Fall brings about the comeback of fougere fragrances for men — weather-ambidextrous and nature’s optimism.
We live in a time when fragrances and clothing are no longer saddled with seasonal deadlines — darker waters are worn in the clearest days of the year while lighter layers can be styled in the winter-fall (hello, global warming). However, the one perennial perfume category that reigns supreme between the summer winds of Zephyrus and the winter storms of Notus would be fougere fragrances for men.
It is a collection of notes — earth, fresh air, moss and woods — that is as special as it is transportive. Researchers have found that a chemical released by a “grass-like note” works directly on one’s brain, providing a pleasing and calming effect on it. A no-brainer (quite literally) why people are into the act of forest therapy.
Do not just plainly visualise these fougere fragrances for men as taking a stroll in a forest. What their perfumers have done is to interpret them as all-year-round bottles — a fragrance for every mood. No simple walk in the park but in fact, they whole green mile itself.
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Creed Viking / escentials: Its opening is a mint and pepper-like bomb (the throw is incredible) and its dry down is equally pleasing — mossy like iris and warm musk.
Burberry Hero: Spicy juniper opens up on one’s skin before a trio of cedar woods from three mountain ranges form the warm heart of this water.
Amoauge Meander / escentials: Powdery, green and with the creamy scent of an artisanal pencil, the heart of this fragrance contains woody Cypriot oil and earthy vetiver.
Diptyque Eau Rihla / escentials: The unconventional use of hay-like saffron proves pleasing, warming up next to resinous cedar and powder-like iris; it is only available at the brand’s Ngee Ann City boutique.
Ermenegildo Zegna Javanese Patchouli: The classiest patchouli fragrance one can buy — the use of Calabrian bergamot and warm cedar balances out its spicy scent.
Penhaligon’s Racquet: Two kinds of logs — rose-like Guaicwood and honey-like Leatherwood — provide a heavy sillage that opens with zesty lemon.
Text Bryan Goh
Photography Ethan Lai
Styling Izwan Abdullah
Styling Assistant Manfred Lu
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