Men That Wear Mitsouko

[docluv45]

Mitsouko is a great fragrance, and as has been said before, life is short...too short to miss out on enjoying great experiences...like wearing Mitsouko or some of the other great fragrances you mentioned.

I doubt anyone but a 'fume-head would recognize any of these fragrances on you, and the ones who would recognize would almost certainly admire your panache for wearing such goodness.

I've only recognized a fragrance marketed to women on a man once, and it smelled fantastic on him--I was quite impressed really.

A few years back, I had boarded a plane and noticed a nice aroma from time to time. I sniffed to check if it was me. Nope. Not that good that day. After a while I realized I was smelling it each time a male flight attendant walked by. So eventually I overcame the social awkwardness of asking a guy what fragrance he was wearing. He smiled and said, "it's new". I didn't click that he was avoiding the question, so I pushed, "no, I meant what is it?" He then answered, "it's Cartier", and moved along to attend another passenger. Well, I mentally went through all the "masculine" fragrances I knew from that line: Santos, no, Pasha no, Declaration, no, Must pour Homme, no. The fragrance did seem a little familiar. Had he lied to me? Was it something else altogether? Nope, it was Le Baiser du Dragon, of which I had smelled a sample a few months before. Worked great on him, not feminine at all.

P.S. I did buy my first bottle of Mitsouko EdP this week too. I wanted to get the cool bottle in the gold box before it disappeared, replaced by reformulated material.

[mikeperez23]

Nice coincidence: I wore 'new' Eau de Toilette today, right after a lunchtime workout at the gym (two tiny sprays from a plastic decant bottle). Perfect. The other guys in the locker room didn't flinch. It just smells GOOD. End of story.

[pluran]

........Any words of Wisdom for me?.......

Wearing them around the house won't tell you as much. You have to get out and move around, get the body temp up, be around others, etc. Shalimar smells better but my girlfriend often mistakes it for Bois du Portugal. Mitsouko's androgynous, especially the new edt. There's so much vetiver in Mitsouko I sometimes think I'd rather just wear a good vetiver fragrance. You'd be a lot better off wearing Mitsouko than most of the disinfectants made for men. Nothing smells better than vintage Mitsouko parfum.

"Mitsouko is a thing of subtle silk opulence: strength and balance and twilight. I imagine that in the Chinese opium dens, just as the opium eaters begin to lose consciousness, they perceive a similarly magical smell drifting from their pipes. If Mitsouko is not five stars, no perfume is."

[southerngardens]

I have moved past any apprehensions that I had about wearing Mitsouko out in public. I am now wearing Chanel No.19, Guerlain L'Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Hermes Amazone, Shalimar, Chamade, Etc....I found that I am happiest wearing what I like and being myself.

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Mitsouko is a great fragrance, and as has been said before, life is short...too short to miss out on enjoying great experiences...like wearing Mitsouko or some of the other great fragrances you mentioned.

I doubt anyone but a 'fume-head would recognize any of these fragrances on you, and the ones who would recognize would almost certainly admire your panache for wearing such goodness.

I've only recognized a fragrance marketed to women on a man once, and it smelled fantastic on him--I was quite impressed really.

A few years back, I had boarded a plane and noticed a nice aroma from time to time. I sniffed to check if it was me. Nope. Not that good that day. After a while I realized I was smelling it each time a male flight attendant walked by. So eventually I overcame the social awkwardness of asking a guy what fragrance he was wearing. He smiled and said, "it's new". I didn't click that he was avoiding the question, so I pushed, "no, I meant what is it?" He then answered, "it's Cartier", and moved along to attend another passenger. Well, I mentally went through all the "masculine" fragrances I knew from that line: Santos, no, Pasha no, Declaration, no, Must pour Homme, no. The fragrance did seem a little familiar. Had he lied to me? Was it something else altogether? Nope, it was Le Baiser du Dragon, of which I had smelled a sample a few months before. Worked great on him, not feminine at all.

P.S. I did buy my first bottle of Mitsouko EdP this week too. I wanted to get the cool bottle in the gold box before it disappeared, replaced by reformulated material.

That's a great story! I am Glad to hear you got some Mitsouko! Good for you! She is a mysterious and wonderful frag for both men and women. Like in your story she smells totally different on a man than on a women.

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Nice coincidence: I wore 'new' Eau de Toilette today, right after a lunchtime workout at the gym (two tiny sprays from a plastic decant bottle). Perfect. The other guys in the locker room didn't flinch. It just smells GOOD. End of story.

So very true Mike. Mitsy does "just smell GOOD"!

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Wearing them around the house won't tell you as much. You have to get and move around, get the body temp up, be around others, etc. Shalimar smells better but my girlfriend often mistakes it for Bois du Portugal. Mitsouko's androgynous, especially the new edt. There's so much vetiver in Mitsouko I sometimes think I'd rather just wear a good vetiver fragrance. You'd be a lot better off wearing Mitsouko than most of the disinfectants made for men. Nothing smells better than vintage Mitsouko parfum.

"Mitsouko is a thing of subtle silk opulence: strength and balance and twilight. I imagine that in the Chinese opium dens, just as the opium eaters begin to lose consciousness, they perceive a similarly magical smell drifting from their pipes. If Mitsouko is not five stars, no perfume is."

I know what you mean. There are some terrible men's frags out today! And Mitsouko is a five star frag with such mystery and beauty. She has become my love.

[mr. reasonable]

I have a few semi-vintage versions dating from around the 80's - couple of Extraits, Parfum de Toilette and EDT.

Wore the EDT for an evening out yesterday - superb, deep, rich mossy baritone accord that really just makes you laugh when you look at the most of the confections being foisted on young guys these days. It's not so much the fact that so much stuff is sweet or simply bland, it's just that they seem to be so mean - tightly packed little synthetic things with no sense of space. Mitsouko is expansive, it gives you room to lean back and relax and enjoy the view - these new chemical things are like the seats in economy with a 6 inch screen about a foot in front of your face.

[gandhajala]

Great analogy, Mr.R.

[Balthazar]

The main problem with the wearability of Mitsouko is that it is a chypre. Beautiful as they can be they have been out of fashion for more than 20 years now. I'd say if you are comfortable wearing old school masculine chypres you should have no problem whatsoever. I'm speaking for the Vintage EDP as I'm not familiar with the current formulation or other concentrations.

[Sereno]

I have it and love it...Wear it anyway and enjoy it. I wear Shalimar as well...

[mikeperez23]

So funny I put a bit on last night before I headed out for Chinese food. Such a classic!

[mrcologneguy]

I prefer the EdT version — drier, less peachy. When I’m in the mood for Mitsouko, nothing else will do. It’s a warm, comforting scent, simultaneously expansive yet cozy. I get the awestruck effect that comes with viewing great works of art in a fine museum. Plus, you can pick up chicks with it.

[Juxtapozbliss]

I own the vintage EDC, and it never fails to brighten my mood.


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[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

I own multiple vintage bottles and it's a wonderful chypre classic.

[Emanuel76]

How do you wear it?

Vintage Mitsouko EDT - 2-3 small sprays on my wrist.

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I'm starting to like it more and more.
The aldehydes are not annoying at all, the flowers are very well blended, it's smooth and plushy with just a touch of fruitiness. It has an overall suede-mossy-spicy vibe.
Unisex due to the moss. But, still, a bit on the feminine side.

[Francolino]

Me when feeling particularly kinky!

[Trebor]

I tried wearing it, a few years ago, but it didn't agree with my body chemistry. I also disliked the scent's antiquated 'dustiness'.

[Derbyman]

Does anyone else find a great similarity between Mitsouko and Derby? I have a 1985 bottle of Derby and a sample of Mitsouko EDT (not sure which year/formulation) but, certainly for the first half an hour, Mitsouko REALLY reminds me of the drydown of the Derby.

(prepares to be shot down in flames....!)

[saminlondon]

Does anyone else find a great similarity between Mitsouko and Derby? I have a 1985 bottle of Derby and a sample of Mitsouko EDT (not sure which year/formulation) but, certainly for the first half an hour, Mitsouko REALLY reminds me of the drydown of the Derby.

(prepares to be shot down in flames....!)

Absolutely! Derby is clearly descended from Mitsouko and is sometimes described as a kind of 'Mitsouko pour Homme'.

[Kaern]

I know these old Guerlain classics like Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue are revered here, but for me they have dated badly and are suffocating to wear.

I can only imagine these types of fragrances suiting dowagers.

[saminlondon]

I know these old Guerlain classics like Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue are revered here, but for me they have dated badly and are suffocating to wear.

I can only imagine these types of fragrances suiting dowagers.

And yet they sell in enough quantities to stay in the catalogue year after year and stock Guerlain points of sale all over the world.

[Derbyman]

Absolutely! Derby is clearly descended from Mitsouko and is sometimes described as a kind of 'Mitsouko pour Homme'.

Phew! Thanks Sam, at least I'm not alone in my assessment.

I know these old Guerlain classics like Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue are revered here, but for me they have dated badly and are suffocating to wear.

I can only imagine these types of fragrances suiting dowagers.

Haha! Cheers Kaern!! I'm not exactly 'cutting edge' but am hopefully not quite into dowager territory yet either...(he says adjusting his pearls and brandishing his walking stick...!)

And yet they sell in enough quantities to stay in the catalogue year after year and stock Guerlain points of sale all over the world.

Obviously a lot of rich, old widows out there...

[PStoller]

I know these old Guerlain classics like Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue are revered here, but for me they have dated badly and are suffocating to wear.

I can only imagine these types of fragrances suiting dowagers.

And yet they sell in enough quantities to stay in the catalogue year after year and stock Guerlain points of sale all over the world.

Mitsouko and l’Heure Bleue will still be here after generations of what followed have fallen by the wayside, the latter having dated far worse and never having been nearly as good to begin with.

[DuNezDeBuzier]

Does anyone else find a great similarity between Mitsouko and Derby? I have a 1985 bottle of Derby and a sample of Mitsouko EDT (not sure which year/formulation) but, certainly for the first half an hour, Mitsouko REALLY reminds me of the drydown of the Derby. (prepares to be shot down in flames....!)

When I read this, well I had to read it three times. Having come off 3 straight days of Derby wears my immediate reaction was 'I wish, but no friggin way!'

Considering the source however, I went and found my old decant of Mitsouko (edp, pre 2010 I think). Hmmm, first parts of Mitsouko and the drydown of Derby. Don't know if I'll every perceive 'great similarity' but I will say that I'm not so sure about my initial reaction. Interesting, definitely.

[Derbyman]

When I read this, well I had to read it three times. Having come off 3 straight days of Derby wears my immediate reaction was 'I wish, but no friggin way!'

Considering the source however, I went and found my old decant of Mitsouko (edp, pre 2010 I think). Hmmm, first parts of Mitsouko and the drydown of Derby. Don't know if I'll every perceive 'great similarity' but I will say that I'm not so sure about my initial reaction. Interesting, definitely.

Hey DuNez, I consider it a great compliment that someone I consider a Basenotes stalwart and who's contributions I enjoy reading would not only read my post (albeit 3 times in bemused disbelief) but would take time to explore the crazy observation I shared. Thank-you!

Not that it matters particularly but may I ask which version of Derby you've been wearing? I've smelled old and new, as it were, and can't detect a huge difference but as my recent observations prove, my nose is probably not the most sophisticated...!

[Diamond Joe]

Have any of you Mitsouko lovers worn ALD's Antiquity?

I've been told there is a strong similarity, and, as I'm head over heels in love with Antiquity, I'm curious about Mitsouko.

Also, which strength is preferred here? I've heard (and read) differing opinions, and its very confusing to a newbie trying to figure out which one to try. Extrait? EdC? EdT? EdP??? Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrghhhhhh too many choices!! *head explodes*

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Does anyone else find a great similarity between Mitsouko and Derby? I have a 1985 bottle of Derby and a sample of Mitsouko EDT (not sure which year/formulation) but, certainly for the first half an hour, Mitsouko REALLY reminds me of the drydown of the Derby.

(prepares to be shot down in flames....!)

Didn't quite detect these similarities. Both share oakmoss and vetiver in the base. Mitsouko has some spices and oriental in the base while Derby has leather, patchouli, and sandalwood.

[GoldWineMemories]

Didn't quite detect these similarities. Both share oakmoss and vetiver in the base. Mitsouko has some spices and oriental in the base while Derby has leather, patchouli, and sandalwood.

I've always held the opinion Mitsouko also has castoruem in it as well.

[Jojo Lapin X]

I, in blatant defiance of society's norms, am wearing Mitsouko right now! I laugh in the face of convention! Of course, there is no one else around, but still.

[FISS80]

I have never worn Mitsouko but I do wear the Mitsouko inspired Diaghilev occasionally and always receive positive reactions from both men and women.

[DuNezDeBuzier]

Hey DuNez, I consider it a great compliment ... would take time to explore the crazy observation I shared. Thank-you!
...which version of Derby you've been wearing? I've smelled old and new, as it were, and can't detect a huge difference but as my recent observations prove, my nose is probably not the most sophisticated...!

No no. I don't see crazy, rather I think "hey, did I miss something there?" and as an enthusiast fortunate enough to have accumulated his fair share of stuff, it's interesting to compare / contrast perceptions... so, thank you for making this 'mitzy for men' discussion that much more interesting.

As for Derby... Got the Bee bottle first, then sprung for an Eagle bottle because I just had to. My nose tells me I needn't have done that but now I know. I'm sure there's a ton of opinions that those iterations are quite different, enough to matter, but that's not me and that wouldn't be anything new.

[Derbyman]

No no. I don't see crazy, rather I think "hey, did I miss something there?" and as an enthusiast fortunate enough to have accumulated his fair share of stuff, it's interesting to compare / contrast perceptions... so, thank you for making this 'mitzy for men' discussion that much more interesting.

As for Derby... Got the Bee bottle first, then sprung for an Eagle bottle because I just had to. My nose tells me I needn't have done that but now I know. I'm sure there's a ton of opinions that those iterations are quite different, enough to matter, but that's not me and that wouldn't be anything new.

I agree - the differences in perceptions are what makes this **hobby/lifestyle-choice/obsession/illness (**delete as applicable) so enjoyable as all our takes on fragrances are coloured by differing associations and experiences.

I've never smelled the Bee bottle version of Derby - just the Eagle bottle we both have (mine is a tester minus the cap - don't suppose I'll ever come across a spare one of those...!) and the rectangular wooden frame bottle (for want of a better description). I was expecting the 'frame' version to smell vastly different to the Eagle bottle given the 26 year age difference but found it remarkably similar, especially in the drydown phase.