One Man Show

Final Thoughts

Wearing this evokes the ghost of the original. One gains initial sillage, but loses all nuance and refinement. It presents a simplified, somewhat coarse interpretation, akin to viewing a blurry photograph. Ultimately, this clone highlights the crucial role of quality ingredients and expert blending in creating a truly compelling fragrance.

First Impressions & Dry Down

The opening presents a citric blast – primarily lemon with a sharp, almost acrid bergamot. The basil is faint, providing a muted herbaceous background. This deviates immediately from the source material, lacking the smooth ginger and aldehydic sparkle. The heart reveals a clashing carnation and cinnamon accord, rendered somewhat plasticky. Patchouli emerges, but it's a murky, indistinct version, lacking the earthy depth of high-quality oil. In the drydown, the leather note is surprisingly prominent, more akin to new car upholstery than supple hide. The oakmoss contributes a damp, musty element, but the musk has a synthetic acetone edge. It's attempting the same structure, but falls short by creating a muddled, cacophonous experience.

Projection Power

Longevity is surprisingly robust, clocking in at around 7 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending to approximately an arm's length for the first 2 hours, then quickly receding to a skin scent. I wore it during a temperate day of errands.