Equipage by Hermes Fragrance Review

A Guy Robert creation from 1970, Equipage pre-dates every other masculine from the house of Hermesand set the olfactory benchmark for those that followed it! A classic oriental fougere, this scent has an olfactory profile that runs the gamut from citrus to florals, to aromats, to spice and woods... a virile creation that came at the dawn of a new sex-fuelled decade!

At first, Equipage has a clean - almost soapy - feel... a tip of the hat to men's grooming and impeccable style. It opens with a prickle of bergamot and lime, and steers straight toward a slightly bitter green/aromatic slant of sage and pine... this is underpinned by delicate florals (carnation and muguet) that dance over a considered heart and base comprising cinnamon, nutmeg, tonka, patchouli and vanilla. Surprisingly, it feels both austere and endearing... an enigmatic composition that walks a tightrope between strength and delicacy. At times, there is even a hint of saddle leather... perhaps a nod to Hermes' equestrian heritage, although in the olfactory pyramid, it is not listed there. Equipage has a lingering mossy, musky, woody base with just a huff of sweetness. This fragrance has been reformulated and slightly modified over the years, but it still feels resolutely masculine, and very 'Hermes'. Its considered composition lends itself to office wear, or occasions where one is required to remain more discrete and stately than showy or loud.

Equipage may have been created in the 70's, but its charm exists to this day. One for (but not limited to) the strong and silent types!