8 METRO Monday, October 12, 2009 D features@metroireland.ie Style Counsel Smelling of rosesBlooming males: The field of floral fragrances, which was once the sole preserve of woman, has become rich territory for the modern man. We sniff out the highest notes BY EMIN ALI RUSHTON Strange brew First released in 2002, this blends a decadent amber base with a fruity pop of plum which is nicely rounded out by spicy cardamom and frankincense. Its ideal if youre keen to try something unusual. With a bold floral heart of peony, iris, ylang-ylang and plum blossom, its a rare breed indeed and somewhat divisive: sniffers seem to either love it or hate it. Amouage Dia Man, 115 (50ml). www.harrods.com Get fresh Created by great and brave perfumer Dominique Ropion, much has been written about this faceted scent. It throws up a clean, masculine amber-and- mint waft on first sniff and dries down to something warmer and wilder with a crush of acidic fruit. Finally it develops into a pleasing woodland breath, which is when the delicate geranium accord really flourishes. Its fresh, certainly, but there is white musk, cinnamon and sandalwood at the centre for added warmth on cruel winter nights. Frederic Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur, 120 (100ml). www.liberty.co.uk Get fresh Created by great and brave perfumer Dominique Ropion, much has been written about this faceted scent. It throws up a clean, masculine amber-and- mint waft on first sniff and dries down to something warmer and wilder with a crush of acidic fruit. Absolutely fabulous When Dior Fahrenheit launched in 1988, the floral-woody proposition was a novel and wildly triumphant one (it had the most successful launch sales of any other fragrance up to that time). Still adored today, the radical central accord honeysuckle, carnation, violet leaf, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley is perfectly pitched against the coffee-stained leather and intense musk base notes. Now Fahrenheit Absolute picks up where even its predecessor feared to tread. Think sexy, steamy myrrh, incense and oud, which conjures thoughts of volcanoes, sparking tinder and hot skin. Dior Fahrenheit Absolute, 42 (50ml). Available nationwide. Fantastic range Dutch magazine Fantastic Man and impeccable nose Ben Gorman have reinterpreted the classic cologne and also created a scent that speaks the same language as the revered style title. The notes are not uncommon lavender, vetiver and patchouli are perennial favourites but its their witty placement that yields something special. The initial acid-sharp burst of bergamot and star anise dries away to reveal a beautiful, almost brittle, floral heart of geranium, green lavender and incense. After that youre left to reflect on the redolent mossy musk base. Byredo Parfums Fantastic Man, 125 (100ml). www.lessenteurs.com Ben Gorman have reinterpreted are not uncommon lavender, 125 (100ml). www.lessenteurs.com Violet affection Clear cut Transparency aptly describes the direction taken by the Korres perfumery the name takes the guesswork out of the key components, while the formulas forgo phthalates, polycyclic-musk compounds and nitro-musks in favour of non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. Fruit and flinty-pepper notes warm up beneath the golden Gaiac wood waft. But it is rich jasmine absolute that wins the wearer over by beating at the heart of the scent with honeyed warmth that conjures the headiest summer escapes. Korres Pepper Jasmine, Gaiac Wood, Passion Fruit, 42 (100ml). www.mankind.co.uk In recent years a single floral accord has popped up in several key fragrances more frequently than any other. First used in the legendary Grey Flannel by cult perfumer Geoffrey Beene in 1976, violet is having a renaissance. Find it in: Burberry The Beat For Men, 38 (50ml), available nationwide; Paul Smith Man, 38 (50ml), www.debenhams.com; Shiseido Zen For Men, 46 (50ml), Tel: 0044 207 313 4774; Donna Karan DKNY Men, 38 (50ml), www.debenhams.com; Narciso Rodriguez For Him, 38 (50ml), available from selected department stores nationwide; Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme, 42 (50ml), available from selected department stores nationwide. For Him, 38 (50ml), available from selected department stores nationwide; Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme, 42 (50ml), available from Man, 38 (50ml), www.debenhams.com; Shiseido Zen 4774; Donna Karan DKNY Men, 38 (50ml), We love... Soap & Glorys fun and down to earth new mens range. Available from mid-October at Boots nationwide index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html