Le Labo – IRIS 39
One of the most revered fragrance houses in recent years, Le Labo’s Iris 39 stands alongside the brand’s other popular releases as an incredibly long-lasting and powerful scent for the man looking to get noticed. Perfect for the spring months, it opens with powerful floral and earthy notes before settling into a warmer, spicier aroma.
Atelier Bloem – 1614
Capturing the essence of Amsterdam’s iconic flower markets, Atelier Bloem’s 1614 blends fresh florals with zesty fruit and potent woody notes to form a well rounded, superbly spring suited scent. Robust enough to hold itself through the day, yet not so overpowering that you’ll leave the office in need of fumigation.
Valentino – Uoma Acqua
Arguably one of the most interesting men’s fragrances available from an established designer brand, Valentino Uomo Acqua is a fresher, lighter take on the much loved Uomo released back in 2014. Following the initial burst of invigorating mandarin and floral notes, the scent dries down with heartier, masculine leather notes – ideal for a day to night number.
Serge Lutens – Dent De Lait
While Serge Lutens latest Dent De Lait takes an unusual approach to branding with the words blood, metal and milk teeth being thrown around – the fragrance itself couldn’t be further from any preconceived notions you may, rightfully, establish. Clean and sharp, yet somehow simultaneously soft and sweet; the juxtaposition of metal, floral, incense and milk notes make for an interesting olfactory experience, now synonymous with the Serge Lutens brand.
Tom Ford – Mandarino Di Amalfi Acqua
Adding to the ever expansive Private Blend collection, the unisex Mandarino Di Amalfi Acqua fuses fresh spring-suited notes like mandarin and mint with the likes of amber and vetiver to from an invigorating, zesty daytime scent for the warmer months. While it leans a little on the feminine side it is, technically, suited to both; and, as we all know, there are few who transcend both ‘male’ and ‘female’ scents as well as Tom Ford.
Giorgio Armani – Armani Code Colonia
Another relatively new release, Armani Code Colonia was released in early 2017 as a lighter, fresher take on the iconic much-loved original from the Italian powerhouse. Maintaining the same understated masculinity as the original release, Colonia replaces a few of the headier notes such as tobacco and leather with marginally lighter options like amberwood. Ideal for transitioning from office to bar, the sweet amber and robust tonka bean in the dry down lend themselves well to both day and evening wear.
Czech & Speake – No. 88
A great option for the more traditionally inclined gent, Czech & Speake’s No. 88 aftershave combines potent notes such as floral, vetiver and sandalwood to form an intrinsically interesting, hyper-masculine aroma. Having been around since the eighties, it exudes the macho, musky feeling associated with many of the scents of the decade – not one for the man hoping to pass under the radar.
