Gianni Campagna

The Daily Mail noted back in September of 2008 that "more than half of all men's colognes are bought by women, which is why the best-selling men's fragrances are those best liked by women (something the industry's 'noses' are very conscious of)", so it's not really a surprise that I'm starting to notice an uptick in the release of high quality yet outright "masculine" fragrances on the niche market.

M. Micallef Le Seducteur, Pafums MDCI Invasion Barbare, Domenico Caraceni 1913, Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Man, Six Scents No. 5, Cereus No. 11, Le Labo Rose 31, Space NK Man, B Never Too Busy to Be Beautiful Dirty, Bond No. 9 Brooklyn . . . and so on. It's turning into a cornucopia of delights for men and the women who love them (or, at least, the women who love the fragrances being produced for men).

That said, once any party gets really rockin', all sorts of types start sneaking in through the back entrance. They're dressed hip enough to pass, and they can usually talk the talk, but the walking part of the equation isn't always quite up to snuff. That's kind of where the Gianni Campagna cologne comes in.

Gianni Campagna himself is one of world's most reputable men's bespoke tailors, was dubbed The Man with the Golden Needle by Forbes and ranked #4 by Askmen.com in their top ten list of Best International Tailors, so his credentials are impeccable.

The problem is, impeccable is fantastic when you want a great fitting suit, but kind of dull as an adjective for describing cologne. Not that I expect a man's cologne to whizz, bang, twist and shout, but a beautifully tailored suit shouldn't be expected to do all the heavy lifting. An impression of success and vitality can be buttressed with proper accessories, too: the glint of cuff links, an unexpectedly fine tourbillon watch, a little bit of flair to the necktie, and yes, even an artsy cologne.

But if your bespoke suit is navy flannel and your cologne is Gianni Campagna, prepare yourself for blending into the reclaimed old growth hardwood paneling.

Listed fragrance notes are: orange, grapefruit, pepper, bay rose, geranium, patchouli, vetiver and cedarwood. All very nice and expertly mixed, now excuse me while I go search for my narcolepsy medication. I feel an attack coming on.

***Note: this is not to say that the Gianni Campagna fragrance isn't any good. It's perfectly acceptable and will undoubtedly elicit compliments for its traditionally masculine, herbal, spicy warmth . . . but it's simply way too predictable, like a power tie at a business meeting. I would choose one of the other more creative scents I listed above over the Gianni Campagna. Even the best dressed man can use a little extra spark now and then.