Integrity

There's some nice, luxurious smelling fragrances in this men's line from Zegna and I wouldn't even say this is really one of them either but I was completely charmed by it. This smells strong and assertive to me, very much a power suited city boy off to his hedge fund (I don't even know what that is? but I heard it somewhere once and it sounds good) management job in some glistening, high-rise, building. I fact the overall tonality and feel of this line is one of manly success and dare I say a touch of the Trump about it. Don't worry I'm not getting political here, I'm talking about the pre-presidential, plain old, Multi millionaire, Apprentice, golfing, pussy grabbing, Trump... Just that guy. The opening is very familiar to me, seeming like a big, high quality fragrance but with a certain accessibility, and probably the reason some might think it lack lustre. It's a potent, clean, modern, herbal, leather opening, mutating into a hefty geranuim, slightly powdered but with none of it's usual slight mintiness. The drydown keeps giving with resinous warmth and some green aspects and flecks of the metallic. I found it strong and long lasting. I actually want a bottle, really.... but the price is is prohibitive. Again just let me state that I've spent more on a fragrance than this in the past and I don't usually moan about price, if you like something enough then you'll justify it to yourself. However, I just think that seeing as though this is going to replace the Essenze line (according to Zegna insider) they could have given them a comparable price point. Lot's of designer brands seem to be trying to get away with making these high end/exclusive lines in order to cash in on the niche boom and thoughts probably along the lines of...."Creed can fleece consumers...why can't we? We've been doing it with our clothing for decades and been missing a trick releasing comparatively 'cheap' perfume." Well people you've had it good for long enough now they are all out to charge you £200 plus for a bottle. So these are actually £195 for 50ml's which is more than the standard Tom Ford Private blends. The Essenze line were about £130 (I saw them for as little as £90) for 100mls which is much more reasonable and was this the case with Integrity and believe me I would've perhaps bought it then n there.

Like it has been said before, no revolution here, but very interesting takes on classical scents. Accurate pyramid: Top: clary sage, pink pepper Heart: pimento berries (aka allspice), green notes Base: amber, tonka, geranium The Chicago store confirmed that the Essenze line still on the market will share the stage with the 5 fragrances of the new "Elements of Man" line until Spring 2019, when the Essenze will be discontinued. Because of the noticeable geranium note, Integrity is the most mature-feeling of the Elements of Man line. Just a like for me. Spring/Fall, daytime, 40+ Edit Sep 2019: actually only a part of the EDTs of the Essenze line has been discontinued, while another part has been transformed in EDPs. On the other way, the Elements of Man line has been totally discontinued. These lasted less than 2 years... a real shame. That said, the pricing was for sure a bit too steep. Just bad management.

I have greatly enjoyed Zegna's past offerings in the realm of fragrance. I really like their Indonesian Oud, Peruvian Ambrette, Haitian Vetiver, Bourbon Vanilla, and Indian Spice. I was able to obtain samples of all the fragrances in the new "Elements of Man" series. As of now I have only tried Passion and Integrity. Passion is a fantastic scent, so far the best in series, Integrity is another story altogether. I have never disliked a fragrance like I have with integrity. I have never had such a reaction to a perfume like I did with this one, it made me nauseous and gave me headache. I did not dislike this fragrance for its notes, I disliked it because I couldn't wear it.

I honestly don't know whether I like this scent or not. I remember thinking to myself "Mm, that's different" but nothing in the way "Eurgh" or "Meh" or "Yum" or anything emotive at all. It is just interestingly different as a 'novelty smell' rather than an 'unusual scent'. It's green, woody but with maturity that encapsulates its name. It smells honest, trustworthy, obvious, no pretentiousness but mature and well mannered. Perhaps even a little boring?....Ouch I know that was bit harsh but aside from being very soft on projection and the quietly spoken sillage sparking no emotions either way I have to wonder if that is precisely what was intended with this one?.... Sadly this has to be a 'pass' for me.

Not sure if this has been released yet, but I got to try it way in advance at the Chicago boutique. All I can remember about it is that it's my favorite of the new line. I remember one of the others smelling like Tobacco Vanille and another one smelling like Zegna Mediterranean Neroli, which they are discontinuing

Sage and geranium are in the lead, the fragrance is spicy, elegant and mature, demanding a proper outfit.

It's OK Period. Nothing special....almost close to his other line of fragrances.... maybe??