10 at 12:03am
Taste is entirely subjective.

If they like it and you don't ... too bad. What are you gonna do ?

Their taste might be "BAD", but bad compared to what ? To you ??? At least they are enjoying it.

I dont like AdG, but why the hate ?

Dont like it , dont use it, don't complain either. CAUSE REAL MEN DO NOT COMPLAIN !

One advice is to drink less Hatorade.
post #33 of 45
6/11/10 at 12:23am
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Originally Posted by gerbick View Post

This is rather funny. I had a night out tonight and oddly enough... I ran into some people clearly wearing Kouros out tonight... and wearing multiple sprays of it.

I had to move my table because it was... killing me. If I wanted to occasionally smell an urinal cake whilst chewing my food or sipping my beer... I would have moved closer to the bathroom. But I wasn't.

And this dude just kept flirting with the waitress. She would come over to my table, chat for a while... and then complimented me on not smelling like that dude. What was I wearing? Creed Himalaya. I know it wears close to the skin; but she said she smelled it when I got up to go (ironically) to the bathroom.

Anyway, I told her that the men (or one man) was wearing Kouros. I heard her ask the man a bit later... and he loudly screamed "HELL YEAH! GIRL, YOU KNOW IT's LIKE CHICK CATNIP, RIGHT? SNIFF DEEPLY BABY!" to which she responded "That gentleman over there told me the name. And honestly I'd rather say "No thanks" to continue to smell that garbage." and stomped off.

Jerks can wear anything... and regardless of the fragrance, it just makes them a cologne wearing jerk.

N i c e
post #34 of 45
6/11/10 at 1:17am
Apparently Mike Tyson the boxer wears Acqua Di Gio, maybe you could meet up and tell him that he is not a MAN. lol
post #35 of 45
6/11/10 at 1:27am
Actually, I think ADG is a very well done fragrance. I has some but could not wear it often--just doesn't suit me. But if you like it, I say rock it. It smells good!
post #36 of 45
6/11/10 at 1:31am
I'm not too old to remember that there were fads and trends that many subscribed to, when I was in my early twenties, nor the daft things I said/did/wore back then. Nothing has changed. These guys are just going through the usual rites of passage, and good luck to them.

"Teacher, leave those kids alone!"
post #37 of 45
6/11/10 at 1:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jernizzle459 View Post

You must have serious money to burn if you are going to spend your money on creed cologne's. A average 3.4 ounce bottle of cologne will last 2-3 month if used daily I am guessing and at $150-$250 a bottle that really would add up big time. I only will buy designer fragranes that you can purchase either at online places like fragrancenet.com,fragrancex.com and many other online sources or at department stores like Macy's. I just would never purchase a creed no matter how great the fragrance is.
Take Care,
Jernizzle459

You're using way too much if you can go through 100mls in 3 or 4 months. you'd need to be using nearly a mL a day, which is 12-14 sprays.
post #38 of 45
6/11/10 at 2:09am
I just don't quite get the sense of "real man". "Real men" do not wear AdG, apparently, but they wear pink, and talk like truck drivers... Whatever, really.
Mate, get get a grip. It's not the fragrance that makes you like everyone else, it's what you do, you say and you are.

Plus, this forums has always been using moderate and respectful language. I'm sure everyone would appreciate an effort to stick to that.
post #39 of 45
6/11/10 at 3:18am
+SculptureofSoul's comment. The only problem here seems to be OVERUSE! Yeah, it's kinda like posting ALL IN CAPS! We like to enjoy the fragrance ourselves, but most noses will switch off/become less sensitive when a scent is constant. In the FAQ section of the Gendarme site, there was a comment to the effect that if you can smell it yourself, it is not right for you. I am not sure I completely agree with that, but I try to apply judiciously, especially for the heavy hitters.
post #40 of 45
6/11/10 at 3:41am
In my days, especially during my youth, ADG was undergoing a quite opposite process: as it was worn mainly by the rich kids in my school and in my circle of friends, it almost instantly became the ultimate frag-related status symbol, coveted, admired and extremely upmarket, maybe suitable for the same kind of wannabes (but wannabes with plenty of cash from mommy's and daddy's huge bank accounts)
post #41 of 45
6/11/10 at 4:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidBond007 View Post

when i was 19 i had a spray of a designer imposter that smelled just like adg , it was ok at that time, now smelling adg it is too sour for me, at age 24 i only buy Creed now.

You only buy Creed ?
Wow...., then you are missing out on a good number of other, designer or not, great fragrances...!
post #42 of 45
6/11/10 at 4:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidBond007 View Post

i only buy Creed now.

I have to say, you are really depriving yourself of the best frags on the market. You are also missing out on the frags that get the most female compliments.
post #43 of 45
6/11/10 at 4:25am
I love Acqua di Gio & I don't care whether you like it or not
post #44 of 45
6/11/10 at 4:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Desmond Hume View Post

I love Acqua di Gio & I don't care whether you like it or not

A lot of people like it, that's why it sells well. Asking basenoters what they like is of very little value if you want a cologne that most people will find pleasant.
post #45 of 45
6/11/10 at 4:44am
Highly inappropriate thread and rude comments by the OP. Locking this now.
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