By Dane
When researching Eau Noire, I came across a quote from Hedi Slimane explaining that until Eau Noire's existence, he had worn the same fragrance since the age of 11. It took me a while to come around to Eau Noire's mystique, but now that I think I know said mystery fragrance, it all makes sense.
Caron's Pour Un Homme is a classic pairing of astringent lavender and creamy vanilla. Eau Noire takes that one step further and puts a bright green mohawk on the handsome face with immortelle...that strange and wonderful candied curry scent first used to acclaim in Annick Goutal's Sables. Immortelle can easily steal the show and shock your senses, but the solid foundation of lavender (which can sometimes have a caramelized effect on its own) and vanilla keeps everything grounded.
The Dior Homme brand has always been a personal favourite of mine. Slimane made skinny boys like me in-fashion, and as far as I'm concerned, changed the concept of "how men should look." His departure from the company has left many (including myself) rather cold with the leftovers, but at least he left us a few permanent treasures to hold his legacy...until his return that is (hey, I can dream.)
Incredibly chic and definitely not for the faint-of-heart, Eau Noire is a strong contender for the future classic position...just go easy when wearing it (no one wants to come across as having spent too much time at the $10 all-you-can-eat buffet at that great Indian restaurant down the street.)
Year: 2004
Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian
Notes: Cedar, Lavender, Vanilla
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ReplyDeleteWhere can you find this? Only in Dior boutiques?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. My bf is a very lean guy as well- in the midwest, no less- and felt validated by slimane's work.
cheers
dea - you can find it at Dior Homme boutiques (NYC, etc.), as well as nicer department stores. I believe now and then you can also find it on eluxury.com.
ReplyDeleteHey Dane,
ReplyDeleteWould love to hear at what you think about after Dior changed its mythic Eau Noire to a new formula and concentration? I am totally desperated, it seems I've lost my favorite fragrance!
Birdytg