What type of Dad do you have?
I think shopping for Father’s Day can be one of the most challenging of tasks. The old standby is cologne, but do you know what your dad likes? Or, perhaps it’s time for an update. Here are a few of my suggestions:
Manly Dad
Polo by Ralph Lauren
If your dad drinks JD for breakfast and wrestles wolverines for fun he probably doesn’t wear cologne, but if he would rather don a plaid shirt than a suit chances are he’d like Polo. It’s a 80s classic that has—in my opinion—gotten a bad rap since its heyday. I really do need a bottle of this stuff! So does your dad. Notes: Pine, Basil, Geranium, Oakmoss and Leather.
Refined Dad
Infusion d’Homme by Prada
A few days ago a very well-dressed, elegant man walked by me at Starbucks. And as we passed, a trail of Infusion d’Homme followed him. It was a great coincidence because I too was wearing that wonderful scent. It’s a light and somewhat powdery cologne that is perfect for summer days and nights. Your father will be oh so refined wearing it. Notes: Mandarin Orange, Neroli, Iris, Benzoin.
Worldly Dad
Terre d’Hermès by Hermès
How many times will I blog about this cologne? I could write a book about how much I love it. Obviously I’m lumping myself into the worldly category here, but I do feel a sense of adventure when I spray it on. If your dad is equally comfortable in a boardroom as he is on a yacht, this fragrance is for him. The best part about Terre d’Hermès is that over time his suit jackets—or yachting-wear—will start to become infused with the scent. It lasts forever on fabric! Notes: Orange, pepper, cedar, vetiver, bay rose and benzoin.
Jazzy Dad
Havana Vanille by L’Artisan Parfumeur
Havana Vanille is my latest fragrance addiction and definitely my next purchase. If your dad sports a straw hat and smokes the occasional Romeo y Juileta while listening to Latin Jazz, this could very well be his next go-to cologne (made easier if you buy it for him, of course). The concept is brilliant: a masculine Vanilla scent that manages to be sweet without being gourmand. Notes: Mexican Vanilla, Clove, Narcissus, Rum and Leather.
Hip Dad
Commes de Garçons (self-titled)
To be honest, I don’t know too much about this cologne other than the fact that the art director at the magazine I used to work at wore it. I always thought it was a great fashion-forward, edgy scent. He always smelled masculine-yet-cool. If your dad hasn’t lost touch with his fashionable side or wears ironically studious-looking glasses (that are indeed ironic—you know the difference) then consider this scent for him. Notes: Labdanum, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Honey, Rose, Incense, Sandalwood, Nutmeg.
Available in Toronto at Nomad.
Here are some other matches:
Hippy Dad: Muscs Kublaï Khän by Serge Lutens
A real musk for the man who is unafraid of his animalistic side. Notes: Musk, Vanilla
Old-School Dad: Colonia by Acqua di Parma
This scent is a true original. As crisp as a freshly pressed Italian linen suit. Notes: Citrus, Lavender, Rosemary, Vervain, Bulgarian Rose.
Available at Holt Renfrew.
Drugstore Dad: Old Spice
This is one of the “cheap” colognes that I’d gladly wear any day. Originally created in 1937, this old staple is really quite a nicely constructed scent. Plus the bottle is actually quite cool. Notes: Orange, Spices, Carnation, Jasmine, Vanilla, Musk.
Barbershop Dad: Aveda Pure-Fume Tonic for Men
Spraying on this cologne is like spraying on that lingering scent you experience at an Aveda salon. I, for one, am a fan. And if your dad is a salon-loving kind of guy, he’ll be a fan too. Notes: Lavender, Citrus, Bergamot.
www.aveda.com
Are you getting your dad cologne for Father's Day? If so what kind.... Or, what kind of cologne does/or did your dad wear? I'd love to know!
