DK

''Frame by frame we begin to change Skeletons and robot brains She found a book that writes itself That plays it all upon a stage '' When I think of DK Men (DK Fuel) I think of a unique compilation of fragrances. First let's start with Chanel Egoiste. As some of you have already mentioned, I can surely agree that the opening is quite similar but not to the T. Then there's Hugo Boss Dark Blue which shares a similar and wonderful suede note. John Varvatos original for its leathery and creamy vibe. Michael For Men by Michael Kors for its tobacco and fruity notes. Le 3 Homme de Caron for its sweetness, and Fahrenheit for its awesome petrol-like essence. Now I'm not actually implying that these wonderful fragrances could be alternatives to the legendary masterpiece that is Donna Karan Men, but they do share similar characteristics which if you were to mix, somehow would create the abstract portrait of this extraordinary juice. On my skin, longevity is anywhere from 7 to 8 hours and silage is moderate. I do however, spray twice on each pulse point simply because I love this juice! I prefer wearing this avant-garde masterpiece for cooler months. Preferably Fall, Winter and early Spring (anywhere near late 40s to mid 50 degree weather). To me this is a potion worth having, worth seeking if you're into the idea of eccentricity, rebellion, intellect, and risk taking.

I have two version of DK Men. The first one is the original DK MEN. It is packed with black box with “FUEL FOR MEN TM” label on the back of the box & comes as EDT in 75ml bottle. The second one is DK MEN UNLEADED . It is packed with grey box with “UNLEADED TM EAU FRAICHEUR TONIQUE VAPORISATEUR” label on the back of the box & comes as EDT in 100ml bottle. Both of them have the same unique Flacon – They look like Batman secret weapon, haha & the original one used metal plate to cover both side of the flacon, Donna Karan Don’t use the metal plate anymore on the UNLEADED version – maybe because of the highly cost of bottle manufacturing... what a pity. I never tried the reissue version that comes in tall cylinder black bottle, but I pray to God hoping that the juice is the same as the original one. The UNLEADED version is very linier on my skin. I think the scent from the UNLEADED version is the middle notes of the DK MEN original – nothing surprises me. if you look at the DK MEN notes above – there are so many notes & way too complex, just like the scent development itself. DK MEN is a Masterpiece, Why?? When u smell DK MEN original on your skin & said to yourself “OMG!... the scent changes again” more than four times & you start to hate all the apple shape releases from Donna Karan – you will know that it was made by love & passion for fragrance.

For me, this is my holy grail, my signature scent. I can't describe this scent as I'll be too impartial. Fresh out of university, on my first job and first paycheck, I bought this as accompaniment for Dior Fahrenheit, my college days signature scent. I used this as my daytime scent and Dior Fahrenheit as nighttime scent. I got this the first time it was released and was so mad and heartbroken when it was discontinued. I searched my entire city looking for this to no avail. Luckily, a few years ago, in another city, on a foreign country, I found this again with the help of a friend who knows how I love this juice. I almost cried when I saw it again. I cannot contain my excitement and I opened the box and sprayed all over my body with no abandon. My friend and everyone inside the shop were shocked and later were all laughing at me. I didn't care. I asked the shop owner how many bottles he have and without thinking, I bought his entire stock. Now, I have enough supply for my entire life. This original vintage juice, even though it says cologne spray, is very long lasting on me. It projects softly which I like for a daytime scent. If Cuir Ottoman by Parfum d'Empire is my favorite leather scent, this is the perfect and my favorite suede scent. Very elegant, luxurious and mesmerizing. The epitome of discreet luxury.

Concerning the original formulation of DK Men, I've still hoarded a supply of various mini bottles of this and I have a little bit left in my original full-size. I remember this scent very well from when I was a kid, and all I can say is that it is some high octane sh*t - a warm, creamy, leathery fragrance that is VERY masculine. Not offensive at all, but this can announce your presence very well. DK Men is a very distinctive scent, and once you smell it you'll never forget it. So yes, a creamy, leathery fragrance that starts out smelling like leather and booze with a hint of fruitiness to me. As it dries down, it still retains this, however just becoming smoother and woodsier - like a warm burning fireplace. I would not be surprised if tobacco is in this. The sandalwood is a key player here, interacting with the juniper, almond, pineapple and musk to create the leather/smoky aroma. Suede and motor oil? You bet. This is THE scent to wear with a leather jacket, no doubt. Sillage isn't monster, but the fragrance does last a good while. An absolutely wonderful masculine cold weather scent, and one of my all-time favorites. Hopefully when I get the cash, I'll get the reissue.

Maybe one of my all-time favorites ever. I went through several bottles when this first came out (and no, a cloud of it did not follow me wherever I went; I know better than that), and then strayed with other fragrances for a spell, only to find it had been discontinued one day. I loved how it was sweet without being too sweet (NOT a fan of anything "Sport"), a great combo of leather, woodsy, tobacco, and warmth. There's an excitement and energy to it without being juvenile. This was a feel-good fragrance for me, always putting me in a good mood. Great at night, but not so dark and moody it wasn't appropriate for the day. I like to think that during the day there's more fruit and brighter notes while the evening brought out the deeper notes. Do we smell what we want to smell or what's really there? I guess if the personal impact is what it is, who's to argue? Donna Karan Fuel makes a decent attempt at reinvigorating this feeling, but it's not as spot on as DKMen.