THE JOURNAL

Complex, mysterious and moreish – the ultimate in-the-know fragrance range arrives .
The adage goes “you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes”. But you can tell a whole lot more from his fragrance. Allow us to explain.
Smart footwear is bound up by all sorts of character-restricting rules. Under no circumstances should shoes be too exotic, for example; fragrances, however, can be as well-travelled as they like. Shoes shouldn’t ever distract from a conversation; but there’s no greater compliment than when your yarn is casually interrupted by that ultimate compliment: “What’s that fragrance you’re wearing?”
And that’s why we at MR PORTER have fallen for the Comme des Garçons range of fragrances, which launches at long last on site this week. With their far-flung ingredients and bottles so breezy they can’t even be bothered to stand up straight, Comme des Garçons parfums allow you to be the centre of attention – without looking like you’ve tried.
The range has something for every season or situation. Wonderwood, with its warm and woody notes, seems to create a kind of aegis to protect you from the Big Smoke and its pollutants. Amazingreen is so fresh and grassy it never fails to remind you of summer days, even in rainy autumn.
But best of all, with CDG parfums, you’re guaranteed a scent that most people won’t be wearing already because a) there’s many a top-drawer option in the range and b) the brand is so discerning when it comes to stockists, you won’t ever find them on an airport duty-free counter.
So now they’re stocked on MR PORTER, the big question is which one do you want first?
For the outdoors type

Amazingreen
This tropical mashup of lush palm leaves and punchy green pepper, climbing ivy and fragrant coriander is an invigorating mix that can be reapplied throughout the day and night. Its fresh and youthful overtones can take years off a man in his middle age, one who is keen to reengage with the younger self he thought he’d left behind.
For the business traveler

Incense Kyoto
A single spritz takes you inside the temples of Kyoto, Japan’s old capital, where the heady fug of cypress and ceremonial pyres hang thick. Teak and cedar mingle with the intense aromas of coffee and vetiver to create a fragrance well suited to the businessman who glides across continents entertaining clients with his quick and ready wit.
For the urban adventurer

Wonderwood
An African adventure distilled in a glass bottle. It begins in the spice markets of Zanzibar with wafting nutmeg and bergamot. It takes you on a dhow ride to Madagascar, where the island’s indigenous peppercorns muddle with smoky Somalian incense, but when the base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, oud and cedarwood kick in, you’re suddenly transported from faraway trade routes to the urban metropolis, like a merchant coming home for his annual visit.
For the renaissance man

2 Man
There’s a reason why this one’s called Man. It’s modern manhood in all its complex glory. From the powerful base notes of mahogany and leather, to the warmth and tenderness of the vetiver roots, to the sensitivity of the saffron flower. The heady spice from the nutmeg finishes it off with an overwhelming sense of intrigue. A Renaissance man who works hard, plays hard, but finds it equally hard to be apart from his loved one.
For the collector

Wonderoud
Sultan’s palaces, buzzing bazaars and caravans of nomads making their way through the desert by moonlight. Oud and the East go together like Italy and olive oil. As one of nature’s most precious resins, its punchy aroma can overpower but it’s used with delightful restraint in this – Wonderoud is almost honey-like in its richness and suited to someone used to living the high life.