Parle Moi de Parfum – Wake Up World – As we know, fragrance can transport us back in time. And Michel Almairac’s/Parle Moi de Parfum’s new Wake Up World transports me back to my high school days in the mid-nineties. For you see, this new creation smells remarkably like an old Michel Almairac creation from that time, Pilamo Picasso’s Minotaure. Unquestionably this reproduction/reincarnation was intentional on the perfumer’s part. Monsieur Almairac has form in this regard. Papyrus Oud from Parle Moi de Parfum was an unashamed return to Gucci Pour Homme I.
Wake Up World takes us slightly further back in time than the Gucci, opening up fresh and herbal, with a measured dose of the synthetic ingredient Dihydromyrcenol. This note gives the perfume a distinct aromatic slant. Heavily used in masculine’s of the time, this particular synthetic’s characteristic lime and lavender nuances combine in a revitalising embrace in Wake Up World.
The fruity apple mid-note is one of the predominant features of Wake Up World, and fused with rose gives the perfume a crisp, juicy heart. There’s a luminous aura to Wake Up World. A brightness. Something to bring a smile to one’s face.
The base of Wake Up World recalls Minotaure’s creamy, slightly sweet finish. Warming notes of vanilla, tonka, benzoin, and sandalwood give the perfume a lovely contrasting conclusion. I pick up hints of leather, and that marked tonka/vanilla in the base makes for a sweeter conclusion than most masculine fragrances.
The scent’s distinct fresh and sweet halves give Wake Up World year-round wearability. Perhaps, the dosage of Ambroxan in the base is higher here than in 1992, thereby giving Wake Up World a more modern feel. However, there’s no overdose of Ambroxan, fortunately. Indeed, it’s significantly less than in Tomboy Neroli from the brand. That one gave me a headache, but Wake Up World does not.
One might argue that Almairac isn’t furthering the art of perfumery by rehashing old favourites. And they have a point. However, Minotaure and Gucci Pour Homme I are either long gone or a shadow of their former self. So, who am I to argue with this release strategy? And besides, It’s always nice to stroll down memory lane, especially the well-perfumed one that Wake Up World takes me down.
It’s not an easy fragrance to categorise, as the lavender, herbs, and tonka give it a distinct fougere structure. To be sure, there are quite a few things going on here. But, if you were a fan of Minotaure, Tommy For Men Cologne, Hugo Boss Bottled, or Roma Uomo Laura Biagiotti, you’ll enjoy Wake Up World. The common thread is these are all men’s marketed perfumes from the 1990s, but they could all easily be unisex. Ultimately, I won’t categorise it into a specific genre, but perhaps I’ll stick with the nineties theme and say it smells like teen spirit.
What’s a scent that transports you back to the 1990s?
Note: The overview is based on a sample I purchased; unless stated, all images are mine.
I haven’t smelled this one yet, but it sounds like I should. The 90s to me are probably The Body Shop White Musk (worn by others), Hugo Boss cologne, and aquatic scents like Davidoff Cool Water and The Body Shop Oceanus. And lilac scents… and CK One, and Acqua di Gio…
Yes for sure. All those bring back many memories. They’re still appreciated all these years later, as most are still around today in one way or another. I remember having the deodorant spray, body lotion and the shampoo for CK One and Cool Water for Men. Nineties freshness personified.
Many scents transport me back to the 90s: ckone, Amarige, Poison, Fahrenheit and Paloma Picasso’s scents too!
I need to test this one! Great review and beautiful pictures, as always!
Thanks so much, Tetê! Love all your choices. I still have a bottle of Fahrenheit. I think CK One will come up a lot. It seems to be the quintessential 90’s perfume. Let me know what you make of Wake Up World when you sample it.
The 90’s recall Gucci Envy, Dior Dune, Aramis Tuscany per Donna & all those hideous, nausea inducing calone bombs!
I generally feel sorry for men when it comes to gendered fragrances, those aimed at men seem to be those not good enough to be marketed to women, even teenage women!
I believe men deserve better, certainly better than rehashed 90’s men’s fragrances
Dior Dune is a beauty. Fair enough. And I agree, most interesting things are in the women’s section of the department store. Perhaps, that holds true even more so these days. Still, I thought the 90’s had some great classic men’s perfumes: Boucheron Jaipur Homme, YSL Opium Pour Homme, Heritage by Guerlain, Egoiste by Chanel, Escada Pour Homme, Gucci Envy for Men.