Ask anyone in the movie business and they’ll tell you that it’s hard to get a sequel right. We always remember the originals so fondly. To a certain extent, the law of diminishing returns can be applied to the world of fragrance. It’s hard to capture lightning in a bottle twice. However, of course there are the odd exceptions. In today’s blog post I’ll take you through a few of my favourite flankers.
Mugler A*Men Pure Malt – This 2009 flanker to the 1996 original was released as a homage to the traditional Scottish whiskey. For mine, it is much more wearable than the original, as it removes the divisive tar opening, leaving behind a box office crowd pleaser that I’d pay to experience time and time again.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Cologne – A sequel done right. Thierry Wasser’s use of almond in L’Homme Ideal Cologne sets it apart from the stock standard box office citrus fare. The almond gives the fragrance a creamy depth that rivals the EDT of Chanel’s Allure Homme Edition Blanche. All the citruses, led by grapefruit smell natural, which is rarely the case in designer releases of recent vintage. Finally, as the credits start to roll, white musk and vetiver bring down the curtain with typical Guerlain elegance.
Gucci Pour Homme II – A designer tea scent that manages to get it right. No mean feat. A fragrance that isn’t an all action blockbuster, but a well-considered relaxed period piece that hums along and unveils its storyline slowly, never becoming boring. One for the thinking man or woman.
Dior Homme Parfum – This flanker beefs up the edt’s already heavy storyline with added leather, however still plays true to the original, with the inclusion of the usual suspect of iris. The addition of the heavier notes makes this more of a long-lasting epic. You’ll need two buckets of popcorn to get through this one.
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche – A lighter take on the original Allure Homme. Creamy vanilla and lemon, with pink pepper playing a supporting role, ensuring this flanker is a release you’ll want to turn to during the summer holiday season.
Joop Le Bain Soft Moments – A rom-com in a bottle. It won’t change the world but it’s a nicely done peach blossom over amber base. An easy wear, soothing and cuddly.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier Extreme – I like this one better than the original, as it amps up the coconut and fig that I love so much from the first release. It’s a little more tropical than the first release, at least to my nose. If anything, it’s less extreme than Premier Figuier, as some of the harshness of the original has been toned down, creating a much more cohesive screenplay.
Dior Pure Poison – A fragrance fit for any red carpet, with its sweeping florals of jasmine, gardenia and orange blossom. Cool, creamy and clean. Delightful stuff, and with decent longevity.
Olfactive Studio Still Life in Rio – Lemon and yuzu mixed with coconut, rum and ginger, transporting the wearer straight to the beaches of Rio. It all combines to remind me of peach tea. A sequel to Still Life that should be worn to the outdoor cinema.
Tom Ford Black Orchid Edt – A more wearable version of Black Orchid edp, with some of the bitter chocolate accents toned down. Still fit enough for any leading lady however, and there is enough edge here from the truffle, orchids and patchouli to light up any screen.
What are your favourite flankers?
Notes: bottle images courtesy of fragrantica
