Released in 2020 as a standout flanker in the iconic Gentleman line, Givenchy Gentleman Boisée is a masterclass in modern, woody sophistication from the nose of the legendary Olivier Crespwhom not only worked for many of the European designer house, but has also worked with Middle Eastern Houses and done some Niche work too. While other entries in the series (like the EDP or Reserve Privée) lean heavily into powdery iris or boozy notes, Boisée strikes a unique balance between earthy & elegant Think spicey florals mixed with Wood. Its the Iris that stands out wrapped on an almost burning wood to create an amazing contrast. Boisée (French for "wooded") lives up to its name, but it is far from a simple forest scent. It is a Woody Floral Spicy fragrance that feels velvety and smooth rather than sharp. With top notes of Black Pepper, Coriander & Geranium, the opening is a dry, spicy burst. It’s slightly peppery but softened by the geranium, which keeps it from being too aggressive. At its heart, Iris (Orris), Cacao Pod & Cedarwood. This is the soul of the fragrance. That signature Givenchy iris provides a lipstick or powdery texture, but here it is mixed with a dry, bitter cacao. It doesn’t smell like a chocolate bar; it smells more like high-end, unsweetened cocoa powder. Finally the base contains notes of Sandalwood, Burning Wood & Patchouli. The dry down is where the "burning wood" comes in. It provides a subtle, smoky warmth that feels incredibly cozy, and it's grounded by the creaminess of the sandalwood. Despite its beauty, there is a flaw with many of these edp's from Givinchey. They are a lot more restrained than some of their counterparts. Much like the Replica range from Maison Margeila, I sometimes wonder might this have been done on purpose? It beggers belief as too why, but perhaps it's what the perfumer intended? At best you will get 5, maybe 6 hrs on skin before it fades into a skin scent. It won't fill a room. It creates a "scent bubble" about arm's length, making it very safe for the office or close-up dates. Definitely an intimate scent, perfect for a date night. It's there to be discovered, not announced. Definitely a winter scent, but enjoyable none the less.

I’ll be fair to Dua Fragrances — I don’t think their best work is always the “inspired by” stuff. Where they really shine for me is their originals and especially their hybrids. Here’s why I think Dua actually excels when they’re creating their own blends: 1) Their hybrids feel like a real lane, not just cloning. A lot of brands copy one scent and call it a day. Dua’s hybrids usually take DNA from two (or more) familiar profiles and mash them into something that feels genuinely new. Sometimes it’s hit-or-miss, but when it hits, it’s a fun “what if these two had a baby?” kind of scent. 2) “Beast mode” is basically their signature. Even if someone doesn’t love the refinement, it’s hard to deny the longevity and projection. Their originals/hybrids are usually built to perform like crazy, which is a big reason people become fans in the first place. 3) Their originals tend to smell richer than people expect. When Dua is on, their blends come across smooth, dense, and saturated, like they’re not afraid of using heavier materials or pushing sweetness/woods/ambers harder than a lot of designers. You can tell the goal is impact. 4) They’ve got real “concept scents,” not just copy-paste profiles. Some of their originals lean into a specific vibe—spa-clean, candy/gourmand, nostalgic, etc.—and commit to it. Stuff like Luxurious Spa Day or Spell Of Cotton Candy, as well as the other originals and one hybrid I took pictures of. (if you like that style) are good examples of Dua doing something that feels intentionally themed, not just “close enough to X.” 5) Value is a huge part of the appeal. End of the day: you’re getting niche-style intensity and weird/fun creativity without paying niche-house pricing. Not everything is going to be perfectly refined, but for performance + creativity, the originals/hybrids are legit. I would basically rate all the originals and hybrids a minimum of 8/10 Plus!!! I have to edit this to include pictures from my phone!!!