Dandy & Dapper

Published: 12:00am, 17 Feb 2013

I’ve been feeling nostalgic about my dad’s Old Spice aftershave and was wondering if there’s anything around today that’s similar.

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).

I am planning to propose to my boyfriend on holiday. I have always warned him that if he asked me, I would say no at least a few times. I think women who say yes the first time have low self-esteem. But this scared him so much he has decided never to propose. If I propose would that mess with his manhood, ego, etc? And can you recommend a designer or store for engagement rings? Or is it better to give him a watch? Or nothing?

Mr Dapper: My dear, forgive me. I suspect he has not proposed because he does not want to spend the rest of his life with a controlling, emasculating over-thinker. Anyway, if he says yes, won’t you think he has low self-esteem and lose interest?
Mr Dandy: Wake up, Rip Van Dapper! It’s 2013 and cool for the woman to ask the man. Sure, diamond man-rings are cheeseball, but iconic designs rock, like the Bulgari B.zero1 in gold (HK$7,600 to HK$8,200; Chater House, Central, tel: 2523 8057) or its Save the Children edition in silver and black enamel (HK$3,600). Alternatively, there’s the Gucci Icon gold ring (HK$5,500; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 4492); or the classic Cartier love ring (HK$11,450 and up; Pacific Place, tel; 2523 1852). Also: Georg Jensen, Chrome Hearts, or get something custommade by a local jeweller. Or play it safe with an awesome watch that you can wear yourself whatever his answer.

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This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Dandy & Dapper

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