Girls who are boys who like boys to be girls… in a scent, that is

For the non-floral females among us, sifting through the fragrance department is a cruel taunt to the tomboy within – the spectrum can generically span from light and airy to heady and sexy without too much variation in between. The solution? Think like a man and try a cologne on for size.

For day: P Frapin & Cie’s The Orchid Man is an interpretation of the animal and cerebral world of boxing – in an olfactory sense. Animal leather accords and jasmine petal notes sit playfully on top of patchouli, black amber and oak moss, drawing upon the mixture of scents one might find in a boxing ring. Whether you’re a lover or a fighter, this one is a keeper. EDP 100ml, $229. Visit www.agencedeparfum.com.au for stockists.

 

For night: Lubin’s Upper Ten is a reimagined version of their 1880’s scent that ‘honours America’s industrial century’ – the scent of success, if you will. The initial warm spicy notes of Cardamom and Saffron are offset with Bay Rose and Bergamot, settling into earthy Cedar and Sandalwoods served on a base of Patchouli, Amber and Musk. It’s a head-turner and then some. EDP 100ml, $299. Visit www.agencedeparfum.com.au for stockists.

 

For 24/7: Helmut Lang’s Cuiron is a cult scent for good reason – it’s re-release sparked cries of joy for those who were forced to scour eBay for years between a 15-year hiatus. It’s easy to see why, given the complete synergy to the Helmut Lang aesthetic via fragrance – a calmly confident blend of Italian Bergamot, Mandarin Oil and Pink Peppercorn, paving the way for undertones of sensual leathers and woods. The ‘90s are reborn. EDC 100ml, $269. Visit www.agencedeparfum.com.au for stockists.

 

-Words by Emma Read