Ferre Black

Gianfranco Ferre makes several really good, very reasonable fragrances. Uomo is a blue freshie that puts 50% of the other blues to shame. Fougere Italiano is a modern, bright lemon take on traditional fougeres. This one is a soft-spoken aromatic within the same genre as La Nuit de l'Homme. I'm not saying it is a clone in any way, but like most Ferres, this puts an interesting Italian twist on a favored convention, and comes up with something interesting and different. The lavender is the star, in a lovely aromatic style. The cardamom and citrus are supporting actors, with just the right touch of pepper to add more dimension. I personally don't get the woods that supposedly exist in the base, and if patchouli is present, it is in a very light style and a part of the whole ensemble. Also, while I don't see any notes that could explain it, there is the faintest whiff of "blue", just enough to boost the aromatic character. Overall, this is charming and likeable. Nothing daring, beastmode or demanding of attention. Age is 18 to 70, and it will work anytime above 40 degrees F. This is the type of scent that a spouse or long-term partner will love, but it won't work especially well in a singles bar. Subtle but very appealing. EDIT: After several more wearings, the vanilla (not listed in notes, but is in bottle ingredients) and orange blossom (not overly cotton candy-ish) are more evident, and this even picks up some suggestions of modern fougeric elements. In the drydown, there is a very light wood, as if someone in the next room opened a cigar humidor, but this minor note is quite welcome. As bolancb below said, this is really a hidden gem, especially for spring and summer, and it doesn't smell like everything else out there. Give it a try.

This is a great seductive and elegant scent that stays close to the skin but is really addictive and inviting. I get a semi-sweet/semi-powdery scent with nuances of lavender and a very smooth peppery feel, there is a slight creamy almost almondy feel that makes it so comforting, I guess it comes from orange blossom. The profile makes me think of Moschino Uomo, it has the same creamy citrus and powderiness to it, only a bit darker. I don't get any woods or patchouli, it's definitely more of an airy/powdery scent than anything else. Perfect for spring, fall and summer nights, I wouldn't wear it in a very hot day as it could get cloyingly sweet, or in a very cold winter day as it lacks some weight in the performance department.

Guys, this scent needs some hype, because it's a sweet little gem! It's that good! Very safe scent but amazing one. For a date or cuddling, it's superb!!! Lavender and citrus in the opening followed by gentle woody notes, so well blended. Totally non offensive, light and lasting. Compared to many fresh woody frags, this one is so smooth. Nothing that will make the storm but it's not in the average range either. It's just super nice and simple. A bit expensive but worth every penny! Not one girl I showed this to said it was bad or even middle ranged or just okay. They all said, wow what a nice fragrance, this is how a man should smell like.

The notes in this are very typical. Lavander done in a modern also manly way. It smells a lot like f black by Ferragamo but much much better. From that one I get a blast of synthetic exaggerated notes. This is classier, refined and calmer. I unfortunately blind bought the other and don't particularly like it. I would suggest people try this first.

Having owned the wonderful and now discontinued Ferre for Men (2006), I was excited to find another fragrance from this house that was still available. This one is a close encounter type of scent like so don’t expect a beast mode fragrance. There’s something sensual, sexy and elegant in its sweetness and slight powdery notes. If you’re looking for something that is grownup and has sex appeal then Ferre Black may be worth a shot. P.S. Even though it’s not listed on this site, the perfumer of this fragrance is Olivier Polge.