Code Elixir Giorgio Armani 2025

Designer fragrances are often spoken of in a rather derogatory manner. A lot of money for often little innovation, and too boring and pleasing for experienced noses. One doesn't have to share this viewpoint, and it is often more shaped by one's own growing experience than that the fragrances are really bad. Many niche houses, on the other hand, focus on striking, complex, and captivating scents that often appeal less to the masses than the "clean" designer.

Now Giorgio Armani connects both worlds in the latest version of Code. This is surprising, as the EDT is indeed an extremely special, but also mass-appealing "crowd-pleaser." The Elixir surprisingly diverges strongly from its siblings and dives into the dark world of luxury fragrances.

One can imagine the scent as if taking the EDT, overlaying this base DNA with very prominently present and smoky leather and vanilla. Those who tend to shy away from strong leather fragrances may find relief here: For it is not a musty, harsh leather, but - despite a strong intensity - a gentle leather that never comes across as intrusive. The base DNA of Code is not completely gone, but it clearly takes a back seat. The scent profile could, in a blind test, be attributed to a Tom Ford, albeit with significantly less mustiness. In the designer realm, one would probably not expect this fragrance, especially not as a flanker of a Code.

When comparing it to the EDT, the latter will still be the stronger everyday scent, unless one is a lover of leather fragrances. Especially for niche enthusiasts, the Elixir is worth a test. The quality, longevity, and sillage are extraordinarily good.