Top Notes 
Violet leaf
Heart Notes 
Java vetiver
Base Notes 
Cade juniper
Merlotsupern
101 Reviews
Merlotsupern
Top Review
12
The Scent of Arrogance
Perfumed by Pierre Negrin in 2019 under the creative direction of Christopher Chong, it is a scent that evokes a sense of confident detachment (i.e. arrogance). In my opinion, this impression stems primarily from the violet leaf note, which dominates the scent journey opening with a cool, metallic sharpness that feels both aloof and self-assured.
Chong explained that Portrayal Man (and Woman), were inspired by the rebellious spirit of the 1920s and the 1980s, eras marked/linked by cultural defiance and self-expression. This context helps frame the fragrance’s character: it’s not trying to please everyone.
Looking at the 3 notes pyramid, we can say that the composition is truly minimal. Violet leaf opens the scent with a crisp, ozonic freshness that immediately recalls the iconic Dior Fahrenheit EDT. However, the resemblance is fleeting lasting no more than 20 to 30 minutes and serves more as a passing nuance than a structural feature. Where Fahrenheit leans into leather and petrol, Portrayal Man veers toward a cleaner path.
As the fragrance develops, Haitian vetiver emerges, grounding the composition with a dry, green earthiness. Cade oil follows, adding a smoky, slightly medicinal undertone. The result is a fragrance that feels clean and slightly green.
Performance is solid. On skin, it projects moderately for the first 2 hours and settles into a soft but persistent presence that lasts well into the day. It’s versatile enough for year-round wear and it is unisex. The absence of overt sweetness or heavy spices makes it particularly suitable for office environments or formal settings.
What sets Portrayal Man apart is its restraint. It doesn’t shout, but it's definitely (and arrogantly) there. This composition has one of the best violet and ozonic blends I’ve encountered: subtle and quietly distinctive.
Chong explained that Portrayal Man (and Woman), were inspired by the rebellious spirit of the 1920s and the 1980s, eras marked/linked by cultural defiance and self-expression. This context helps frame the fragrance’s character: it’s not trying to please everyone.
Looking at the 3 notes pyramid, we can say that the composition is truly minimal. Violet leaf opens the scent with a crisp, ozonic freshness that immediately recalls the iconic Dior Fahrenheit EDT. However, the resemblance is fleeting lasting no more than 20 to 30 minutes and serves more as a passing nuance than a structural feature. Where Fahrenheit leans into leather and petrol, Portrayal Man veers toward a cleaner path.
As the fragrance develops, Haitian vetiver emerges, grounding the composition with a dry, green earthiness. Cade oil follows, adding a smoky, slightly medicinal undertone. The result is a fragrance that feels clean and slightly green.
Performance is solid. On skin, it projects moderately for the first 2 hours and settles into a soft but persistent presence that lasts well into the day. It’s versatile enough for year-round wear and it is unisex. The absence of overt sweetness or heavy spices makes it particularly suitable for office environments or formal settings.
What sets Portrayal Man apart is its restraint. It doesn’t shout, but it's definitely (and arrogantly) there. This composition has one of the best violet and ozonic blends I’ve encountered: subtle and quietly distinctive.
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