Relax Davidoff 1990 Eau de Toilette

Well, of course, one can try to sell this discontinued fragrance for 999 euros (no joke) on eBay, but there are crazies everywhere. Why Zino and Cool Water are still available, but Relax is not, is anyone's guess. Back in the day, I went through several bottles of it, but unfortunately, there are only dupes available now, which I must admit are quite well done.

The 90s were MY decade of coming of age, shaping me with great music (Britpop, Crossover, Grunge) and somewhat accidentally "sweeping" me into the advertising industry after my studies. I didn’t know niche fragrances back then, and Davidoff, Jil Sander, Joop, Calvin Klein, and Bulgari were definitely considered "top-notch"! :-)

I miss many of the fragrances from that time because male freshness was redefined and arranged back then. "Relax" is the best example of this: unassuming but convincing. Everyday suitable, yet innovative. Fresh, but challenging. All underpinned with a bit of "Cool Water" DNA, but in the dry down a bit leatherier, more floral, spicier, or woodier. "Background" by Jil Sander and "D&G By Man" come to mind spontaneously.

So what are we dealing with? With minty freshness that is slightly sweetened, almost like Wrigley's Spearmint gum. With a slightly soapy base note that unites the "old man" and "barbershop" factions. And with a floral-celebrating heart that makes one wonder: Is this a bouquet for men or are these the main ingredients for a future trend cocktail?

One will never know, but I am grateful to the dupe manufacturers for ensuring that such a great fragrance construct does not completely disappear in a world full of uniform products and overloaded with sweetness!