American designer Narciso Rodriguez pounced into the world of perfume in the early nineties with his award-winning Narciso Rodriguez For Her - a head-turning solar musk scent that won the hearts of many. Several years later he launched “For Him”, it’s stirring male counterpart. In 2015, Rodriguez produced his second male offering ‘Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir’, a woody spicy scent that captures a vivid snapshot of our time.

Following swiftly on the successful heels of Bleu de Chanel, “Bleu Noir” shares a commonality with the aforementioned masculine not only in it’s construction, but also in that it is both modern and elegant. Sensual cardamom and comforting nutmeg are in the flight of Bleu Noir, but the fragrance retains some of its lovely musky facets present in it’s older sibling, ‘For Him’. A heart of musk, and lingering trail of vetiver, ebony, amber and cedar make it a notable release, and one suited to use any time and any place.

Despite it’s name, Bleu Noir may not necessarily smell anywhere near ‘blue’ or ‘black’, however it is one of several scents that men are reaching for, and women are relishing on their man these days. With generous application Bleu Noir commands attention without being arrogant or flashy.

Perfumers to the British royal family, Penhaligon sure knows how to amp up the glam with their striking unisex release Juniper Sling. A scent inspired by the widely revered spirit, London Dry Gin, this fragrancet pays homage to the Art Deco age.

Juniper Sling is a startlingly smooth blend which opens with a bit of 'razzle-dazzle’; a shot of crisp gin, sappy juniper and a scattering of black pepper fire up the senses whilst soft leather, cinnamon and dusty iris give the scent a tranquil, narcotizing quality. There is no doubt that this perfume smells like an exceptionally good cocktail; it is somehow diaphanous, yet complex. It's biting orange brandy note and huff of angelica make it delectably fragrant, whilst a hint of black cherry and brown sugar in the base lend themselves to a lip-smacking drydown. Despite these food-like accords, Juniper Sling veers away from the gourmand and maintains its vibe more as a delicately-refined tipple. Vetiver and ambergris in the base also lend a sense of clean, green transparency.

This boozy Penhaligon release sets the tone for nights of fun, laughter and high spirits, but of course, without the subsequent hangover. Chin-chin!

I usually don't shy away from wearing scents marketed to women, and am pleased if I can inspire men, in particular, to try something they might not have ever contemplated. Kenzo's Jungle L'Elephant is one such scent that I feel masterfully bridges the gender divide. Much like the animal itself, this perfume is bold, robust and commanding.

The opening accords I liken to those opulent notes present in Tom Ford's Black Orchid; thick, rich and imposing. A blend of mango, heliotrope and ylang-ylang are totally enchanting, and the spices are rich and dark; cumin, cardamom and clove lend a dramatic sense of depth and scale to the mix. A lavish combination of vanilla, licorice, patchouli and amber imbues the perfume with a delicious gourmand appeal. This dramatic composition creates a scent that can be enjoyed by many, but this untamed animal is not one for the timid. It is extremely tenacious and has titanic sillage. 

Applied sparingly, this innovative scent is sure to turn heads.