Our series of holiday gift posts continues with gift ideas for men, although there are plenty of “unisex” ideas in the other articles, and there are probably a few things here that women might like.
From Crabtree & Evelyn, the Indian Sandalwood Traveller set, with 8 ml Indian Sandalwood Cologne, 50 ml Indian Sandalwood Hair & Body Wash, 50 g Indian Sandalwood Shave Cream and 50 ml Indian Sandalwood Aftershave Balm. $26 at Crabtree & Evelyn…
I believe (tell me if I’m wrong) I have given more attention to the Tom Ford Private Blends than any other contributor here at Now Smell This (and I’ve liked more of the Private Blend perfumes than my cohorts, too). But over the last couple of years, my interest in the brand has waned, as one overpriced, under-thought-out perfume after another joined the range. Tom Ford’s Private Blend Atelier d’Orient Collection has been out 18 months and I’ve just sampled all four fragrances; three were yawners to me, but Fleur de Chine1 was a happy surprise.
Fleur de Chine opens with a brash salvo of aldehydes, floral spice (very wisteria-like), tart citrus, and semi-indolic magnolia…
Last year I bought a new bag made of American buffalo hide to replace my ancient black calfskin bag that has traveled around the globe with me for ages (and is now retired and ‘resting’ in a cabinet). The moment I held the new bag I felt guilty, for buffaloes are one of my favorite animals. I get excited, and am emotionally moved, to be in the presence of these “beasts” that have always symbolized, for me, the part of the U.S. I love most, the West. Since getting my new bag, I’ve been in two car accidents (only my car was injured) and lost two jobs. Am I cursed? Are the buffalo spirits I’ve always admired pissed off, feeling betrayed — egged on by cows (“He never worries much about US!”) Anyway, I’ve not used the new bag at all; it sits pristine in my closet, encased in a soft wool sweater.
I like leather fragrances as I like amber and tobacco perfumes: I need only ONE specimen of each in my perfume collection.1 Likewise, I need only one leather bag (I like simplicity); testing these two leather perfumes has led me back to my bison bag, whose aroma is still present…
More limited edition collector fragrance bottles, with the usual disclaimers: in most of these cases, the juice is unchanged, just the bottle is “special” (or not, as the case may be), and some of these may not be available in the US. Today’s post includes collector items from Viktor & Rolf, Elie Saab, Thierry Mugler and Jill Stuart; and a new Eau de Toilette concentration of Tom Ford Grey Vetiver.
From Viktor & Rolf, Flowerbomb in the Swarovski Deluxe edition, featuring almost 3000 crystals. 100 ml Eau de Parfum, €2000…
How many people know what REAL patchouli smells like? It seems fewer and fewer perfumistas have smelled “dirty” natural patchouli. The patchouli most used in perfumes these days is clean and crease-less, its damp/dank, earthy/root-y character has been dimmed or eliminated. Brutish, chest-thumping patchouli has been replaced in designer fragrances with patchouli that could be characterized as either an elegant lady or a freshly laundered, cuddly teddy bear who has cocoa-scented breath, with a dab of vanilla extract behind each ear.
Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu doesn’t go the ladylike or gourmand routes; its patchouli retains a natural “edge.” If real patchouli is Homo neanderthalensis and contemporary patchouli is Homo Catherine Deneuve, Tom Ford Patchouli (Absolu) is…Tom Ford himself…