Etat Libre d'Orange..cool brand, brand name, brand values, logo and bottles (flattened corner)...really likable..and yet I hadn't had a single scent under my nose until now. Yesterday morning, it finally happened..the gray-anthracite bottle immediately caught my attention..the funny name of the fragrance added to that.
In the warm and dry air of the store, I was looking for a fresh everyday scent that could come from a different brand than the one I usually prefer. Hermann came at just the right time. The molecule-like, woody freshness immediately appealed to me, allowing me to take a deep breath, so that was a good start:-)!
Its metallic coolness and a certain "hardness" hit you in the face right away; it does come off a bit synthetic, but that doesn't bother me fundamentally..not in general with fragrances. The mini citrus note is already gone before the scent has properly dried on the skin, which is a shame as it would have given it a certain radiance or cheerfulness. As it is, it comes off a bit "strict" or humorless. Hermann has a very special spiciness that reminds me, through its herbal notes, of a diluted version of French Lover. I had already counted on "Angelica" at the top of the pyramid..but there's no trace of it!
French Lover was too scratchy for me on some days, especially when the Maggi-Angelica came through too strongly; with Hermann, it's noticeably more moderate. In this form, it could be a good mix of Molecule, Not a perfume, Laurel, French Lover, and a hint of Kyoto. You smell fresh, clean, and quite masculine...and yet there is somehow a melancholic veil hovering over the scent. November-gray, a bit strict and somewhat dismissive at times...this reminds me in phases of its entire being of Serge Lutens' L'Orpheline..fascinating, although not necessarily life-affirming. The silver incense makes it somewhat overcast. I like Hermann, even though he doesn't quite thrill me now compared to yesterday. He is very well done, appeals to me in many of his facets, but as a whole, he excites me too little..or as Meggi once wrote, "I'm not excited enough about the scent." In spring/summer, Hermann should perform even better than in dreary winter weather. But I don't think he will "survive" the winter with me...
The longevity is quite decent at over 6 hours, the sillage is also in the upper midfield; I see it as significantly more for men, but it can also be worn by women. A scent that will certainly polarize, yet it is quite suitable for everyday wear.
The good Hermann unfortunately lives in the shadow of himself. It's just his fate!
In my opinion, the Rien is the most beautiful in the line. You should try it... it also comes in black, but that's really intense.
In my opinion, the Rien is the most beautiful in the line. You should try it... it also comes in black, but that's really intense.