Luxury men’s fragrances are no longer mass produced bottles priced in the high double-digits and available at every department store; the latest upscale scents for men are sold selectively at boutiques, usually cost several hundred dollars, and are often blended by hand in small batches with top quality ingredients sourced from around the world.
According to the Chicago-based market research company Euromonitor International, sales in the U.S. of men’s premium fragrances, classified as labels sold in department stores, grew from $1.28 billion in 2004 to $1.47 billion last year. Those numbers are still dwarfed by the $3.7 billion of sales last year for women’s fragrances in the same category, but the segment is growing as it increasingly appeals to younger consumers.
Milton Pedraza, the founder of the New York City-based luxury research and consulting firm The Luxury Institute, says that men, particularly those in the millennial generation, are becoming enamored with expensive colognes in the same way that they are with fashion. “There is a big movement today of men who have spare money to spend are using it to look good, and fragrance is part of that trend,” he said.
Here are four of the latest luxe colognes to try this spring.
Reckless by Roja Parfums
British perfumer Roja Dove, who is known for statement-making scents that often run into the four figures, wanted to create a blend for men who aren’t afraid to take risks, and this spicy and fresh rendition is it. Black pepper, musk, clove, and cedar wood are the most prominent notes, and in a nod to the luxury Dove is famous for, the plaque on the bottle is dipped in 18 carat gold while the cap is made of hand-cut Swarovski crystals. $480, bergdorfgoodman.com
Akkad by Lubin
Parisian perfumery Lubin, which dates back to the 18th century and handcrafts fragrances today in its Left Bank atelier, introduces this heady scent, the sixth in its collection for men. It’s named for the ancient and powerful empire part of Mesopotamia and has prominent notes of spicy amber, citrusy mandarin and bergamot; woody and rich patchouli and sweet vanilla are also evident but more subtle. $180, luckyscent.com
New York Sandalwood by Bond No. 9
The more than decade-old New York City-based brand has a cult following for its upscale women’s fragrances, but this new unisex version is sure to win some male fans too. Like the name suggests, warm and smooth sandalwood, derived from the fine-grained wood of tropical trees, is the main attraction while earthy carrot, spicy cardamom and ripe figs figure into the background. Whether you’re into the scent or not, the attractive gold bottle it’s in is a keeper. $330, bondno9.com
Charming California 215 by Krigler Perfumes
New stores call for new scents—at least according to the more than century-old New York City and Monte Carlo-based label that’s a favorite of royals around the world and introduced this fresh and light fragrance in celebration of the recent opening of its boutique at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Inspired in part by the jacaranda, a blue flowering tree that flourishes in both Los Angeles and the French Riviera, the perfume is a pick-me-up combination of coriander, orange blossom, green tea and cedar wood. $315, krigler.com
