In his monolithic novel “Remembrance of Things Past”, Proust mentions how a
seemingly random sound, sight or smell can propel one back in time and
elicit incredibly powerful memories.
I was reminded of this when a man walked by my dinner table last night and
the scent of what could only be Hermes Equipage trailed him. I was
instantly transported back to my childhood as the image of the infamous Paul
L. flashed across my consciousness. When I was coming of age, I found the
so very French Monsieur. L. mesmerizing. A native Parisian, the 75 year-old
Monsieur. L. worked mostly out of New York, where he had built a business
and a family, but spent roughly half the week in the Caribbean with his
mistress. It was understood.
The man wrote marvelous and completely surreal accounts of his travels to
Africa, Europe and the Far East. They were utterly bizarre, mostly useless
and completely delicious. His suits were so fine they made Sinatra look
like a hobo, he was always perfectly quaffed and his custom cuffed shirts
were eccentric, as were his collection of suspenders, pens and cuff links.
Despite his age and countless (often illegitimate) offspring, no one would
ever mistake him for grandpa-everything about him let you know he was simply
too dangerous. A real character and a sight to behold, and I owe the fond
memory to his trademark fragrance (which, as a Frenchmen, he wore in
unapologetic abundance).
Seemingly then, the answer to the titled query is as follows: find a scent
that suits you, apply in moderation, make it synonymous with your presence
and move on to less trivial considerations. Yet I’ve always struggled with
this element of style. While some know I’m one half French (grace a Maman)
everyone can attest that I’m almost boorishly American. Real men, American
men, don’t wear ‘perfume’. Think about it- Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, James
Cagney, Jimmy Stewart, The freaking Duke-think these guys wondered “what
cologne defines me?” European men wear fragrances. They sit around in
speedos and watch Formula 1 racing. Classic American men can and should be
immaculately tailored, but mainly, we’re busy riding horses, kicking ass and
running/ruining the world here. Thanks, but we’ll let our women fret over
such details as scent. American men smell of mild perspiration and
domination.
My vacillation as it relates to the question at hand has forced me to
explore both sides of the issue. It is true-I’m almost immediately
suspicious of any fellow who saunters into a business meeting awash in some
dainty fragrance (and god help you if your wearing Drakar Noir.) But that
isn’t to say that scents should be worn exclusively by women. In fact, I’ve
nearly been mauled to death by a girl or two who’s found my preferred eu de
toilette irresistible (no, I won’t divulge the make). Seriously, like,
lucky to escape with my life. What red-blooded American can argue with that
kind of a result?
So, in summary: Musk up sparingly, only in the company of women, and only
for social occasions. Most importantly, don’t over do it (a splash on both
wrists, then rub on below the neck.) And for those who are interested but
unfamiliar, might I suggest Sex Panther by Odeon- It’s made with real bits
of panther you know.
PK
Posted on Friday, 19 June 2009
