Karl Lagerfeld's 1978 men's cologne was initially just Lagerfeld, later renamed Lagerfeld Classic. The bottles look the same, but the font has changed and the word "Classic" was added. Mine is the older Lagerfeld Cologne you see in the top photo, so that's what I'm reviewing here: the rich aromatic oriental created by perfumer Ron Winnegard for Uncle Karl's original perfume line. It was the time Lagerfeld designed for Chloe, Fendi, as well as for the theater, before Chanel, before the weight gain, the drastic diet and the sleek silhouette that has become his trademark.
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| Karl Lagerfeld circa1970, by Antonio Lopez. |
I don't think of Lagerfeld by Lagerfeld as a particularly masculine fragrance. The opening notes, as green and spicy as they appear, also have a floral undercurrent that keeps it light and cheerful, before it takes a turn towards the powder and wood. From that point, Lagerfeld is an avalanche of darker and sweeter notes, most notably tobacco, amber and tonka bean. The eau de cologne concentration keeps Lagerfeld from being very heavy, for better and for worse. It's just sweet and rich enough to feel satisfying and slightly cuddly.
Lagerfeld by Lagerfeld, at least in its vintage form, has decent sillage from 2-3 sprays, and stays on, though close to the skin, for at least six hours. I love it enough to spray with abandon at times and get an all day longevity.
Notes: bergamot, tarragon, lemon, clary sage, green notes, aldehydes, rose, cedarwood, tobacco, jasmine, orris, sandalwood, patchouli, amber, oakmoss, vanilla, tonka, musk.
Photos via: Find Your Mom's Basement, Hprint, Harper's Bazaar, W Magazine.
oooo!!!! is that choupette????? can i have her autograph?????
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I think there's a touch of the Nureyev about that picture of Uncle Karl in the se as a youngster. What a powerful face. And I do enjoy his dry but silly sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteI almost would like to experience this again, I didn't like it back in the day; I found it cloying and every elevator in the northeast smelled of it. I wonder how I'd react to it today?
ReplyDeleteThat kitty's face says, "Rescue me" ;-)
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the fragrance, but I loved all the pictures :-)
ReplyDeleteI have loved and worn this since it came out. I don't wear it as much anymore; I guess my taste has changed & now it's a little too sweet for me. But it used to be my scent for days when I needed extra courage. I've always worn just as much from the guys' side of the aisle as women's. Thanks for bringing back old memories.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories! Went out with a guy that wore this and I loved it on him.
ReplyDeleteI loved the original, an old boyfriend wore it and to smell it brings back such pleasant memories. I must say Mr. Lagerfeld's kitty is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLOVE all these photos of Uncle Karl! ~~nozknoz
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