Ho Hang by Balenciaga

Basil, Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Orange.
Carnation, Cedar, Geranium, Patchouli, Rosewood.
Amber, Benzoin, Labdanum, Musk, Tonka bean, Vanilla.

Ho Hang by Balenciaga is classically constructed and you know it the second you smell it. The crux of this masculine is a soapy rendition of lavender accented with carnation and geranium. Of course there's others, but these three are the heartbeat of Ho Hang. The opening of this classic showers you with a citric accord featuring alcohol, bitter orange, gritty spice and lavender. The alcohol lasts only a minute or two and one has to remember that this was released in 1971.

After 10 minutes or so, the top settles and reveals a slowly emerging heart of florals, earthy wood and the lavender. This is the stage that the lavender rendition becomes soapy and gives Ho Hang that classic feel. The carnation and geranium duo, coupled with the lavender really accentuate this genre.

The cedar oil becomes apparent as the heart accord evolves and trumps the rosewood. The patchouli contributes, but passively and these wood notes seem to reign in the carnation and geranium. It's a calmer fragrance by now, but it remains very full from the merger. Every movement of Ho Hang is classic in nature and this scent proves to be a true representative of that time and place.

During drydown, a dry amber is exposed with a little help from labdanum. There's also a wispy powder courtesy of Tonka, but even in the extended drydown, Benzoin and Vanilla seem hard pressed to contribute on my skin. This happens every wearing and I've become resigned to that fact.

Sillage is good and longevity is approximately 5 hours before completely dissipating. It does remain a skin scent past that stage, but I always reapply before that transpires. Thumbs up from Aromi for Balenciaga's Ho Hang. A sample wear ( if possible ) is recommended since this may prove to be too old school for some.