Vintage scents are not uniformly better than the new, but they come from an older, slower world. They might carry the fin de siãcle ponce of a Dorian Gray, who sought “violets that woke the memory of dead romances”. Or they recall lost worlds, such as Cuir de Russie, influenced by the magnificent boots of the cavalry officers who once strutted the boulevards of Paris.
— Columnist Tony Marcus notes that they “don't make them like they used to”, in today's Sunday Times (UK).
At $45 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, it's cheaper than an hour with a psychiatrist, but at least you don't leave the shrink's couch smelling as if you've been doused with Glade.
— The Washington Post doesn't much care for the aroma of Smiley.
7 Comments
Read more about commenting at Now Smell This.
I agree that while some old classics were genre defining, they arent “better” than many new releases. They were inspirational though – you can see the old concept being taken to new heights by many new fragrances. I feel that Caron Pour homme and Eau Sauvage are somewhat dated and dont feel that innovative now -it could probably be because they have been copied and used as a template for further experimentation by many recent fragrances. Still, they are still good scents at a damn great price (online that is).
Ah, Eau Sauvage is still perfection to my nose — but yes, it is now so oft-copied that it doesn't “smell” innovative any more. The same thing has happened to TM Angel.
I totally believe that things that have stood the test of time are better. I make an exception for Serge Lutens, though. LOL!
What's with that 'ä'? It's 'fin de siècle'.
Assume it was a typo, and I didn't even notice it until later in the day. Should have added [sic]…
Not to worry. I expect it only looks weird to me.
If SmileyHappyPerson who commented on your original post doesn't work for Smiley's PR agency, I'll eat my hat.
I tested this recently in Selfridges and it is truly foul. Even the SA told me that it would smell horrible on 'but might improve a bit after a while'. It's harsh, badly blended and incredibly similar to my first truly incompetent attempt at Perfumelab.
Having said that, I felt incredibly happy once I managed to wash it off.
LOL — I wouldn't be surprised! Wouldn't be the first PR person commenting here. Still haven't tried Smiley. So far as I know, the only place it is in the US so far is Bendels (?)