At the Barber's Maison Margiela 2014

The opening is superb. A beautifully rich mixture of shaving cream, soap and lavender evokes in a very realistic way the experience of shaving etc. one might associate with a traditional barber shop. Unlike a barbershop quartet, if I may mix metaphors a little, this fragrance has no depth. The clean smelling soapiness fades far too quickly becoming a generic tonka and musk base. This is decent, but not remarkable. Rive Gauche is still the top-dog.

The beautifully blended notes in At The Barber's –classic lavender, aniseed-like basil, white musk– manage to recreate a very specific moment: that first step inside an old style barbershop when the smell of countless colognes and freshly cut hair hits your nostrils; an evocative scent conjuring up images of vintage bars of soap, medicinal camphor, lotions, balms, herbal hair tonics, mentholated after shaves and traditional remedies in old glass bottles.

At The Barber's is one of the most accomplished scents in Margiela's Replica line; a clean and spicy retro fragrance to wear and admire, practically a work of art.

Off the sprayer, Replica: At the Barber's smells clean. Very clean.

Scent-wise, it is an amalgamation of the most inoffensive notes of common masculine hair care products rounded off with a note of geranium for a creamy accord.

Longevity is 6 - 8 hours, depending on your sprays; warmer - hot climate definitely helps. As for projection, it is not dense enough to project through a sweatshirt, jacket, or winter coat; let's say arms-length while dressed for warm weather.

At the Barber's is so inoffensive, its lack of offense is often the basis of the most neutral and negative reviews who ultimately complain about the price tag. Meanwhile, they seem to forget one important factor: this is a niche fragrance.

Looking for a fragrance that stands up to warmer weather, but not offensive enough to have delicate noses turning away? Then give Maison Martin Margiela's Replica: At the Barber's a sample.

"But, but, but it smells like something cheaper and off a retail counter." Maybe, but it sure as heck doesn't perform like something cheap. This isn't something devised by accountants to be the next panty-dropping, club-banging, sillage monster meant to have the ladies at the office dropping to their knees. There are many other fragrances that serve that purpose.

Every man deserves to be pampered. Those who can truly appreciate a fresh shave with a straight razor will reap the benefits. At The Barber's should be reserved for such occasion. For the times when you have to suit up and bring the missus along as arm candy. Her smile doesn't stop all night because she knows how the night ends already. Thankfully my boss' wife shared that enthusiasm. Don't worry sir you'll have her back safely in the morning.

How do you want me to cut your hair and your beard sir? 99.99% of all men have heard this! Then the sound of the clipper - zzzzzzzz! This perfume recreates the atmosphere of a vintage barbershop! A combination of basil, lavender and leather! The longevity is between 8-10 hours! I have 2 bottles of it and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of a 1940s barbershop!