Reflection Man Amouage 2007

For a very long time, I have had a decant of this fragrance in my collection. Since the first application, I found this scent extraordinary. It smells unlike anything else to me. Until that point, I had never smelled anything like it.

I admit that I have tested more niche fragrances since then and have also smelled some more demanding creations. However, the fact that a fragrance is exceptionally wearable and mass-appealing does not mean it is not extraordinary.

The scent itself is not very easy to describe. Overall, I would say the fragrance type is mainly floral with a strongly perceivable oriental touch. What stands out to me in particular is the sandalwood, which gives the fragrance a slightly creamy quality. I also think I can perceive the "bitter orange leaf." I don't know how these leaves are supposed to smell or if they have anything to do with orange blossom, but I sense certain parallels to the dominant note in Maison Francis Kurkdjian's APOM. I also perceive neroli, which adds a very light citrus twist to the fragrance. The iris plays more of a background role and underscores the creamy scent profile with a slight powderiness.

I can somewhat understand the comparisons to Le Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier. This is probably due to the sandalwood base combined with a certain sweetness. However, I can't say for sure, as my nose is not trained enough. What I can say is that these are not fragrance twins. They are also not siblings in any other sense. They are related, but somewhat distantly.

And yet, the fragrance is unique. It has an aura that I have never smelled before. It is elegant, it is calm, and very deep. It gives me confidence and makes an extremely clean impression. This fragrance is not for a Sunday on the couch in a hoodie. This is a scent for a pressed shirt, bright white like the smile when entering a room. The fragrance for a suit, for a tie, for outfits that are a little more special or formal than casual wear.

I last wore the fragrance for my graduation exam. I was extremely nervous because I had an endless amount of material to prepare, even though I had already written a thesis. I was totally insecure, not knowing how in-depth the examiners would probe. Furthermore, the exam was in two languages due to my subject combination, neither of which was my mother tongue - that made me even more anxious. However, Reflection Man acted as an anchor and gave me the confidence and security to pull it off. The success of my exam was certainly not only, and not mainly, due to the fragrance, but rather to my prior knowledge and preparation. Nevertheless, I am glad I chose this scent, as it psychologically gave me the strength for self-control and contributed to my overall calmness.

This is a unique fragrance that will definitely be joining my collection in the next few months. A masterpiece.

Thank you for reading and stay healthy,
yours, Mag. PBregovich