Patchouli Riviera

Fresh yet earthy. Longevity could be better but I still had to buy a bottle because I like the smell. This is for accomplished men above 40 yo that want to smell fresh during warmer days while marking their status.

Masculine, mature and classic. It seems to be on the lighter side as it should considering it’s probably best worn in summer.

Got a sample of this in my Atelier Cologne Advent Calendar. This is not something I would ever have tried based on the name alone - I am far from a Patchouli lover - but I’m sort of glad I did a test spray because now I can carry this around to remind myself of all the notes I’m absolutely looking to avoid. It’s dreadful.

How is it that every time I found myself a signature scent it gets either reformulated or discontinued? First, eons ago it was Masculin Vetiver, a 1980's green, airy, slightly camphoric, very distinctive and comforting. Then Dior's Homme at around 2010, I could definitely use this foermidable scent until today. It was soft, leathery, iris infused cologne, leaving a remarkable drydown which smelled like a skin straight out of the sea water heated up by the sun. And then at around 2014 it was gone and replaced by some mediocre smelling heavy vanilla odour. Now this. I've been enjoying it for couple of seasons and it's suddenly gone. I love patchouli in it's original Indian, sun bathed, spicy version with that hint of earthiness, but without any chocolatey, or musky notes. Just plain vibrant herbs. But this one is much more. It's not just sweet and fruity, it is not only a sunny scent. It's a whole story about a walk down the elegant small streets of southern France at the sunset wearing white. ;) So they took it away from me. ;/ Any ideas for a replacement would be much appreciated.

I think what may throw someone off when smelling this fragrance is, although there is patchouli in it, the note that stands out is the olibanum better known as frankinscence. Combine that with pepper, anise, grapefruit, vetiver and geranium and you'll have a more distinctively mature and even manly sort of fragrance. The patch is such a a minor player it is barely discernable. I suggest try before buy on this one. Well made, however, as are all Atelier offerings. ✨