So it seems to be the summer of odd fragrances. Hot on the heels of the sushi scent we featured, which generated a healthy discussion on Twitter about how the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and a more interesting tweet from a certain someone that I shall not name who talks about rubbing sushi over his body for the same effect, comes the Slave Leia fragrance. The scent contains notes of white peach, lily, bergamot, heliotrope, jasmine and musk. And of course, the bottle features a chain that is reminiscent of the ones that Carrie Fisher wore when she was imprisoned by Jabba the Hutt. Being a Geek that hasn’t seen Star Wars (let the lynching being… long story short, I was traumatized by Darth Vader as a kid), the only image I have in my mind is the scene in Friends when Phoebe takes two buns and puts it atop her head. And yes Jww, this time there’s a guy’s version called Eau Lando in case you are interested. Get it here.

Another fragrance roundup of the latest scents to be launched in the Hong Kong market.


The Big Pony Fragrance Collection from Ralph Lauren
With the aim of motivating the men to “get in the game,” this collection of four attempts to tailor to everyone from the sporty to seductive to adventurous to the stylish. Is it me or does anyone else think that these could totally be the Spice Girls of perfumes?
#1 Sporty boasts of lime and grapefruit.
#2 Seductive comprises of dark chocolate and musk
#3 Adventurous contains mint and ginger root
#4 Stylish is citrusy with mandarin and kyarawood

$360/75ml
$480/125ml
Available at:
Lane Crawford Canton Road
Lane Crawford Times Square
Sogo


L Loewe
L Loewe offers an opening note of bergamot, tangerine and fressia, a middle note of peach, peony and violet with a base of musk and sandalwood.
$380/ 30ml
$490/ 50ml

Available at:
LCX, Ocean Centre, TST
Sogo, Causeway Bay
Lane Crawford, Times Square, Causeway Bay
Lane Crawford, Pacific Place, Admiralty
Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central


LANVIN Éclat d’Arpège Limited Edition
Not quite a new perfume per say but rather a repackaging of the bottle where the bottle is dressed with violet and fuchsia ribbons: a wink at the couture world of Alber Elbaz.
Top note comprises of lilac green and Sicilian lemon leaves, middle note of wisteria flowers, green tea leaves, peach flowers, red peony and China Osmanthus and a bottom note of white cedarwood of Libanon, precious amber and sweet musks.

$368 / 30 ml
Available at:
Land Crawford, Timesquare, CWB
Land Crawford, TST
Land Crawford, IFC, Central
Land Crawford, Pacific Place, Admiralty
SOGO, Causeway Bay
L2, Seibu, Langham Place, Mong Kok
LCX, Ocean Terminal, TST
Wing On Department, 345 Nathan Road
APITA, Cityplaza 2, Taikoo Shing



Jean Paul Gaultier Ma Dame
I’m having a rather juvenile moment with this one. Very inclined to just keep saying Ma DAMN! The three key notes are rose, musk and cedar which isn’t quite my cup of tea but bottle sure DAMN is pretty. (Ok I’ll stop now.)
$550/ 50ml
$710/ 75ml
Available at
New Town Plaza, Phase I Shop 421A –
Lane Crawford (Times Square, Canton Road)
Sogo (Causeway Bay)
Hong Kong Seibu (Pacific Place)
Harvey Nichols (The Landmark)

It's always so much harder to buy gifts for men and while buying cologne might seem to be the easy option, choosing the right scent can be tricky. I turn to Danny Ventura, International Training Manager for Beauté Prestige Internationale which handle the Gaultier, Miyake, and Rodriguez lines of fragrances and body products for some tips on men's fragrances.

Hong Kong Fashion Geek: What should one keep in mind when selecting a fragrance for a guy?
Danny Ventura: One should keep in mind his interests, and lifestyle. For example if he is a sporty guy, perhaps a fresh and clean scent like L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme would be ideal. If he is edgy, or trendy, a scent that has more character like Le Male would do. His occupation can also dictate his preference in scents. Does he work in an office setting, or is he mostly outdoors? Is he a suit and tie guy, or does he wear mostly jeans and a t-shirt. Try to take into consideration his culinary tastes as well. Does he enjoy spicy food or is he a more conservative type when eating out.

HKFG: Where are the best places to apply cologne?
DV: Most people wear a fragrance so that they can enjoy the scent all day long. A few sprays or dabs here and there and off they go, only to realize that it’s worn off half way throughout the day. Putting some thought into how and wear to apply a fragrance will make all the difference. Applying a fragrance low on the body, on the torso, but never under the arms, allows the scent to rise naturally with our body heat. As it does, the scent will envelope you and those you choose to get close enough to enjoy it as well.

HKFG: What is the difference between an aftershave and cologne?
DV: The major difference is in the concentration of essential oil that is mixed into the fragrance. An aftershave will generally have less concentration than a cologne. As well, some aftershaves have added ingredients that have soothing properties to be used on the face after he has shaved. A cologne will last longer in terms of scent than an aftershave will.

HKFG: What is your own personal favourite fragrance?
DV: To me fragrance is like music. I never listen to the same song over and over. Depending on the occasion, and season, I have many fragrances that I use. I often encourage other to do the same. A fragrance can be the perfect accessory and finishing touch before leaving the house.

HKFG: What is the shelf life of cologne and how often should one replace the bottle?
DV: Generally speaking, and if kept in ideal conditions, (a cool, dark place) a fragrance can last up to 36 months. Keep in mind that once a bottle of fragrance is opened, is has 4 major enemies. Air, heat, light, and age.

HKFG: Do you have any other tips for our readers?
DV: No matter what fragrance you choose to wear, it should evoke a special feeling while wearing it. Some choose a scent to feel beautiful, while others confident. It really depends on your lifestyle, and your interests. If you have a very busy, hectic schedule, then you might consider wearing a fragrance that is soothing or calming to counter balance your day. If your interests are spending time outdoors, then a fragrance that is more complimentary to your surroundings could be more appropriate, example, green, fresh or woody scents. Regardless of what you do, fragrances should feel right for you, and compliment your lifestyle, not get in the way of it.