Armani Mania pour Homme Giorgio Armani 2002 Eau de Toilette

A master of his craft, the good Mr. Kurkdjian was at work here. Created at the beginning of the millennium, this fragrance is probably no longer in production. Which is a shame (as is often the case). If I had to assign some attributes to the Armani brand, it would practically be: solid! I am not aware of any scents that are off-putting to my nose (unlike, for example, Bulgari, Guerlain, YSL, Dior, or Gucci), but there isn't a colossal highlight for me either (unlike, for example, Bulgari, Guerlain, YSL, Dior, or Gucci... haha).

Almost all of my favorite fragrances contain vetiver in some form, including Armani Mania (AM). I practically never have anything against musk in the base. In this respect, I finally find an EDT here where the ingredient list allows for a good overall impression (very good). Unfortunately, that is often not the case, and I find myself thinking: Where is the damned sandalwood, the incense, or the cardamom!?

The word "Mania" can be translated as mania, obsession, madness, frenzy. One would actually expect something more extreme than what is delivered here. Because AM definitely does not take an extreme direction, but in my opinion fits perfectly into the big city. If I define a fragrance by what I DO NOT want, I would apply that to AM: not sweet, not leathery, not cloying, not fruity, not powdery, not soapy! That results in an optimal mélange for me, which I can wear all day while working and going out. Only that maybe a little of the last thrill is missing.

I would describe the scent color as green-gray. AM comes across like an urban oasis. One is just as aware of the trees and the grass in the park as of the shimmering air over heated asphalt. Therefore, this fragrance is a bit like the more everyday, nature-oriented, and refreshing "Tom Ford Noir Anthracite." An EDT that doesn’t cause much friction or draw attention, but still confidently and sovereignly masters the day. For that, I give it high praise!