By Thomas
I never quite understood the whole post-modern business. And I never quite got leathers in cologne. And Helmut Lang was a complete mystery to me – I mean, selling plain brown shirts for hundreds of dollars is a mark of genius, I guess, but exactly where does the genius lie?
I’ll tell you where the genius is: Helmut Lang Cuiron. I can’t believe I bypassed this as long as I did. This is a clear minimalist post-modern stroke of brilliance. Not everyone will love this, that’s for sure, but I am smitten with Cuiron.
Cuiron opens with crisp but not tart florals, in the vein of an orange blossom. Within a few minutes we have a smooth bright clean leather, alongside candied orange peel. This shimmers on and on for hours – skipping a drydown (or going right to drydown). Longevity is good but not great (reports vary among friends) and sillage is very tame.
This scent, like Helmut Lang’s clothes, is very quiet and muted. Hushed understated tones, a scent that works in a library. All very subtle and post-modern and worthy of any attire or setting. Worth a try if you can score a bottle. Rumor has it that this will be re-issued shortly – and I’ll order another bottle or three once it’s on the streets.
Bonus: Since I still have my ‘man card’ I’ve avoided the temptation to layer scents, and Cuiron is fine all by itself, but once in a while I add a hit of Bay Rum (Burt’s Bees) and each time is a revelation. The quiet minimalist modernity of Cuiron pairs up well with the brash swagger of Bay Rum, and the whole thing is a hot screaming glorious mess. Highly recommended for when you want to be loud and engaging but not obnoxious.
Year: 2002
Notes: Plum, Fluid Leather, Fresh Notes, Sensual Leather, Suede Notes, Noble leather
Mancard? Is it frowned upon to layer your manfumes? Please advise...
ReplyDeleteI conferred with a number of authorities, and the "man rules" are vague on this exact situation. However, the general rule says that men shouldn't wear anything that requires a lengthy explanation (more than two words), or at least admit to anything of the sort.
ReplyDeleteFor example - when you're asked what you're wearing - "Cuiron" is fine (so long as you mangle the accent). "Bay Rum" is also fine.
But if you say you "layered Bay Rum over Cuiron", well...that's a bit awkward.
Don't ask me how they expect men to confess to wearing "Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme" based on the name alone. I'd rather say I was wearing "White Linen" which in all fairness is great on a guy.