Frank No.2

I love this. When I wear it i feel cozy, sexy and a little dangerous (must be that fir / cognac combination). I am absolutely crazy about the spicy plummy woody top note, but when it softens, at about 15-20 minutes in, wow....it becomes a skin hugging scent my chemistry seems made for...which has been an uphill battle for me. This? It's all warmth and enticing. I love to wear this then take the subway. Every single time the man nearest to me inhales, stops for a second (like it's something he can't quite place), then seems to go off into his own thoughts, memories, daydreams. As for what it does for me? I'm transported to a heaven where you find your most treasured friends filled with secret smiles and old jokes, fantastic conversation, good scotch, spiced nog, a crackling fire and freshly roasted coffee all on a warm night with the salty pine air from Big Sur gently blowing in from large open windows. Sigh!

I look at the notes for this and think 'How did it go wrong?' but unfortunately it does. Something fundamentally wrong with the composition in my opinion, like a mixture of oriental and fougere type elements. I think the deep, boozy powder doesn't mix with the fir and lavender in fact the combo is strange. The opening is very nice and doesn't really hint at what it's going to drydown to, it's bergamot, fir and feels classic and masculine. Then the drydown is...well a bit of a let down. I get a tonka bean type creaminess, musk and lavender which just feels a bit done and reminds me of lots of fragrances. I hate to naysay this fragrance because it's okay and I could understand it having appeal but Frank fragrances are very average affairs from the two I've tried. Not daring enough to catch my attention I'm afraid.

LANIER's review is spot on. This is autumn in LA. There is something about the composition that reminds me of the California sycamore trees that line the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. The air is bone dry and thin, the sun is setting earlier and earlier, and the holidays are around the corner. The leaves on the deciduous trees turn brown and fall creating a dusty, dried leaf aroma in the air that gets kicked up by the Santa Ana's. This is such a nostalgic and comfortable fragrance to me. I'm very impressed and very glad someone was able to capture this.

It is wide held belief that Chypre Palatin is a Masterpiece. I agree with this statement and the much deserved accolades. But, If I had to choose one fragrance - it would be this fougere. This is a rare gem also by the same master perfumer. The luxurious ingredients are trumped only by the smell and blending. The plumb and lavender blend to create a smooth and sweet gem. Maple is very rare in fine perfumery and creates a super unique addition that only Bertrand could think of. 4.5/5

At the time of this writing 72 people have voted on this fragrance. That's simply not enough people weighing in on this fragrance for as solid as it is. There should be many more reviews as well. I've tried Frank No. 2 and the original Frank (No. 1). I like both. I pick up a creamy goodness in No. 2. The cognac booziness appeals to me as well. I was fortunate enough to pick up a bottle from a friend for $75. Glad to have added it to my collection.