Dandy & Dapper

Mr Dapper: Yes, sir, it’s called Old Spice. It may not be readily available in Hong Kong, but it is still “around”. If you have a very sensitive sense of smell, you might notice a slight difference from the scent your father wore. Rumour has it that Proctor & Gamble modified the original 1938 formula when it was bought from the Shulton Company in 1990. Regardless, you will recognise its mix of sage, cinnamon, cedarwood and musk, to name but a few of the notes in this surprisingly complex blend. Your best source for old-fashioned grooming products in Hong Kong is a classic local dispensary, such as Victoria (HK$73; 20 Stanley Street, Central, tel: 2522 9479).
Mr Dandy: Hello? Of course it’s around. Anyone with an internet connection has seen the awesome “Smell Like a Man” ads featuring Isaiah Mustafa, a yacht and a horse (see www.oldspice.com). Whatever. Look for luxe smell-alikes such as Gucci Envy, or the old Aramis or Aramis Havana (all available at www.strawberrynet. com for HK$462 and up). And who doesn’t love the modern spicy Terre d’Hermès (HK$630; The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2525 5900); or the extravagance of Frederic Malle’s Noire Epices (about HK$1,500; Joyce, 16 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2869 5816)? On that, um, note, check out Kilian’s Cruel Intentions or Back to Black (HK$1,908; Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668). Now, get smelling like a man (horse not included).