Deco London is a line of perfumes inspired by vintage style and the 1920’s. Unlike many modern niche lines, the fragrance has marketed its six fragrances as either “feminine” or “masculine”. For the most part, we all know this is marketing; fragrances are enjoyed by everyone. But, I see why the line did this since vintage perfumes were often marketed this way.

I found all three of the masculine fragrances to be well-done with a versatility that should have broad appeal. They’re the sort of scents that go well with casual clothes just as well as a suit.

Lawrence opens with a fresh coolness from herbs and lavender. It actually reminds me of a damp herb garden. There’s greens that are both cool and spicy. Instead of being fruity, the cassis gives a camphoric, minty impression within the bed of aromatics. Underneath there’s twigs and earth. It may sound rugged, but Lawrence isn’t. It wears like a classic masculine fragrance reminiscent of aftershaves and barber shops of bygone eras. It’s geranium leaves, lavender and talcum powder. The dry-down is one of those waxy ambers with musk. I’d say it’s sweet but then I think that gives the wrong impression. Lawrence is nowhere near as sweet as the perfumes marketed as masculine that’s been released in the past few years. It’s sweet in a balsamic way, like musk and bourbon on the rocks. I hate to say stuff like this, but it’s really the sort of fragrance I want to smell on a hairy chest, especially after its been worn on skin all day.

Lawrence is the sort of fragrance that smells classic, never dated. It’s polished without being stuffy. It’s versatility makes it appealing to someone with many fragrances or the sort of person that only has one go-to fragrance in their collection. This is the allure of the mighty fougère.

Notes listed include bergamot, lavender, cassis, clary sage, jasmine, geranium, ylang ylang, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, amber and musk. Launched in 2015. Formulated at Robertet.

Give Lawrence a try if you like aromatic fougères or classic masculine scents. Or perfumes like Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur, Chanel Pour Monsieur, Dior Eau Sauvage, Penhaligon’s English Fern and/or Diptyque Geranium Odorata. I’d say this leans a little more “mature” but what do I know?

Projection and longevity are average.

The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $120 at Indigo Perfumery and Deco London (UK). Samples are also available for purchase.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – The sort of fougère that never goes out of style – aromatic herbs and musk. If you’re the sort of person that likes the classic “masculine” offerings from brands like Chanel or Dior, then you’ll want to check this one out.

Want more reviews? Try…

BGirl Rhapsody – More info on the scents/brand.

*Samples were provided by the brand. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Fragrantica. Charles Farrell pic from www.fanpix.net.