Fragrances are very personal so when we find one we really like, we often stick to that and a small group of favourites which become our signatures. However, personally speaking, we like to have more than a few options to vary what we smell of according to time of day, occasion and mood. Sure, there are many classics that we return to again and again (more of these next time) but it’s also good to keep up with new launches and new variations that might catch your nose and pique your interest. The fragrance industry is prolific in churning out new things, especially this time of year, but here are a few that we have liked recently.
Ex Vetiver by Juliette Has A Gun
This French brand has been a bit off our radar in the past as they have been aiming squarely at the women’s market but this new perfume is their first created specifically for guys, even if it does have the proviso that it is ‘a feminine fragrance for men’. Based on that perennial favourite Vetiver, it goes full-on with three different kinds of aromatic grass mixed with bergamot and lemon. The result is a very successful zesty and woody fragrance that is innovative but not too weird to scare anyone away. You can get it here.
Virēre by Aesop
Another fragrance from the citrus woody world (always a safe bet for men, should you be thinking gifts), this one comes from the always reliable Aesop. Probably known more for their skincare than perfumes, nevertheless, the brand has a nice stable of relatively easy-to-wear fragrances and this one, with its peppery and lemony notes, is a great new one that works well for daytime and exudes healthy living and clean skin. Available at aesop.com.
Le Sel D’Issey by Issey Miyake
We don’t usually feature ‘designer’ fragrances on here as they are usually pretty generic add-ons to a large corporate brand rather than something that stands up in its own right (Tom Ford fragrances being a notable exception) but Issey Miyake brings a little more class than usual and the price point makes it an egalitarian recommendation. Buying into the trend for mineral-based fragrances, this one includes seaweed, oak moss and ginger making it fresh and light and a great option for the day. The bottle is handsome too. Available here.
Radical Rose Extrait de Parfum by Matiere Premiere
Regular readers will know that we are big fans of rose fragrances (see more here). for men and this one is most definitely a powerful and strong-armed option. Based on Matiere Premiere’s original Radical Rose, this is a beefed-up version using the extremely rare centifolia rose from Grasse in France and adding Croatian immortelle (a form of curry plant extract). It’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or shallow of pocket) but it’s a fabulous evening aroma with real impact. You can find it here.
Black Lacquer by Tom Ford
Tom Ford is a pretty reliable choice when it comes to choosing a new fragrance as he pushes the envelope a little but not too much. This new one buys directly into the brand image of sexy, dark and very luxurious with results that are really rather good. A little reminiscent of something Comme des Garcons would do, this has a chemical/vinyl fragrance that gives a bit of edge to the amber and pepper that are also present. It’s definitely one to wear with a tuxedo (black of course) whilst sipping a gin martini. Get it here.
LV Lovers by Louis Vuitton
Another brand that is far from being just a perfumier, Louis Vuitton actually makes some extremely good fragrances and manages to avoid the whole Duty-Free world to retain an air of exclusivity (their Cactus Garden is one of Graham’s all-time favourites). Their new addition, LV Lovers, is supposedly by Pharrell and although we imagine his involvement was somewhat distant (he’s too busy with Lego these days…), it’s pretty good. It’s woody (with sandalwood and cedar) but also fresh with ginger. It lasts a long time on the skin too which is a good thing as it unsurprisingly costs a fortune.
