Has The Perfumed Dandy mentioned that since starting out on his amazing adventure in the Wicked Wild West that is the World of Women’s Perfume he has amassed from dear readers an astonishing array of almost 500 suggestions of once forbidden ‘female fragrances’ that you consider fit for a gentleman to wear?
Well, The Dandy has most certainly mentioned it now!
Being ever one to share both the love and the wisdom, I have taken it upon myself to spread cognisance of these suggested scents far and wide each Saturday.
Such is the premise of our weekly peek inside the The Perfume Dandy’s Library Catalogue.
What follows is the third installment of ’20 scents one never knew a man could wear’ that may tickle either your fancy or your funny bone…
If you would like to further the cause of one of the fragrances, getting it a step closer to the dizzying heights of The Perfumed Dandy’s Hit Parade kindly respondez-vous to this post.
Alternatively if you believe you have the perfect perfume for The Dandy but can’t see it listed below simply visit ‘Suggest a new scent or recommend an old one’ to put the name forward.
Allons-y!!
1. Robert Piguet Futur
The re-imagination or reconstruction of this house’s back catalogue has been one of the most notable of perfume events of recent years. Is Futur up to the standard set by the feisty Fracas and the rough, tough Bandit?
2. Hermes Caleche
Once a classic aldehyde and a favourite of forthright women everywhere, some say that its bite is gone. What thinks you? Is it still worth a ride in this carriage?
3. Van Cleef & Arpels First
So ‘First’ becomes the second once austere aldehyde to join the list today. This has returned to stores everywhere in London of late and seems to be enjoying a renaissance. Is this deserved?
4. Cacharel Anais Anais
The porcelain flacon, the deep floral aroma and it’s near ubiquity amongst very young ladies at a certain point in my past means I have quite fixed memories of this fragrance – is it time to change them?
5. Juliette Has A Gun Lady Vengeance
A house that always impresses with robust perfumes that live up to their roughty tufty names. Is it time to allow this lady to exact her vengeance?
6. Jean Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose L’Original
A truly classic rose perfume by all accounts and one that I am entirely unacquainted with. Could now be the time for an introduction?
7. Weil Antilope
An original… but way passed its best? Is it even wearable these days? Do let me know…
8. Guerlain Apres l’Ondee
Given the huge respect in which this fragrance appears to be held, it’s a constant surprise that it has received so little love here these few months. One wonders… why?
9. Guerlain Chamade
I refer reader to the question I posed some moments ago. A classic, no?
10. Parfums de Nicolaï Maharadjah
Someone recently remarked that it was the ordinary bottles that had always held this house back… is this the case or is there another reason not to try?
11. Hermes Elixir des Merveilles
A flanker to be true, but is this one a worthy cousin to the eminent Hermes skin scent?
12. Bottega del Profumo Via Margutta
I know nothing at all about this, so must await an education… if you wish it so!
13. Jacomo Art Collection by Jacomo #02
One hears so many good things about Jacomo, can they all be true?
14. Elie Saab Le Parfum
The omniscent of the moment in London, that comes from the portfolio of an eminent nose and has had some critics applauding. I am, I admit, intrigued.
15. Divine L’inspiratrice
Again, I’m in the dark, is it worth turning the light on for some inspiration?
16. Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle
A Guerlain that divides. Even devotees of the house often reserve a harsh word or twenty for this release. Has it really earned this mixed reception?
17. Guerlain Liu
My goodness, it’s quite a day for Guerlain today! This one’s unfamiliar territory for me, which excites, I must confess…
18. Mariah Carey Forever
Sometimes one feels this lady’s vocal histrionics could last an eternity, will I want the scent to stop as much?
19. Marchesa Parfume d’Extase
The name alone sends a quiver through one, is it worth the shakes?
20. Rochas Femme Rochas
There’s quite a lady behind the design of this flacon… and you can find out more about where those curves came from too… by looking up Mae West sometime!
I know I’m repeating myself but… If you would like to further the cause of one of the fragrances, getting it a step closer the dizzying heights of The Perfumed Dandy’s Hit Parade kindly respondez-vous to this post.
Alternatively if you believe you have the perfect perfume for The Dandy but can’t see it listed below simply visit ‘Suggest a new scent or recommend an old one’ to put the name forward.
The Perfumed Dandy. 
It’s almost impossible to decide between so many interesting submissions! But I vote for Liu because I know nothing at all about it and I’ve been curious, and I’m sure your review will send me scampering off for a sample.
Dear Lily
You know if I were able to vote, which I’m not, then The Dandy would cast a ballot for Liu simply on account of that falcon!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
I think Liu sounds exciting to many of us because it’s kind of an unknown Guerlain. But I find it to just be a sort of poor shadow of Chanel No. 5. If you smell it I will look forward to hearing what you think!
Dear Unseen
Oh please tell me it is not so!!
But then, I have others speak of Messrs Van Cleef and Arpels First thus, and yet I am mighty partial…
A beautiful flask though…
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Yes, that flacon is gorgeous!
It seems like a list of “What women’s perfumes a man cannot wear” would be shorter 😉
Dearest Undina
It does seem that way sometimes to me and then The Dandy recalls that there are in the region of 15,000 ‘female’ perfumes and only a little shy of 500 have yet been claimed as suitable for gentlemanly use.
That’s why I also say… ‘keep ’em comin!!”.
Though of course The Dandy don’t speak like that.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
I could not decide so I printed out the post, hung it on the wall, put on a blindfold and threw a dart at it. Missed it all together twice but third time’s the charm. It landed square on 19. Marchesa Parfume d’Extase! (I do love that bottle) so it gets my blindfold vote!
Monsieur L
It is a feverishly attractive flacon is it not.
Your thoughts are duly noted in the ledger.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
I think Apres l’Ondee is the most fabulous of the bunch but I’m sure the others are lovely as well. I was very underwhelmed by all the Nicolai line. I know she’s a scioness of the Guerlains but not a lioness. Her scents are too timid for my taste. .
Dear Ricky
Nicolai perfumes are certainly very restrained. I tried them in Paris just the other week and they did not cope well in the cold – perhaps they are more for the warmth of summer!
Apres l’Ondee belong to another world, and I’m pained to admit I’ve never worn it… yet!!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Hello Mr Dandy…..Delighted to see Jardins De Bagatelle on that list…..and disappointed you not have tried it…..this is my vote.However because I am a cheeky Aussie I shall vote for a second scent…..Ombre Rose
Dear Saffyishere (what a wonderful avatar name)
I long to walk in the Jardins and am now one step nearer due to your support. As for multi votes my antipodean friend… while feel free!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Surely the largest challenge is staring you in the face? The question is can un homme wear La Femme – Rochas Femme, that is! (I would be interested to read your take. I think most people can wear most fragrances, and there’s nothing particularly “girly” about Femme, and yet I can’t really see a man wearing it.
Dear Unseencenser
Indeed, Femme is the greatest challenge of all!!
But is any man ready to meet Mae West?
My salute to the first ‘sex symbol’ for International Women’s Day tells all…
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
I vote the Jardin de Bagatelle
Dear Lady Jicky
I’m so pleased to hear some support for Bagatell – a perfume that seems to get too little love in my view!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Elixir des Merveilles -best perfume without a floral note
I vote Rochas Femme, if it hasn’t been done yet
What about Ombre rose??? No comments on that one ..theres a bottle for sale on line her in NZ for $38 NZ no one is interested in it. But i dont want to pay $38 for a large bottle of perfume if I dont like it when i get it.