Our take
What does Grey Flannel smell like?
Geoffrey Beene, the New York designer, launched Grey Flannel in 1975. André Fromentin composed it against the grain of the fougères of the day. The name points to the grey flannel of office suits, yet the scent smells like nothing else. Galbanum hits first, very green and almost bitter. Petitgrain, neroli and bergamot follow without softening much. Then violet takes over. This is no candy violet. It is a powdery and slightly metallic leaf, backed by iris, geranium and sage. Mimosa and narcissus slip a yellow floral layer underneath. The base mixes oakmoss, vetiver and cedar, with tonka and almond rounding off the corners. Compared with Dior's Fahrenheit, another violet-led masculine, Grey Flannel is greener and far drier. It still sells cheaply, which makes it an easy oddity to try.
When to wear it
A spring and autumn scent that suits a wool sweater or a plain shirt. Go easy, since two sprays already fill a room.
It belongs to the Woody, Chypre family. Grey Flannel is one of 1 creations by Geoffrey Beene in our encyclopedia.
