Skip to main content

Macho by Faberge

I'm feeling a little retro today, so I dug out my mini of Faberge's Macho that was sent to me courtesy of my good friend and vintage seller extraordinaire XMEN. I don't believe a more tacky, phallic bottle could have been conceived to advertise this 1976 Fougiental. It's cheeky cool and absolutely 1970's.

I also own bottles of Cellini and Turbo.....and I'm sure I'll get around to them this winter, but for now, Macho has my attention. The scent itself is pure 70's as well and indicative of not only the time, but how masculines were constructed and expected to smell.

Macho opens with a cologny blast of citrus mingled with spice, herb and a healthy dose of lavender. Dominant lavender of the soapy kind seems to have the market cornered in this era. The rendition in Macho isn't over the top, but very apparent. It's not caustic like it is in some other retro offerings....and for that I am grateful. The accord is actually pretty good, albeit dated. It really is something you would remember Dad wearing.

The heart is an impressive floral array that has to literally wait out the opening assault to have its day in the sun. There's subtle wood in there as well....along with an appearance from what must be a cinnamon-pepper duo. The listed rose, geranium and carnation gradually provide a backdrop for the spicy lavender and wood that is now the theme of Macho.

By the time the base accord arrives, what transpires is a very low key oriental triumvirate of amber, tonka and vanilla that's still affected by the cinnamon. This peppery cinnamon note remains through the life of Macho and finally expires hours later on top of a thin skin scent of slightly powdery musk.

Ah yes.......the 1970's were eclectic beyond belief with Hippies, drugs, loud fashion, huge cars, civil unrest, war and other uncertainties.........all in full bloom for the world to ogle. Why in the world wouldn't a Fougiental fragrance shaped like a penis and testicles feel welcome in this circus? Well......I have news for you....it fit in just fine thank you. There was just something about being young, wearing your favorite bell bottoms and wrangler jacket, hopping into your Ford Mustang and reeking of Macho while you schemed on how you were going to get lucky that night. Did the Macho help? Hell if I know. I went home most nights alone.....but at least I smelled....well......macho.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Black Suede by Avon

Nutmeg, Clove, Amber, Musk, Moss, Wood Notes. Yes.........I am reviewing one of the Rodney Dangerfield's of fragrance. Black Suede has been gracing medicine cabinets, for better or worse, since 1980 my friends. If you're expecting me to inform you ( like others may have already ) that Black Suede is a nasty scrubber, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're expecting a glowing review claiming it's a diamond in the rough, you won't hear that from me either. I will say though that Black Suede doesn't deserve the hate it's received and most of that is due to snobbery aimed at Avon products in general. I kid you not when I state that a close relative to this fragrance is Cacharel Pour L'Homme. The array of spice in both ensure comparison, but the "smoother" of the two is Black Suede due to its implementation of Amber. While wearing Black Suede, one can detect a hint of "drugstore". That quality doesn't manife...

Chanel copying Guerlain. Why?

                      Last month, I had the pleasure of trying Comète by Chanel, the latest addition to their prestigious Les Exclusifs line. This fragrance follows the release of Le Lion in 2020, another standout in the same collection. Like Le Lion , Comète is a beautiful perfume that captures the essence of Chanel’s refined elegance. However, both fragrances bear a striking resemblance to classic creations by Guerlain, leading me to ponder the direction Chanel is taking. Chanel has a great fragrance history. Not as hallowed and old as Guerlain but for past three decades it has far outshone Guerlain. In my view, no other perfume house has come close to Chanel’s excellence in this century. This makes their recent approach of echoing Guerlain classics somewhat perplexing. Have they run out of fresh ideas? Is Roger Dove at the helm of their fragrance division, or have they perhaps...

Teatro Alla Scala - Krizia

I tried Comete by Chanel today and wanted to write about how Chanel is going by the way of Roger Dove - copying old masterpieces. I did not know where to post that and then I realized I have been neglecting this blog. When I logged in I saw an unfinished post I wrote a year ago about Teatro Alla Scala by Krizia. Teatro is the best full bodied floral - better than any Chanel or Patou. Even better than Gucci L'Arte.  A brief background: Teatro Alla Scala is an Opera theatre in Milan. The bottle's design is an homage to the theatre and the perfume an homage to its sophisticated patrons. I wanted to write a symphony for it. Maybe some day. For now here are few notes I wrote comparing EDT vs EDP.  And if you don't have Teatro, your wardrobe is incomplete Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose. Jammy berries (more in EDP) . Honey note listed is probably the jammy part Vetiver & moss - more in EDT Rose and carnation is more than jasmine and that is what separates it from other florals like J...