Givenchy Gentleman Society is the eighth edition of the iconic Gentleman series with a uniquely masculine scent for modern times.
One might not know this considering the feminine mystique of the House of Givenchy — there was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and 1954’s robe chemise which was the first in the world — but Monsieur Givenchy himself dressed the men of both the bourgeoisie and the intellectual in 1969. What was his first collection called? Gentleman Givenchy.
When it comes to the fragrance line of the same name that now sees Gentleman Society as its eight edition, each fragrance has always stayed close to l’air du temps. The first followed fashion in 1974 and was described as the scent of nobility. And nobility smelled like heady patchouli and sweet honey notes which were popular ingredients of the time.
Come 2017 with the appointment of Clare Waight Keller who was the first female Creative Director with a focus on both tailoring and flou , Givenchy Gentleman evolved to reflect the masculinity she envisioned. It became modern, and offbeat, and blended both a respect for convention with the courage for audacity.
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Four sirs of different creative scenes reflect the complex waters of Givenchy Gentleman Society.
With Matthew M. Williams current tenure at the House, the first obvious visual cue that Givenchy Gentleman Society is in a league of its own within the set of eight is its bottle: a refined black lacquer one where for once, the fragrance’s name isn’t on it.
Instead, the Givenchy 4G logo comes embossed on it as an emblem of the Gentleman Society.
Secondly, it is the most complex flanker considering an ingredient it uses that rarely features in men’s fragrances. Narcissus, the flower that has always been associated with innocent femininity or glowing purity has been blended into Givenchy Gentleman Society which gives it a rich herbal note and the luminosity of light greens.
By no means, however, is Givenchy Gentleman Society boring. The Narcissus flower reveals surprising masculinity by accentuating the spiciness of cardamom and sage (fragrance aficionados would call it an enhanced projection) and when one reaches the middle notes of vetivers, expect a smoky and dry intensity.
The dry down, however, is when Givenchy Gentleman Society is at its best. Palo Santo cuts an incense-like creaminess, vanilla adds a groomed cleanness and cedar spreads its roots with a distinctly earthy and soil-fresh scent.
A complex arrangement and stand-out materials; just like the four men featured here from different creative scenes.
Fariz Jabba (@farizjabba) — Rapper, Songwriter
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“My process of creation? I absorb my environment. The smell of Gentleman Society? Powerful.”
Jason Yu (@jasonyuuu) — Songwriter
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“How do I define myself as a creator? The music I create is a reflection of my personal journey. The smell of Gentleman Society? Something bold yet light and refreshing.”
DY (@_dyonn_) — Dancer
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“What kind of impact do I wish to have? To inspire dancers to achieve what society thinks is impossible. The smell of Gentleman Society? A captivating yet elusive woody scent.”
Clement (@clammr) — DJ
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“To be confident in one’s self and strong in one’s belief. The smell that defines my craft? Whisky and musk.
Videography & Editing Aun Chua
Creative Direction Izwan Abdullah
Styling Manfred Lu & Lim Hui Ying
Grooming Sha Shamsi
Hair Juno Ko
Hair Fadli Rahman
Videography Assistant Boon Leong
Givenchy Gentlemen Society is available at all Sephora stores, online and at Givenchy Beauty Boutique at Raffles City Singapore.
Once you’re done with this story about Givenchy Gentleman Society and its leading men, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue!
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