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Most underrated House

post #1 of 59
Thread Starter 
So far it's Mont Blanc for me. I am so impressed with their range. Individuel, Starwalker, Presence and Legend are all 4/5 for me. Not often I like so many frags from one house.
post #2 of 59
In a way I think Amouage is underrated and I know that may sound strange but my reasoning is this: I feel the amount of love shown to houses like Creed and Bond isn't always justified. While Amouage is certainly very well thought of, I don't think it gets the attention it deserves relative to some of these other houses. Amouage has their share of duds, but they have put out so much that is so very fine. JMHI.
post #3 of 59
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dernier_Cri View Post

In a way I think Amouage is underrated and I know that may sound strange but my reasoning is this: I feel the amount of love shown to houses like Creed and Bond isn't always justified. While Amouage is certainly very well thought of, I don't think it gets the attention it deserves relative to some of these other houses. Amouage has their share of duds, but they have put out so much that is so very fine. JMHI.

Been a relative newcomer, I am yet to sample any Amouage frags. I really need to try some
post #4 of 59
Murdocks are underrated though I think it's due to them barely been on peoples radar.

The two I highly recommend for anyone who likes really good smelling fragrances with no edginess are:

Black Tea
Patchouli

post #5 of 59
A couple that immediately come to mind are Anat Fritz on the designer side and Micallef on the niche end of the spectrum.
post #6 of 59
Histoires de Parfums
post #7 of 59
Perry Ellis
post #8 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dernier_Cri View Post

In a way I think Amouage is underrated and I know that may sound strange but my reasoning is this: I feel the amount of love shown to houses like Creed and Bond isn't always justified. While Amouage is certainly very well thought of, I don't think it gets the attention it deserves relative to some of these other houses. Amouage has their share of duds, but they have put out so much that is so very fine. JMHI.

I think the reason that Creed and Bond seem to get more attention is because they are more widely available than is Amouage. I was initially very impressed with Creed (less so by Bond) because I had only ever perused designer scents. I still have only sampled a couple of the Amouage offerings so I don't really have an informed opinion of them as a house. Were they more available to me I'm sure that would change.
post #9 of 59
Profumum
Kenneth Cole
Lubin
post #10 of 59
LM Parfums
post #11 of 59
Etro
post #12 of 59
Yosh (although she needs to put out more of the men's range)
post #13 of 59
Parfumerie GƩnƩrale has a wide range of great offerings but totally underrated.
post #14 of 59
Diptyque have a plethora of great fragrances yet still get relatively little attention compared to other houses.

L'Ombre dans L'Eau.
Philosykos.
34 Boulevard Saint Germain.
Eau Lente.
Tam Dao.
L'Eau de Tarocco.

The list goes on ...
post #15 of 59
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JON RODGERS View Post

Diptyque have a plethora of great fragrances yet still get relatively little attention compared to other houses.

L'Ombre dans L'Eau.
Philosykos.
34 Boulevard Saint Germain.
Eau Lente.
Tam Dao.
L'Eau de Tarocco.

The list goes on ...

I'll check them out - cheers mate
post #16 of 59
Humiecki and Graef
post #17 of 59
Heh, Jon Rodgers beat me to it. I came here to say Diptyque. I've long overlooked this house only to find two scents that I'll probably keep in my wardrobe for quite a while - 34 and Vetyverio. Volutes is also a nice one, just can't make up my mind if it smells better on me or the wife.
post #18 of 59
Maitre Parfumer Et Gantier
Parfums De Nicolai
Rasasi
Arabian Oud
post #19 of 59
Costume National has not been present in the threads and reviews despite they produce perfect quality frags...
post #20 of 59
Heeley
post #21 of 59
Parfums De Nicolai!

- - - Updated - - -

Parfums De Nicolai!
post #22 of 59
Molinard
post #23 of 59
I think Creed is terribly underrated. I hardly ever hear mention of Aventus.
post #24 of 59
metoo_samehere
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky View Post

I think Creed is terribly underrated. I hardly ever hear mention of Aventus.
post #25 of 59
+1 to MPG

outstanding frags, but underrated house.
post #26 of 59
At a certain point I'm going to look like a spokesperson for the house, but I can't stop talking about Slumberhouse. I think Josh Lobb is going to be the next great perfumier in the world, and I'll be glad to see it.

Absolutely everyone should check out his stuff. I love Sova in particular. Lasted me 18 hours with one small spray of the sample vial. He is one guy pursuing his dream and not a multinational house, not to mention he is a SUPER guy and will do anything for his fans.
post #27 of 59
Reminiscence

Patchouli, Patachouli Homme, Noir de Remwniscence, Rem for Men
post #28 of 59
Histoires de Parfums and Parfumerie Generale by far deserve more attention.
post #29 of 59
I'll second MP&G, PdN and Parfumerie Generale and I'll throw in Etat Libre D'Orange as well...Another house that IMO, will make the history of modern perfumery but at the moment doesn't get all the attention deserved, is Vero Profumo.
post #30 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by OctaVariuM View Post

At a certain point I'm going to look like a spokesperson for the house, but I can't stop talking about Slumberhouse. I think Josh Lobb is going to be the next great perfumier in the world, and I'll be glad to see it.

Absolutely everyone should check out his stuff. I love Sova in particular. Lasted me 18 hours with one small spray of the sample vial. He is one guy perusing his dream and not a multinational house, not to mention he is a SUPER guy and will do anything for his fans.

I agree. I also think that in the past few years, MPG and Lorenzo Villoresi have started to slip out of people's minds; possibly because their newer offerings can't compete with those from the 90's and '00's. Parfum d'Empire is another house that doesn't get enough love on here.
post #31 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky View Post

I think Creed is terribly underrated. I hardly ever hear mention of Aventus.

True, true. You can go hours now without seeing a new Aventus thread.
post #32 of 59
Antonio Banderas - I have enjoyed everything I have tried from this house, some more than others.
Tommy Bahama - To my knowledge, they have 5 major releases for men. I own 4 of them and enjoy them all. St Martinique, there latest release (and hardest to find), I recently acquired a sample of, and was not impressed. Basically a rip off of Nautica Voyage with some added musk.
Diesel - Many of their older releases get little to no love.
Dunhill - A few from this house that I find horrible, but, the ones I do like, are outstanding.
Jacomo
Tim McGraw - This house has only 4 men's releases, to my knowledge, 2 of them are amazing, and 2 are just nice.
Vera Wang - Granted there is only one men's fragrance in this house, that being Vera Wang for Men, I think it is an amazing one. I wish projection and longevity were better though.
Zirh - 3 great men's fragrances, low prices.

Honorable houses to mention, but may not be underrated:
Bvlgari - Maybe this house is underrated really, Just Black gets all the attention. There are a lot of great ones in this house.
Burberry - Another great house, and like Bvlgari, they make beautiful bottles too. Of course, London, being their most loves here in the fragrance world, while Brit is probably their top seller. I'm not a Brit fan; but London, Touch, The Beat, Summer version 2009, are all great ones.
Slumberhouse - Although I have only tried Norne (and was blown away) - I can tell based on reviews, and comments from friends, that this house has some good stuff, I hope I can try everything soon!
post #33 of 59
John Varvatos....underrated purely in terms of smell. Some of his male stuff is just wow. However, longevity is pathetic across the whole line. If longevity were better, the Varvatos line would be a massive, massive hit.
post #34 of 59
Thread Starter 
I love John Varvatos, John Varvatos - amazing barbershop sscent. Longevity is moderate for me
post #35 of 59
Diptyque, slumberhouse, Mona di Orio
post #36 of 59
Thread Starter 
Some great suggestion guys - thanks
post #37 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livingdead View Post

Histoires de Parfums

+1 on this.

The scents are unique and well-crafted, plus have wonderful sillage and longevity.
post #38 of 59
Divine, Histoires de Parfums, LM Parfums
post #39 of 59
I believe Histoires de Parfums is finally getting the respect it deserves.

One house that undeservedly remains under the radar is Cartier.
post #40 of 59
MaƮtre Parfumeur et Gantier and Etro
post #41 of 59
Amouage, my favorite brand is indeed pretty underrated,
but since the brand is now for sale at Douglas and can be found between cheap stuff
at airports, I start loosing my interest in the brand.
Amouage belongs at the niche perfume shops, in my opinion, between brands like Serge Lutens
and Creed; not next to Paco Rabanne!
post #42 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by comfortablynumbbg View Post

John Varvatos....underrated purely in terms of smell. Some of his male stuff is just wow. However, longevity is pathetic across the whole line. If longevity were better, the Varvatos line would be a massive, massive hit.

totally agree with duration solved would be an incredible hit, scents are incredible, duration ludicrous!
post #43 of 59
Estee Lauder/Aramis....many in this line composed by the great Bernard Chant. Readily available and cheap. Vintage is prefered but many of the classics like JHL still smell great after reformulation.
post #44 of 59
On BN, I'd say Balenciaga is, but that may be because I've tried some of their great "feminine" scents whereas most male BN member may not have. Rumba in particular is incredible, putting niche to shame (note that I am referring to the original, not the Lapidus reformulation). I am a huge fan of Ho Hang Club.
post #45 of 59
Guerlain.

There's considerably more to this house than "LIDGE", SDV & Vetiver
post #46 of 59
Among others (not separating them according to niche, designer etc.), I can immediately think of Krizia, Roccobarocco, Knize, Loewe, La Martina, Francesco Smalto, Roberto Capucci, to a certain extent, even more known brands like Ungaro, Caron, Gres etc.
post #47 of 59
I don't really understand the logic behind Amouage being underated -- every new fragrance they bring out is expected to be a masterpiece!

Definitely Etat Libre D'Orange though. The House is partly to blame though with their gimmicky and near the knuckle marketing. Harvey Nicks pulled the range for this reason. They have some lovely scents.
post #48 of 59
Loewe, but I would say that wouldn't I.....
post #49 of 59
Fragonard has outstanding fragrances and is seldom mentioned here.
Zizanie
Desert
Concerto
Eau de Hongrie
Sieste
Vetyver
Etc....

And Molinard. gets no respect either
post #50 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dernier_Cri View Post

I feel the amount of love shown to houses like Creed and Bond isn't always justified.

Ummm......since when have basenoters shown a large amount of love for Bond? I would say that it is one of the most hated...if not THE most hated house on this forum. Thus, it would totally fall into the category of "underrated". There are quite a few Bonds that I love and so, thus, I would say it's "underrated"...would I say it's the most underrated house in the sense that the OP is meaning? No. Would I say that is the most underrated house because it is rated so dang low? Yep!

On the other hand, do I think that Creed is the most overrated house? A Huge Resounding YES!!
post #51 of 59
Burburry
post #52 of 59
Creed/Guerlain
post #53 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dernier_Cri View Post

In a way I think Amouage is underrated and I know that may sound strange but my reasoning is this: I feel the amount of love shown to houses like Creed and Bond isn't always justified. While Amouage is certainly very well thought of, I don't think it gets the attention it deserves relative to some of these other houses. Amouage has their share of duds, but they have put out so much that is so very fine. JMHI.

I'm with you on that one. I haven't spent enough time with their line yet, but wow. Interlude Man knocked me out. It is just so rich. So smokey, yet there's sweetness. I only got to smell it once, sprayed on to a cotton ball, but I hung onto that cotton ball because it blew me away. Wow. And, yes, Jubilation, Memoir, Epic, yes yes yes.

I suspect the $225 entry price for a 50ml makes Amouage harder to get into, and that means many of those who live to board the hype train find themselves riding elsewhere. Perhaps that's not a bad thing? ...I do wish Amouage offered a 50ml closer to the $150 mark. I'd rather pay $300 for two 50mls than $275 for one 100ml, especially since I'd like to admire their work in my wardrobe rather than at a shop. Ah well.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kybid View Post

Ummm......since when have basenoters shown a large amount of love for Bond?

Oh, there's a lot of love for Bond shown here. A lot of hate, too, but much of the hate is reactionary, in response to the hype. There's a lot of that with Creed too. People have a weird need to be against anything they see that others are for. It happens in politics, it happens with music, it happens with TV shows and movies, and it happens with perfume. As soon as something becomes popular, certain people will immediately claim it as Best Thing Ever, and certain people will bash it. And, often, neither group has any first hand experience with the thing they're so strongly for or against. Aren't people goofy?
post #54 of 59
Incredible creations by Rodrigo Flores-Roux for the designer house of John Varvatos!

Lack of longevity for such intelligent, unique and well-constructed compositions is less than desirable. However, layering the fragrances with their corresponding After Shave balms (or a neutral balm) helps. It is mandatory to also apply to your shirt when wearing any scent from the line - which increases both longevity & projection.

I am still a solid fan of the house and line...and will reapply to get more longevity, if I so desire. As my friend, Francolino states, the scents are rather incredible and I believe that is the first quality I look for in fragrance (simply, "how it smells"). Longevity and projection are secondary aspects of a composition by which I assess a fragrance...

Cheers,

ericrico

Quote:
Originally Posted by Francolino View Post

totally agree with duration solved would be an incredible hit, scents are incredible, duration ludicrous!

- - - Updated - - -

Two more houses that are perhaps more overlooked than underrated are:

Caron
Balenciaga

Epic and timeless creations from both...!

ericrico
post #55 of 59
Eclectic Collections. I have their Aperitif Private Label EdP. This induced me to return the bottle of Edition Blanche I purchased around the same time. Great natural lemon summer scent. I have a couple additional scents from them on my wish list.
post #56 of 59
mona di orio, im wearing the vanilla one today
and also maison francis kurdjian
post #57 of 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by andregooren View Post

MaƮtre Parfumeur et Gantier and Etro

+1 and I'll also second Parfumerie Generale
post #58 of 59
Heres some that warrant some attention:

Cale
Different Company
Sigili
and PG
post #59 of 59
The "old niche" in general.

Back in 2004 or so LV and MPG were very appreciated here. After zillion new niche houses with interesting ideas they still hold their place. I appreciate Mr. Villoresi's idea, that he is not an artist but an artisan. Being something different or shocking or new is never the most important aspect, but the balance of the composition - which is only achieved by hard work. They are immaculately crafted yet innovative in a subtle way.
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