Michael for Men

It is another banal day in what you always thought would have lent itself to the American view of paradise. A beautiful home, a loving family, good friends, yoga classes...whatever. You're staring at your spice rack - coriander, tarragon, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, caraway....what the hell am I doing here? Where's the risk? Why does tomorrow have to be like every other day? Compelled, you adorn your most dangerous outfit, faded and torn jeans and a sueded leather jacket, and light the finest cigar you've been saving for that 'special occasion' - whatever the hell that was supposed to be. You look like death - the sexiest version, that is...sexy as death...hell? Who gives a fuck - you're going to kill it. You go out in search of trouble, in search of meaning, connection, a foolish affair - anything to make you feel alive again. You exude smoked seude and tobacco - that of a phoenix that has risen from the ashes of a past life. After hours of sheepish glances and other shenanigans, you wind up at some new nightclub blasting something you didn't know was a thing. This has to be a mistake...you go in anyways. You scan the room - somewhere in the neon strobing you see the trouble you've been seeking. You make your way over and strike up a conversation - it's painful and awkward but it's new, it's revitalizing. She oozes plums and honey - you want a bite. She invites you back to her place, you don't refuse. Her place reeks of patchouli, incense, and sandalwood...she still smells like heaven - your debauchery ensues to an exhilarating end. You fall asleep in each other's arms - this is the closest she comes to finding love in an ephemeral world. Morning disturbs your flight of fancy - you must return to that bittersweet life. You politely exit - the night of passion clings firmly to your skin...the decadent plum, the hippie sandalwood, the honeyed tobacco, the smoked suede, and the nutty musk of carnal desires. You feel different, a little wicked - you wouldn't have it any other way. Day 55 - The blind Listening to: Radiohead - All I Need Disclaimer: I've never done this in my life - I've heard countless stories and seen things that have lent to this review. Again, it's an elaboration on a theme - I hope you enjoy it! Notes: This is for the old version - the new one is similar but it lacks the honeyed plum note that makes this gorgeous! The opening is a bit of a kitchen, minus the sink - a touch of tarragon, anise, a smoked caraway, a pinch of coriander, and a powdery cinnamon. All of this is expertly blended with a rich tobacco note that is paired with a smoky suede note all drenched in a beautiful honeyed plum. Parts of this are dangerous and parts are nearly edible! The base brings touches of sandalwood (connects the honeyed plum and tobacco), a dry patchouli (to accent the suede), and incense (furthers the smoke note in tobacco and suede). As it gets quieter, the scent becomes more of a smoky and musky skin with just a touch of sweet - this fume is divine and is in my top 6 for a reason! It lasts from 8 to 14 hours on my skin and can easily be worn by either sex - try not to let this beauty get to your head!

This is outstanding. The plum and dried fruit is strong and persistent through the lifecycle. It's similar to Le Dandy by D'Orsay, but stronger performance. But Le Dandy has a stronger and more luxuriously delicious gourmand aspect, like rum-soaked spiced plum cake. Really good stuff. In fact, Michael for Men by Michael Kors and Le Dandy by D'Orsay would probably make a perfect layering pair. They have similar overall scent profiles, and it should offer the best of both: performance and lux gourmand scent. Maybe spray the Le Dandy on the upper torso or neck closer to the nose to enjoy the shorter-lived rum-soaked spice and plum cake in the opening and into the mid, while the longer-lasting and stronger-projecting Michael would shore up the mid and the far drydown. I also have John Varvatos OG, which is also similar although less so, so I might test a triple layering. I've been wearing a clone of Bond no. 9 Andy Warhol and comparing it to Michael for Men by Michael Kors. It was apparent the two were similar, mainly because of the shared plum note. Andy Warhol is closer to Michael for Men that John Varvatos Dark Rebel, that's for sure, and maybe even closer than the Varvatos OG. The main differences in Andy Warhol is that it is a bit less sweet, a bit more "creamy" and thick due to the amber note being more prominent, a little more smokey/earthy probably due to woody/oud accords, and the plum in Michael for Men manifests being paired with the dried fruits note in the base, and Michael for Men being a bit more Gourmand. I'm considering added Andy Warhol to this layering group. Update: I have tried the above suggested triple layering with Le Dandy and John Varvatos and it is fantastic! In fact, I now treat these three frags as one package in wearing. Can't recommend it enough. And fyi, even though I've never tried the 2014 reformulated version of this, called Michael Kors for Men, it seems to be the epitome of what "watered down" means. Weaker performance, different notes (plum and dried fruits in the base removed). This 2001 Michael by Michael Kors OG seems by the evidence to be CONSIDERABLY better than the 2014 slightly renamed reformulation. Oh, and this is NOT an "Aromatic Fougere" fragrance as listed on this page, no matter how you slice it.

Best Fall Fragrance 2016 / 2017 by youtube reviewer Gent Scents Michael for Men is an extremely good fragrance from a top designer. I didn't expect the richness, but this is made by Michael Kors, as a division of Givenchy thereby attesting to the quality of the notes. Definitely a spicy gourmand that packs a punch - and I mean that in a good way. If you want to be noticed - then this is a fragrance that stands out, in a good way. Some people have said it is a throwback to the 80's powerhouse boozy scents with its tobacco, vanilla, and leather. The boozy vibe is produced by the link of dark plum, anise, spices and tobacco. I don't believe a touch of rum is even included in the mix as the real source of booziness but you could fool me. The deeply masculine and traditional tone is determined by the chord of bergamot, dry woods, patchouli, tobacco and may be a touch of ambergris. The final outcome is simply comforting (in a boozy, smokey and leathery way), warm and conservative with undertones of honeyed tobacco and spices. It is a cozy and comfortable scent meant for intimacy. This is a skin scent, although it projects well from clothing (so a mix would be advised to get more longevity and sillage). Michael for Men has been around for more than a decade and I can see a distinct comparisons in the dried fruit to many John Varvatos fragrances. Great quality, excellent composition, exquisitely chic and lasts 6+ hours on my skin. After that, you can either reapply or move on. After all, you are left with a very sweet and expressive dry-down that is a nice memory - no reason to feel cheated. Michael Kors has created a masterpiece and still stands out after more than a decade. Very Good! Scent - 4.5+/5 stars; Longevity and Sillage - 3.5/5 stars; Overall - 4.5/5 stars for sheer enjoyment! Just like good sex, it doesn't last forever, but when it's good - it's damn good and you think of it often afterward...wanting more.

One of the "richest" scents I have ever smelled in terms of olfactive pyramid and its result on the skin. I must say this comparing with those colognes I see with lots of ingredients in their composition, in which the result is completely linear and simple, to the point of asking myself: “What about those notes A, B, and C that are here, in the pyramid?” In Michael for Men, this is different. It’s about one of those colognes that you can perfectly identify the existent notes and how they work. On my skin, the start is divinely spicy, with a wonderful and soft cinnamon, well blended with the star anise and beautiful notes of coriander and cardamom. The rest (bergamot, tarragon, etc.) I can’t feel with evidence. Its evolution has real notes of creamy tobacco, incense and, the comfortable part of this scent, with the suede. The base is hot and sweet at the same time. I feel sandalwood and plum. The notes of dried fruits are there, but I really don’t know the effect they cause. The result: a sophisticated, elegant, and masculine scent. It is important to remember that this one was made for a division of Givenchy, what allows me to say with confidence: “now I understand the great quality”. To finish my review, I am going to do something that I am not used to doing, which is point the target of this cologne: I can’t imagine an 18-year-old OR a punk OR a tattooed hunk guy with his CK underwear and his tight t-shirts wearing this cologne and having the proper success. This cologne reminds me of professional environments, formal occasions, and, above all things, men with the posture and attitude of gentlemen. Median projection with superb lasting. 10 stars!

Michael Taking as a reference the reviews of the English-speaking forum members, who are usually murderous and relentless with some of their American products, and those of my Spanish-speaking friends, I bought this fragrance blindly; Michael by Michael Kors, vintage edition 2001, and indeed, so many compliments, from so many people, of so many nationalities could not be wrong. It adheres very well to my skin and clothes, it is extremely orthodox and seriously does its job of making us smell good. The opening gives the sensation of being bland, equal to any scent, but when it dries the magic arrives. I don't find it too sweet, and I can feel the smell of plum, not when it is ripe, but rather a bit Sour/sweet and I feel it for several hours in my case. The tobacco note is fantastic, one of the best I have felt, it does not have the sweetness of The One D&G, or Pure Havane, because in this case it does not have a honeyed note that gives it that characteristic. I tried to perceive the cinnamon, but in vain, it was impossible to isolate it, despite being such a strong note. Age: 30+ Aroma: pleasant Longevity: supersonic close to skin Versatility: rather nocturnal and autumn. Bottle: regal, beautiful. Use it with caution because it is very sharp, in fact it can be used as a bladed weapon. Disadvantage: discontinued, difficult to find at a affordable price. The other thing is that it can be confused with the modern version, so read well before getting it. Anyway, a perfect fragrance for collection that makes us feel proud to own it and that would easily lead us to be unfaithful AND betray our personal fragrance.

Fruity, spicy, tobacco.....the anise and patchouli actually compliment the tobacco and blends seamlessly with the fruity notes. Mature? Sure, but when was maturity frowned upon. It smells like gentleman...age 16-70. There is really no age range here. My only problem is I ignored this fragrace for years. It is a perfect signature scent for anything 70 degrees or cooler. I couldn't see myself wearing this in the heat it is potent. Think Japon Noir, think Frapin 1270, think Pure Malt, think Cooper Square. It is just a gorgeous fragrance. The sillage and projection makes it a perfect date, work, movie, dinner, professional scent. The aroma itself exudes class and sophistication yet the price (especially ebay and other places) makes this a steal. Often times we run to niche fragrances due to the complexity and uniqueness and this is a fragrance that deserves to be mentioned. Really quick here. Inital spray is a spicy sweetness, immediately the fruity notes come to the party then it becomes a bit darker but never does a dark note jump out. What you really have is a spicy, fruity, tobacco laden fragrance that sort of moves between semi-fresh to dark and mature. The longevity is great as I get about 6-8 hours. The projection is around the 4 hour mark then it comes in a bit but stays romantic through the duration. I think it is quite versatile and inoffensive. Again for me it is pure class as many tobacco fragrances tend to be on my skin. Overall I give it high marks. The price pushes this mark up quite a bit. Full bottle worthy from the frist spray an instant love.

This is really lovely. Intoxicating. And unusual. Opens with a slightly anisic, slightly citric, buttery, spicy, sweetness (albeit a mild, understated honey-like sweetness) and soon becomes rich and resonant as what I presume is tobacco comes to the fore. There's a leathery note, patchouli, sandalwood and some other things that my inexpert nose cannot identify, but the effect is very three dimensional. The dry down is sublime - leather-woody-patchy and what is apparently plum and/or dried fruit (although I would never have identified these on my own). I can see why some have compared this to Le Dandy. MfM has a similar effect and suggests urbane gentlemanly sophistication: The fragrance of a man who has tout vu, tout lu, tout bu . Or thinks he has. I could see someone like Oscar Wilde wearing this. Michael for Men is one of a handful of fragrances that sets off "fireworks" in my brain: I have to constantly resist the urge to reapply for the sheer delight of savouring both the fragrance itself and the cerebral pyrotechnics created by a fresh application of MfM hitting my olfactory system. Reminds me of the discontinued Versace Man (the one in the purple flacon with tobacco and saffron) - the two smell nothing alike but for me they evoke a similar emotional response. This is a truly beautiful composition, like a symphony of sensory pleasure and a mosaic of wonderful things. Think I'm in love.

Epic Journey Into the Bottled Yonder, 236 ------------------------------------------------------- Purchased July 2025 - NOS Basically a phenomenal tobacco gentleman hiding in a bottle of pre-9/11 awesome. THIS is the old world, ladies & gentleman (particularly you kids starting in the frag scene). Very fortunate to get a first formulation, average price as expected of discontinued/NOS/vintage. I've been waiting for this moment since August 2019! I even lost my OEM sample before I could finish it. If I bought it in full back then I likely would've saved a lot of money. But anyway! This is such a heart and soul warming cologne, it's beyond words to describe it. And it will be even better in the coming weeks wearing this bottled perfection and taking my time with it. This scent has always left me speechless. I shall rave no further. Box says Michael for Men, glass says Michael. Cool as! The glass is very sharply edged unlike other edged/block bottles. The cap also is very sharp at the edges. Clearly everything about this is manly as all get out. From the bottle heft, to the avant-garde texturing within the cap, the chrome rim, and the colour of the fluid, scent. It's the gas, seriously! The overall design is evidently nostalgic of the '80s even the '70s, though it's a product of 2001. Batch: January 2009.

The 1st time I tried Michael for Men, I thought, "disgusssting! Who would wear this nasty stuff? Smells like ****!" Half an hour later, it smelled even worse (if that were possible). Thoroughly displeased, I washed several times to remove all traces of the offending odor. Some weeks later I sampled it again, just to show someone how vile it was. To my surprise, they liked it- a lot. I gingerly sniffed my wrist again, and, what's that? That smells great! Note, it HAD dried down over an hour before I smelled it this time. What a difference! Fairly strong sillage, and I can easily detect it the next day. I've grown to really appreciate this scent. I just need to make sure I apply it well before I leave home to let it air out a bit. Anyone else have a similar experience with this one? PS I detect similarities between this and Cartier's Pasha; several notes in common from top through mid to base, with more of a dried fruit,tobacco and boozey notes added. The nod goes to Michael over Pasha, though. See my review of Pasha.

I first tested this last week but was unimpressed possibly because right after spraying it I got caught in the rain. Regardless I found myself wanting to give it a second try so stopped by a store to do a second testing Well made, one of the best designer fragrances. A creamier blend than I am used to with most designer fragrances. This is an extremely masculine scent that sets itself apart from the pack. It is very distinguished and conjures an image of a thick oil painting of dried fruit in a leather box. The initial dried fruit scent eases you into the almost burgundy leather it ends with. I say burgundy leather because this is definitely a classier leather like a book binding not like a raw hide or a motorcycle jacket. Longevity is pretty good so far as I sprayed it about an hour and a half ago and it doesn't seem to have faded too much. Sillage seems moderate. Overall I recommend to anyone looking for a distinguished leather scent. As for leather scents this is more Ernest Hemingway than Steve McQueen.

It's been awhile since I last used MKM...am I ever glad I did. I have the original version created by Givenchy. As soon as I sprayed it on my skin...there was a WOW factor! 3-5 minutes after spraying it I get a swath of honey sweet notes coming from emeli mixed with a rich suede vib giving it a luxurious aroma. Incense adds to complex elements which is appealing and awakens your nose meter. As I take in my second a large breath, I'm able to pick up the woodsy/anise notes adding a the richness of the entire aroma giving it that unique characteristic. Both longevity and Sillage are well worth seeking out the original version. Overall, I wouldn't be able find another cologne which is as well balanced as this one unless I want to spend a lot of money. I enjoy the deep smokey/suede blend with that sweet note lingering throughout. It's a definite winter cologne best during the evening when you go out and you want to feel good. 9/10

There are very few scents that I own that just screams Christmas the way that MKM does. Although I must say, MKM isn't the typical "run of the mill" festive holiday juice as I implied, it's a bit more brooding and gothic by composition in my opinion. It has more of a Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" vibe to it. Dark, Boozy and old English. Funny thing is, as synthetic smelling as MKM is, this fragrance still somehow makes you feel so alive when wearing it. A warm blanket of light tobacco and anise wrapped in dark, dried fruits surrounded with enough plum to make Little Jack Horner green with envy. It's dark and mysterious while keeping cheerful and upbeat. People are going to like this and want to be around you in a big way. In retrospect, MKM is what Yatagan should have smelled like. Make sure this unique scent in a very un-unique looking bottle is on your "try it" list, then be prepared to have your credit card handy!

Hidden gem that is discontinued and now disappearing from retailers. This opens with a boozy plum and spices. Reminds me of a plum simmering in brandy or cognac with some cinnamon and star anise thrown in. Kinda like Plum Japonais and as the opening transitions to mid the plum and boozy start to fade into the background before almost disappearing in the drydown. A slightly sweet pipe tobacco emerges along with some leather. No cloying vanilla, tonka, honey or amber here. This is really wonderful and worth seeking out. I traded mine away but missed it and had to get another. In fact this is the only fragrance I traded away and regretted and wound up repurchasing. I tried a lot of tobacco based scents under the $300 and nothing really comes that close to this. Most have too much sweetness and don't let the tobacco shine. Pick this up while you can before it disappears and people are asking #100 for small bottle.

Michael by Michael Kors was released 2001 and demonstrates that standards for concentrations have shifted. This is an EDT but truly behaves like an EDP, outperforming most mainstream selections today. This represents a time when the MK brand was very classy and was all about luxury. Michael is a lost treasure. This is a mildly sweet and ashy tobacco, complimented by fruity notes. There is also that signature note of suede that Mr. Kors used in his original fragrances. It puts you in the mind of D&G The One for Men, launched 7 years after MK's Michael release. They both feature coriander, cardamom, tobacco and an opening note of citrus. A great business-casual or date night fragrance with intense longevity for an Eau de Toilette. An amazing hidden gem, if you can find it. However, if you already own this then keep a firm grip on it.

Incredibly warm, sensual, boozy, sweet & slightly smokey fragrance. It's a bit scary at first, but within about 10 minutes it settles into a very comfortable boozy tobacco that envelops you all over. Later on, the dried fruit & plum notes really make this stand out from other similar type tobacco/incense scents such as Gucci Pour Homme 1 & D&G's The One for Men (both of which I love by the way). To me it just smells classy & distinguished. Although I love it, I don't think it's an 'everyday use' kind of fragrance, like to the office; more for going to the pub with friends or dinner with someone special. Of course I will also wear it for myself, as when I'm wearing it I can't seem to stop smelling myself. It's winter now here in Australia and I have a feeling that this one's going to get a real workout in my wardrobe this season!

Michael for Men by MKM is a deep tobacco/spicy frag with a warm vib of honey thou it's not listed. I own vintage Nicole Smith for men, they are both similar with a rich deep aroma of amber and honey making it very luxurious. MK is much more complex with herbal/woodsy notes with a rich aroma after it settles. What brings this fragrance at very sophisticated level is cardamom, anise star and dried fruit all coming together beautifully with patucchli making it fantastic. Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting well past 8hrs...very consistent with minimal change in aroma. Final thoughts, The fragrance is perfect during the fall/winter months, with the warmth of your body this opulent frag becomes alive. The fragrance is perfect for a very special occasions. A very charismatic juice...rating is definitely high...9/10

Smooth. That sums up Michael Kors for men to me in just one word. The variety of top notes surprises me. I only, slightly, get a hint of anise before being hurtled immediately into the heart note of the best sweet tobacco aroma in a fragrance I have experienced yet. Yes, later the plummy/incense/patchouli background stealthily eases its way in, but for the life of this fragrance, its all about the tobacco. Not quite the projection and sillage monster some would have you believe, this fragrance has solid longevity. I adore its ultra-smooth warmth and really do rate this fragrance very, very highly. The likes of Burberry London don't even come close. Oh, if you buy the 125ml bottle do take care... drop that hefty sucker on your foot and you'll know about it. Well I certainly did anyway...(ouch)

I bought this for the first time in 2003....coincidentally that same year....I was dating someone named Michael. He thought I bought it because I was dating him but I actually had this fragrance before I even met him. That relationship went sour....but this fragrance.....I LOVED!!!!!! I really enjoyed wearing this in the Fall / Winter when I wore sweaters.....for some reason it would last longer when I wore them vs a shirt or a t-shirt. Sad to learn this was discontinued. I have never tried any of the other men's fragrances from this house. I recently re-purchased Vera Wang for Men and it reminds me of Michael Kors for Men a little bit...especially the Tobacco note. This one was love at first sight for me. With the other Michael....good riddance!!!! FOLLOW ME ON IG @MoctezumaC

Michael for Men is my favorite tobacco dominant fragrance. I love the phase of the fragrance where the tobacco and suede transitions to patchouli, plum/fruits (while always maintaining the dominant tobacco note). The fragrance is very 80ish, as far as presence and sillage is concerned. Longevity is about 6-8 hours on me, but it can still be detected for up to 12 hours. Of all the fragrances I own, Michael for Men makes me feel the "richest". "Rich" in like "I've got money-to-burn rich" (even though I don't). It's difficult to explain. I have other fragrances that are more elegant, or that are more formal. But Michael for Men makes me feel "richer" than any other fragrance that I've tried. Very masculine...very rich...and I've been told, very sexy...

I'm closing in on 40 and work in office setting and I'd been looking for a tobacco scent to add to my collection. I had rounded up a few: Pure Havane, Dirty English and this one. I found MK to be a more polished, mature scent and also a better value than DE at a similar price point ($30 for a 4.2 oz tester). It had a smokier, stronger tobacco than PH for a much better price as well. MK has now become my go to work scent because its not an overpowering tobacco scent. I get average projection on my skin but this leaves a nice sillage trail that gets compliments. The smoky tobacco note is reminiscent of Aventus to my nose which I like as well. Long story short, I've sold DE and PH because MK is the superior tobacco office scent and better value IMO.