In the world of fashion, of rich fragrances, and luxury goods, Count Hubert de Givenchy was always a name to reckon with. Beyond the fact that such luminaries as Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis could be counted as his regular fashion clients, his fragrances were always considered iconic paragons of French scents. His original Givenchy Gentleman, launched in 1974, a woody-aromatic blend, is still sought after and admired. LVMH now owns the rights to the brand, and while the Count may have passed away in 2018; the brand continues to reinvent itself, and come up with exciting new products.
So, with the holiday season fast approaching, let’s play on the Christmas Carol, and explore the new exciting world of Gentleman Givenchy. There are four new variants in the line, and while they’re all sophisticated and urbane, each variant speaks to a specific Modern Man —one who is confident, restless, and full of charm. Whether picking out for yourself, or looking to gift a very special man, here’s a guide to understanding what lies behind each of the fragrances.
Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Toilette—this is for the daring Gentleman, one not afraid of audacious contrasts. It’s decidedly masculine, but different. Think of a stately cigar room but with a naughty streak. There’s a top note floral twist of pear, with orris and lavender at its heart, and a leather-patchouli accord as the base note. It’s a woody-floral that’s assured, yet delicate.
Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Parfum—here’s one for the magnetic Gentleman, the one who dances to his own tune and is ready to explore his own laws of attraction. Characterized as woody, with floral and Oriental hints, the head of the fragrance is pepper & lavender, with orris and tolu balm as middle notes, and patchouli & black vanilla as the bottom notes.
Gentleman Givenchy Cologne—for that unruly, androgynous, super-confident Gentleman, this one has a floral aspect so daring, it’s a free-spirited citrus tonic. Top notes of citrus and rosemary, a heart of iris, and vetiver and musk acting as the base. Notes of iris are carrying the masculine tones, so this one is unique with a capital U. For when the one who wants to let go, and flip the rules.
Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Parfum Boisée—here’s the latest reinvention of Gentleman, and it’s the sensual scent. A woody-floral-spicy, it’s heady and the one that will have women curious where the scent is wafting from. Pepper, coriander, and geranium are the first whiffs of this fragrance, with iris, cedar wood, and cocoa comprising the second wave, and sandalwood with patchouli holding it all together as the base. ‘Vive le difference!’
If you’re choosing for yourself, it’s always best to make use of the testers, spritz some on your inner wrist and walk around a bit, as fragrances will react to each person's body differently. But be prepared to be surprised by the sophistication and levels of subtlety of all the four Gentleman fragrances.