We at August Man have no qualms about wanting to look and smell good. Whether it’s a refreshing citrusy scent that perks us up when the temperature rises or an alluring woody note to complete our formal evening ensemble, there’s something to satisfy our palates. Naturally, with a smorgasbord of options in the market, we figure you can probably use a recommendation or two from the team. To set you off on the right path here are some of the top notes from our favourite fashion houses.

Bleu de Chanel Le Parfum

One of my favourite scents on rotation for years, since the original Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette in 2010 to the Eau de Parfum edition in 2014 and most recently the Le Parfum. The concoction reads seductive and confident. Brewed for the independent, determined individual who refuses to be bound by rules, Olivier Polge – the nose behind the latest offering –  kept most of its original composition of pink peppercorn, citrus, peppermint, vetiver, grapefruit, cedarwood, patchouli, ginger, and sandalwood. He did, however, opt for a much higher dose of wood and citrus for the latest Le Parfum.

Louis Vuitton

First Collection of Fragrances for Men


This year marked many firsts for the 163-year-old French luxury house. African-American creative director, Virgil Abloh, and Janaye Furman, an African-American model, opened the women’s Paris Show, which heavily cast black models and other models of colour at Abloh’s SS19 Paris Show. It’s also the first time the House of Vuitton released a collection of men’s fragrances, following the well-received debut of its women’s fragrance in 2016. Building on the brand’s heritage of exploration, master perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud concocted five exceptional fragrances to pay homage to the adventurer on a quest for self-revelation. They are:

L’Immensité – an infinite inner journey­ –  an invigorating blend of grapefruit and ginger extracted with carbon dioxide accompanied by sage and rosemary.

Nouveau Monde – an homage to explorers – a leathery scent of oud assam mingles with raw cocoa and incense, top with saffron to create a spicy harmony on the skin.

Orage –the almighty nature of the elements – a woody fragrance with a dozen or so raw materials including iris, patchouli with bergamot and Javanese vetiver.

Sur La Route —a life path, a lesson in self — a mix of Calabrian citrus, cedar, Peruvian balsam, lemon, spicy notes of pink peppercorn and bergamot, an exhilarating scent that works for every occasion.

Au Hasard —a taste for risk — a “spellbinding” composition that embodies a combination of the now-unattainable Indian sandalwood fused with the seed of ambrette and “the spicy vibrations of cardamom mix”, for the adventure seekers.

Dolce & Gabbana The One Grey

With a combination of  aromatic  cardamom, earthy  vetiver, and opening with bitter citrus and notes of grapefruit and lavender, the latest rendition of the One series by the Italian luxury power house was concocted to celebrate modern elegance and charisma.

 

UOMO Salvatore Ferragamo Signature

Perfumer Alberto  Morillas imagines the timeless style of Salvatore Ferragamo with a unique blend of citrus, grapefruit and mandarine  essences, pink pepper cardamom, notes of Tonka coffee, and Patchouli. A well-received evening scent for the ambitious and audacious.

 

Jimmy Choo Man Blue

If you possess the Jimmy-Choo-Man kind of self-confidence –“classy yet with a casual rugged edge, and you have no qualms about pairing your white sneakers with a suit, and skates to work…” this might be just be for you.  A very easy scent to wear all year round, with a refreshing scent derived from a blend of bergamot that contrasts the spicy warmth of black pepper. Accompanied by grey amber, sandalwood and vetiver.