Men’s Fragrances that I remembered (from the 80s)

I HEART FRAGRANCE!

And I love it for so many reasons.

1) Besides its lovely scent, so much effort has been placed into designing the packaging, the bottles and the ad campaigns to promote the scents. And of course, I know now that it accounted for probably 80% of what I am paying for, but this is a huge industry for the luxury market and going to my point number 2…

2) It is the first branded product that I (and for many people I dare say) can afford to buy during my younger days and it has opened my eyes to the world of the fashion brands. Many of the brands I know today, I first got to know about them through it’s fragrance line. And that is how powerful the fragrance line has done for many luxury brands; helping it to reach out to the masses.

3) Today the choices of men’s fragrance are so wide that I don’t see why any men cannot find a signature fragrance that will fit his personality. So no excuse for any man for no wearing one.

Before I embark on my journey to discover the vast universe of fragrances out there, I want to start by looking back at some of the men’s fragrance that I remembered as I was growing up in the 80s. Some of them remain really strong in the market while a few has faded away or has found a smaller niche market.

Calvin Klein Eternity for Men

Calvin Klein’s Eternity is a hallmark of men’s fragrances, and that’s for good reason too. This is one fragrance that I still use today as the intoxicating richness in the scent that’s both classic and contemporary has long stood the test of time — and will continue to do so. With its engaging blend of floral top notes and muskier base notes, Eternity offers that always-appreciated blend of understated masculinity.

Best for: For those nights when it’s your lady (or the ladies) you want to charm and impress. Word of advise, do not spray excessively as it scent is pretty strong and it lasts the whole night.

Key notes: Freesia, mandarin, sage, white lily, sandalwood, and patchouli

Year Introduced: 1989

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

Ralph Lauren Polo

Ralph Lauren Polo cologne is a formal fragrance designed for men. A classic scent filled with notes of leather, wood, tobacco, spicy thyme, and other masculine scents; Polo by Ralph Lauren makes a powerful statement. With Polo by Ralph Lauren, there is something really masculine and sexy about this fragrance that I really like but it’s not a scent that I will wear myself, but I very definitely check out whoever is wearing it if I smell in in the mall. (Wink!)

Fragrance Notes: Wood, leather, basil, tobacco

Year Introduced: 1978

Recommended Use: Formal

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

Davidoff Cool Water

One of the best selling scents on the market today, Davidoff Cool Water has become the fragrance signature for relaxed, sophisticated individuals. This is one scent and brand that has capture the wonders of so many people. It is not a fashion brand to start with, but a brand known for the its tabacoo business and they’ve really hit the jackpot with this scent ; I swear I know a lot of women wearing this men’s fragrance themselves.

Cool Water cologne has strong notes of mint, seawater, rosemary, lavender and coriander. Davidoff Cool Water combines a sensuality and freshness that embody freshness in a truly seductive way.

Fragrance Notes: Sandalwood, lavender, oakmoss, musk, jasmine

Year Introduced: 1988

Recommended Use: Casual

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche

Ah yes! Drakkar Noir is one of the first fragrance that I first bought( proudly at that time) and it was really popular amongst the men here in Singapore during the mid 80s. But today this brand has almost disappeared from the major cosmetic counter until I spotted it on sale at Mustapha Centre last week. I guess this uniquely and quite masculine smelling fragrance has a niche market today.

Drakkar Noir Cologne by Guy Laroche begins its enticement with coriander, oakmoss, spicy berries and a touch of lemon. A classical, aromatic seduction of subtle floral and spice, Drakkar Noir Cologne by Guy Laroche is a dynamic, warm provocative scent with undertones of exploration and invitation.

Fragrance Notes: Sandalwood, spicy berries, lavender, citrus

Year Introduced: 1982

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

Aramis

Ok, first one all, this is not my favourite scent and secondly my apologises for my ignorance, I had for a long time mistaken this brand for Armani ( by Giorgio Armani). I have listed this fragrance only because this cologne is believed to be one of the earlier created to target the men in the mass market. It was launched in 1965-66 by the Estee Lauder Companies and has a stable market today.

Aramis cologne for men has a long, rich history as a classic and somewhat traditional scent with a decidedly modern edge. Thanks to a woody and leather composition with extra sharp notes of cinnamon and other spices, Aramis cologne is an intense masculine fragrance….not to be worn by the faint of heart ( not for me , I guess).For me I find it a bit too traditionally and more likely appreciated by the more matured men.

Fragrance Notes: Wood, leather, moss, clove

Year Introduced: 1965 -66

Scent Strength: Intense

Scent Life: 6-10 hours

What's your Style Archetype? Knowing yourself is the first step to being stylish!

The fashion world is huge, but it can really be simplified to twelve Style Archetypes. Which one you belong to depends on a few things – the importance of clothing in your life, your preference for different patterns and apparel, as well as the amount of effort you're willing to put into dressing up.

Once you know your archetype, you'll find that dressing up and looking good isn't hard at all. Less trial and error, more hitting the spot. You can even start exploring looks and brands within your archetype that you never thought you'd like. Take this test to find out which Style Archetype works best for you!