Versace - L'Homme

Versace´s L'Homme from the mid-eighties really epitomizes how brilliant mainstream designer fragrances once were. This is so well blended that it is hard to pinpoint the individual notes.

It does start with some sharp citrus and aromatic basil, eventually settling down to a semi-sweet, mossy, herbal and highly masculine base. The topnotes are slightly dissonant, astringent almost, immediately catching ones attention. I find this quality very typical of italian perfumery, often employed by for instance Santa Maria Novella and Lorenzo Villoresi. I enjoy this phase of L'Homme , but I can also understand that some have been discouraged by this particular bit. This herbaceuousness quickly transcends into total smoothness though.

The fragrance lasts forever and the progression is flawless, with each hour a new, great nuance of the scent is revealed. L'Homme slightly reminds me of Dunhill Edition, but less sweet and superior overall. The use of tobacco plays an important role in L'Homme like in other Versace fragrances such as The Dreamer and Versace Man, adding to it's perfect roundness and comforting, luxurious personality.

Balanced, full of character, subtle yet decisive - this is bottled elegance. And, most impressively, it does not smell dated at all.

Year of Launch: 1984

Gender Classification: Masculine

Reminiscent of: Dunhill Edition, Aramis, Drakkar Noir

Longevity & Sillage: Both stellar

Overall rating: 8/10