Le Mâle Le Parfum Jean Paul Gaultier 2020
4
A Classic Evolved
Everything evolves.
Not only is it in the nature of consumers to seek newer, more fulfilling versions of classics we once adored, but also - stay with me on this - to probe their darker sides. In my defense, James Bond evolved from a swashbuckling, carefree and summery character to a more reserved, emotionally invested and wintery one. As did superhero films, once an exhibition of flash and bang, now an exploration of guilt and redemption. Cyclical or otherwise, one can expect with a certain ominousness a darker turn of character that flips open a new chapter in our experience of the classic.
When I first tried the original Le Male in the '00s, I was hit by Francis Kurkdjian's playful mix strongly reminiscent of youth, extroversion and the '90s. A delicate mint and a potent vanilla make it an undeniable classic.
The line appears to have evolved from the summery cheer of the original Le Male into a cozy radiance and baked-pie-sweet embrace of the new Le Parfum. The sweeter and darker envelope around the original DNA is, no doubt, in keeping with recent trends among fragrance releases. The opening, which presents the spicy accords in full thrust, is quite something to behold when taken in conjunction with the familiar lavender/vanilla DNA. Such a creation isn't easy to pull off to the extent of becoming yet another popular sensation, considering the olfactory contrast between lavender/mint and vanilla/iris.
Simply put -
Le Parfum = Le Male + Spice (pepper, cardamom) + Sweetness (vanilla)
No doubt, Le Parfum is more suited for cooler times and is a better fit than the original for nights out and/or clubbing. What the new sibling loses in comparison, is the versatility of the original, which allowed the latter to shine regardless of occasion or temperature. That said, few fragrances out there offer better value, longevity and appeal at a less-than-Amouage price point!
Not only is it in the nature of consumers to seek newer, more fulfilling versions of classics we once adored, but also - stay with me on this - to probe their darker sides. In my defense, James Bond evolved from a swashbuckling, carefree and summery character to a more reserved, emotionally invested and wintery one. As did superhero films, once an exhibition of flash and bang, now an exploration of guilt and redemption. Cyclical or otherwise, one can expect with a certain ominousness a darker turn of character that flips open a new chapter in our experience of the classic.
When I first tried the original Le Male in the '00s, I was hit by Francis Kurkdjian's playful mix strongly reminiscent of youth, extroversion and the '90s. A delicate mint and a potent vanilla make it an undeniable classic.
The line appears to have evolved from the summery cheer of the original Le Male into a cozy radiance and baked-pie-sweet embrace of the new Le Parfum. The sweeter and darker envelope around the original DNA is, no doubt, in keeping with recent trends among fragrance releases. The opening, which presents the spicy accords in full thrust, is quite something to behold when taken in conjunction with the familiar lavender/vanilla DNA. Such a creation isn't easy to pull off to the extent of becoming yet another popular sensation, considering the olfactory contrast between lavender/mint and vanilla/iris.
Simply put -
Le Parfum = Le Male + Spice (pepper, cardamom) + Sweetness (vanilla)
No doubt, Le Parfum is more suited for cooler times and is a better fit than the original for nights out and/or clubbing. What the new sibling loses in comparison, is the versatility of the original, which allowed the latter to shine regardless of occasion or temperature. That said, few fragrances out there offer better value, longevity and appeal at a less-than-Amouage price point!
Junkey