HandF

HandF

Reviews
HandF 3 months ago 3
10
Bottle
10
Sillage
10
Longevity
8.5
Scent
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"Wooow what is that?" in a bottle..
In this review, it's really hard for me to describe the fragrance as it's very complex.

When I first smelled it in the perfumery, I was immediately really intrigued by it.

It was in 2018 (year of release)
As soon as I entered a small (niche) store, I saw this neon-colored bottle, which the saleswoman immediately pointed out ("this is the new creation from Amouage")

First spray on the blotter, then on the back of the hand...
"Whoaaah, whats that?"
I found it really difficult to identify the scent notes of this perfume. It was fruity, but not in the traditional sense. It smelled leathery, but not in the animalistic sense. It smelled rosy, but also suitable for men. It reminded me of fragrances from the 80s but still contemporary. It definitely smelled classy and unusual!

I immediately perceived Imitation as multi-faceted and full of "harmonious contradictions".
So I still find it difficult to categorize it; probably because in my limbic olfactory library (=olfactive emotional memory) it is an unparalleled pioneer of a new style!?
And that's exactly what continues to make it so interesting.

A truly (abstract) avant-garde creation and therefore has a very distinctive unique selling point.

About 3-4 years later, I finally bought Imitation and don't regret it for a second. It still smells as captivating as the first time I smelled it.
It goes through several stages, it has a story to tell...

MMn you should spend more time with perfumes of different categories (both designer and niche) before sniffing it, so that it can at least be "felt", because this is definitely not a 0815 fragrance -> not a blind buy

Conclusion: The fragrance is truly an adventurous olfactory journey from opening to drydown
(Be it as a perfume in which the public participates VS. only for the wearer himself)
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HandF 3 months ago 1
8
Bottle
10
Sillage
9
Longevity
7.5
Scent
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(Back to the) Future in a bottle
I can remember the first time I tried it (2001-2002)

For me, the fragrance was the first experience of a "definable/describable" feeling that could be evoked by a fragrance.

Neither fragrance notes nor opening/middle/drydown were known to me at that time (let alone forums)

It was just "me,myself&I" Ergo my nose, the scent and my unbiased perception"

I got the feeling of smelling something FUTURISTIC.
Over time, I could recognize that mint and synthetics (pla-sticky) made up the scent, but I accepted it without judgement.
I also felt so proud and vindicated when, at least 10 years later, I saw a
Youtube review of the well-known robes-08.

I found the perfume downright stimulating and those around me also reacted very positively to it. Even 15 years later (loooong hiatus in between)

One of my best friends bought it for himself shortly afterwards, and a colleague of mine at work wanted to "force" it on her husband :)

I think that the fragrance is quite suitable for young adults (but - unlike me - not at work, but casual/clubbing)

In my opinion, it still has a unique selling point, although it is compared to "Bleecker Street | Bond No. 9". (I never came into contact with the supposedly similar "Purple Label | Ralph Lauren")

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HandF 3 months ago 2
10
Bottle
6
Sillage
6
Longevity
7.5
Scent
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The more reserved Armani
When the fragrance was first released, it represented a complete contrast to the already well-known "Acqua di Giò pour Homme (Eau de Toilette) | Giorgio Armani".

This dark/mysterious and (above all) creamy interplay of fragrance notes triggered in me an association with an elegantly dressed, serious and above all reserved and thoughtful man.

That's why I liked it.
However, it was increasingly pushed into the background in the years that followed, as I was already looking to expand my collection.
I even gave it away.

Unfortunately, a few years later I realized again that this composition is very unique and bought it again (I had to come to terms with the fact that I can no longer ask for the old batch back :))

Even if I only spray it sporadically on my arm to sniff it sometimes during the day, it is still a pleasant reminder of my youth.
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HandF 3 months ago 5
7
Bottle
8
Sillage
10
Longevity
9
Scent
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Summer without worries
I consider myself lucky to have gotten hold of a vintage batch of this wonderful fragrance creation 2-3 years ago so that I can still FEEL the essence of this fragrance in its original form!
I am immediately catapulted back to my youth.

After spraying (on the skin!) the positive energy is immediately noticeable.
You won't find the typical citrusy notes à la ADG, Issey etc. here.

You immediately notice this grassy summery feel good vibe.
Unfortunately, I've never been to Manhattan (area code 212) in spring/summer (central park only visited in winter)

Nevertheless, this fragrance exudes a carefree yet deeply thought-out aura with metallic nuances -> perhaps the allusion to concrete jungle?

I can equate this to the following analogy:

A New York businessman has worked hard all these years and can now (un)finally enjoy a carefree summer vacation.
(According to the motto: He who sweats more in times of fire, bleeds less in times of war)

In a nutshell:
In my opinion, the fragrance is an evergreen and belongs in every fragrance wardrobe; whether to wear or to collect.
For me, this classic is the epitome of the high standard designer fragrance, which is now (fortunately) not worn everywhere.
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