FRAGRANCE | Versace L’Homme EDT: A modest masculine classic

It’s always a joy getting my hands on vintage gems, let alone fragrances that I wasn’t even hunting down to begin with, just like this partial bottle of Versace L’Homme. If my interpretation of the Raiders of the Lost Scent’s article is correct, this is a second era, 1993 bottle. Even though newer batches still carry the old design, the atomizer's style is reflective of what was in vogue at the time. As for the bottle itself, it has its own character, aided by the frosted glass leaf accent on each side.

The fragrance opens with a lemony citrus, underscored by a green bitterness and a mild peppery-like spiciness. It's not as bitter as Rogue Perfumery Fougère L'Aube, however. It's still generally aromatic in an old school way, marked by a faint, sweaty accord that I suppose is due to musk. A few minutes in, it develops a very mild powdery nuance, reinforcing the fragrance's layered composition.

Before long, a nondescript sweetness awakens but remains rather shy, allowing the green bitterness free rein as it continues to swirl around and dominate the scent's flavor. It's actually a beautiful interplay among groups of notes; sometimes I get the powder, then it's the sweetness (mild but enough to temper the acidity of the citrus), then it's the bitter greenness. Later, oakmoss becomes noticeable, along with a hint of rose in the background.

More time passes and the powdery accord finally starts flexing its identity, perhaps inspiring the sweetness because the latter does the same. Meanwhile, the bitterness takes a hint and starts easing, affording each accord a more equitable opportunity to shine as they take turns in popping up and down. The cinnamon also becomes a little more perceptible to my nose, reminding me of how this ingredient is splendidly showcased in Boucheron Jaipur Homme. Then the scent slowly turns a tad sweeter and less bitter, but with that sweaty accord still lurking in the background.

As the fragrance settles further, the oakmoss base becomes most dominant, supported by a lightly sweetened, spicy-powdery aroma, and a mild, sweaty leather and musk, with the citrus and green bitterness now hardly noticeable. 

Versace L’Homme is traditionally masculine, with a scent profile that’s reflective of its time. Not everyone today will like it but I do. Its relatively light character makes it a versatile wear in any weather. Projection-wise, it’s no monster but the scent itself can leg out for several hours. Overall, I’m happy to have it in my collection.