Parfums de Marly fragrances are synonymous with the splendour and sheer decadence of 18th century France. With one eye firmly fixed on the past, the best Parfums de Marly colognes offer and eccentric mix of French opulence fused with a modern contemporary twist.
Blurring the lines between the historic and modern, PDM fragrances continue to accentuate the extremes. With several compliment-inducing men’s fragrances in their collection, we review ten Parfums de Marly men’s fragrances that deserve closer scrutiny.
Fragrance visionary Julien Sprecher founded Parfums de Marly in 2009 and takes inspiration from the past as much as the present, in particular the decadent era of the French aristocracy.
The Royal Court of King Louis XIV at Château de Marly, later to be known as ‘The Perfumed Court’ has provided much inspiration to the brand. In particular was his successor, King Louis XV, who is considered by many as a pioneer of what was to become modern fragrance. Louis even appointed a Royal Perfumer to create a different fragrance for every day of the year. Nice!
10 Best Parfums de Marly Colognes
With a decadent array of spices, fruits, woods and even flowers, we’ve selected 10 of the best Parfums de Marly colognes that every man should consider for his collection.
1. Sedley
Review
Released in 2019, Sedley is a bright, fresh, woody-aromatic fragrance that takes a different path from the usual deeper/niche PDM fragrances. I managed to get my hands the reformulated 2020 version and will base my review in this.
Opens brightly with crisp, sharp notes of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit fused with mint. Lavender is clearly present in the heart of this fragrance and adds a sunny, almost soapy vibe. Rosemary brings a more masculine gourmet tone. The dry-down consists of delicate woods and the musky combination of cashmeran and ambroxan. An excellent fresh/minty/citrus experience with a barbershop vibe.
The sillage of Sedley is only moderate at 2-3 feet behind the wearer, with close to the skin projection. This is a moderate lasting scent of 3+ hours.
As for when to wear, Sedley is a light spring/summer masculine fragrance that is great for daytime. One to wear when you want to smell clean and fresh. Think; relaxing on the beach, summer walks, after the gym, light brunch.
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle in pale blue with silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo. Looks very classy.
Overall, Sedley is a quality blue fragrance and well worth investigating if you are searching for a clean-smelling barbershop style scent. Would actually be perfect for the office as its light but present and undoubtedly classy.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint
Mid Notes:
Rosemary, Geranium, Lavender, Olibanum
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Cedar, Vetiver, Patchouli, Cashmeran, Ambroxan
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
2. Oajan
Review
Oajan is a luxurious, warm, spicy and slightly sweet masculine oriental fragrance. Released in 2013, Parfums de Marly has crafted an elegant and sophisticated gourmet fragrance with incredible performance and crowd-pleasings properties.
The opening of Oajan is breathtaking with a sublime combination of spiced cinnamon and sweet honey. Mid notes soon make their presence known and consist of smooth wafts of vanilla-esque benzoin mingles with fruity/woody labdanum. Upon dry-down, creamy tonka bean introduces a vanilla/tobacco combo that is very masculine-sexy. Both notes of musk and patchouli are slightly present in the background and fade in and out—a must-buy sensual masculine fragrance.
Oajan has excellent sillage with a 6-7 trail and standing projection is 3-4 feet. This is a long-lasting fragrance providing 6+ hours of performance.
As for when to wear, personally, I feel that Oajan is an any-season and any time of day/night fragrance. Maybe not on a hot summers afternoon, but any other time is fair game. Think date night, fancy meal, bars, clubs, even the office if used sparingly
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle with slightly matt black bottle, gold cap and the dual rearing horses logo.
Overall, Oajan is an extremely classy and sophisticated masculine gourmand fragrance that will get you noticed. It is fruity, spicy, sweet and just a little bit boozy with beast-like performance.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon, Honey, Osmanthus
Mid Notes:
Benzoin, Labdanum, Ambergris, Artemisia
Base Notes:
Patchouli ,Musk, Vanilla, Tonka Bean
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
3. Herod
Review
Herod is an intoxicatingly rich combination of tobacco, vanilla and incense that draws you in like a moth-to-the-flame. Resistance is futile. Launched in 2012, the nose behind Herod is Olivier Pescheux.
The opening of Herod is a sweet/spicy combo of cinnamon and pepper which gives it an almost oriental vibe. Fresh tobacco and sensual incense come from the heart and thoroughly grab your attention. Upon dry-down, a wave of soothingly sweet and creamy vanilla seems to coat every note, with a fruity/musky aroma soon following. Very smooth and sophisticated.
Herod has moderate sillage of 1-2 feet and similar projection. Longevity was 4+ hours on the skin. Although performance is not staggering, I feel Herod is still worth the investment as it is a beautiful intimate male fragrance.
As for when to wear, Herod is one for the autumn/winter seasons with its dark, suave gentleman club vibe. However, try layering with Dior Sauvage for an incredible any-season scent.
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle with mink/grey coloured bottle, silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo.
Overall, Herod is a dark and mysterious sweet tobacco masculine fragrance. Although it does not share the beast-like projection of others in the collection, it draws those near you even closer for another hit. Fantastic.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Tobacco Leaf, Incense
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Musk
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
4. Kalan
Review
Launched in 2019, Kalan is an incredibly intriguing blend of spices, woods, citrus and florals with an earthy vibe. Interestingly Kalan reveals itself more and more as the hours’ pass.
The opening of Kalan is rather exotic with juicy orange liberally sprinkled with black pepper. The heart of this fragrance is spiced lavender which brings in a welcome masculine floral tone that blooms nicely. The dry-down is woody and earthy with hints of slightly damp moss also thrown into the mix.
You can expect blistering performance from Kalan, sillage is 4-5 feet and projection 3-4 feet. Longevity was 7+ hours.
As for when to wear, the spiced woodiness of Kalan leans more towards autumn/winter and perhaps early summer. Perfect for chilly walks, relaxing by the fire, and cosy evenings out.
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle with a striking deep red coloured bottle, silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo.
Overall Kalan is a rather unusual and certainly unique men’s fragrance. I absolutely love it for its quirky combination of wood, spices and citrus, but it’s one of those love it/hate it fragrances so you will need to try before you buy.
Top Notes:
Blood Orange, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Spices, Orange Blossom Absolute
Base Notes:
Moss, Precious Wood
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
5. Layton
Review
Layton is a strikingly rich oriental floral masculine fragrance with deep woods, spices and sweetness in equal measure. Hamid Merati-Kashani is the nose behind this sophisticated gourmand fragrance which was launched in 2016.
The opening of Layton begins with delicious freshly baked apple pie and warming cardamom with hints of crisp citrus. A light floral heart provides soft notes of lavender and jasmine. The dry-down is incredible, with smooth vanilla and deep woody notes creating an addictively sensual masculine experience that will have you coming back for more.
Layton has excellent sillage with a 5-6 feet trail, and standing projection is 4-5 feet. This is a long-lasting fragrance providing 5+ hours of performance.
As for when to wear, I would say Layton in an any-season fragrance. Although the spices and lavender provide an autumn/winter feel, the baked apple and light florals make for a sublime spring fragrance. Suitable for pretty much any formal or casual event. Would also make an excellent office fragrance as long as you don’t bathe in it!
As with all the bottles on the collection, presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle with a deep, almost metallic blue coloured bottle, silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo.
Overall, Layton is an elegant and refined masculine fragrance that balances woods, fruit, spices and a subtle fresh sweetness in just the right manner. Highly recommended.
Top Notes:
Apple, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Violet, Lavender
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Pepper, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
6. Pegasus
Review
Released in 2011, Pegasus is the Jekyll and Hyde of the Parfums de Marly fragrance collection. With a vibrant opening of metallic almond could see many running for the exit, however, a little patience rewards you with a refined, oriental fougere masculine fragrance shrouded in mystery.
The opening of Pegasus is a majestic wave of almost metallic fusion of bitter almond and cumin mixed with the citrus crispness of bergamot. Mild florals soon appear to smooth out the edges of the initial opening and add a calming vibe. Dry-down brings a total transformation to this scent, with warming amber, creamy vanilla and deep (almost freshly cut) woody notes from sandalwood. Utterly luxurious and refined.
Pegasus has reasonable sillage with a 4-5 feet trail, and standing projection is 2-3 feet. This is a long-lasting fragrance providing 5+ hours of performance.
As for when to wear, Pegasus makes an excellent autumn/winter/spring that can be worn to both formal and smart/casual occasions. Perfect for dinner dates, brunch, and even the office.
Presented in my favourite Parfums de Marly bottle with silver coloured bottle, silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo. Very classy and eye-catching.
Overall, Pegasus is a niche smelling vanilla and almond masculine fragrance that gets lots of attention and compliments. Well worth the investment but not a blind buy.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Heliotrope, Cumin
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Bitter Almond, Lavender
Base Notes:
Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
7. Percival
Review
Percival is a fresh combination of bright citrus and fragrant lavender on a spiced woody base that is exceptionally versatile masculine fragrance.
An opening of crisp mandarin and bergamot initiate a fresh and energetic vibe, with lavender and geranium providing an authentic summer-time feel. Upon dry-down, spiced woods and the slightly sweet and musky aroma of ambroxan add depth to bring everything together nicely.
As for when to wear, Percival is a bright and fresh spring/summer scent (perhaps creeping into autumn) with an energising vibe. Perfect as a daytime scent, so think post-gym, lunch dates, shopping trips, days out. Would make a great morning scent to start your day off right.
Considering this style of fragrance will never perform as well as the deeper winter frags, Percival does an excellent job. Sillage is 1-2 feet trail, and standing projection is 1-2 feet. This is a medium-lasting fragrance providing 4+ hours of performance. Very respectable for a spring/summer fragrance.
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly bottle with mid-blue coloured bottle, silver cap and the dual rearing horses logo.
Overall, Percival is an energising, fresh and masculine ‘blue’ style fragrance with an unusual twist of spiced woods and sweet musk. Very likeable and most certainly a crowd-pleaser, not a room clearer.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Geranium
Base Notes:
Balsam fir, Woody spices, Ambroxan
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
8. Parfums de Marley Godolphin Eau de Parfum
Review
Launched in 2010, Godolphin is a masculine leather fragrance with a fruity twist created by fragrance nose Michele Saramito. Although I am not a lover of straight-up leather fragrances, Godolphin is a true thoroughbred and more than a generic leather frag.
Godolphin opens with an exotic blend of sweet/musky saffron and mixed fruits that is clearly masculine. A heart of light florals bloom discreetly, yet the overall scent is musky/fruity at this point. Upon dry-down, leather is the star of the show and makes a grand and somewhat glamorous entrance. Vanilla and musk also make an appearance to add depth and body.
The performance of Godolphin is excellent with sillage creating a 4-5 feet trail, and standing projection is about 4-5 feet. This is a very long-lasting fragrance at 8+ hours.
As for when to wear, with its fruity/leather combo Godolphin feels more autumn/winter, perhaps edging into early spring. In all honestly, Godolphin smells so good I would wear it in the summer too but more as an evening scent.
Presented in the classic style Parfums de Marly gold-coloured bottle, gold cap and embossed dual rearing horses logo. Classy.
Overall, Godolphin is a breathtakingly glamorous fruity/leather masculine fragrance that ticks so many boxes. If you are searching for a leather fragrance that is not too full-on leather, then look no further.
Top Notes:
Thyme, Saffron, Mixed Fruits
Mid Notes:
Roses, Iris, Jasmine
Base Notes:
Amber, Vanilla, Leather
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
9. Galloway
Review
Named after the now extinct Scottish breed of horse, Galloway is a masculine combination of citrus, pepper, musk and amber that conveys power and strength.
The opening of Galloway is very clean and crisp with a juicy twang of sharp citrus sprinkled with black pepper. A floral heart of iris and orange blossom bloom to create a lightness that still feels firmly masculine. Once settled, a deep musky base combines with warm and spicy notes of amber to create a sense of effortless masculine sophistication. Interesting to note that the pepper notes become deeper and more intense as the hour’s pass, fantastic.
The performance of Galloway is very good with sillage creating a 4-5 feet trail, and standing projection is 3-4 feet. A very long-lasting fragrance at 7+ hours.
As for when to wear, with its masculine freshness combined with light florals and musky/amber undercurrent, Galloway feels almost tailor-made for spring/summer. One to wear more as a fresh casual daytime scent. Would even make a great office scent.
Presented in the classic design Parfums de Marly white coloured bottle, silver cap and embossed dual rearing horses logo. Looks as bright and fresh as the fragrance it contains.
Overall, Galloway is a bright spring/summer men’s fragrance that reveals a more spicy/peppery side as the hours’ progress. Perfect as your go-to daytime scent when you want something classy and unusual.
Top Notes:
Citrus, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Iris, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Musk, Amber
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
10. Nisean
Review
Nisean is a modern take on a patchouli dominant oriental spicy fragrance that is seductive, masterful and inherently masculine.
The opening of Nisean is nicely fresh, with notes of crisp lime and mild pepper. Soft rose and geranium soon appear to add balance to what would have been an overly fresh scent. Upon dry-down, warm/musky amber notes dance with sensually deep woods, and the heady green and earthy aroma of patchouli rises slowly and envelops the wearer. Fantastic
The performance of Nisean is fairly good with sillage creating a 3-4 feet trail, and standing projection is 2-3 feet. Medium longevity at 5+ hours.
As for when to wear, Nisean leans more towards autumn/winter due to its deep combination of sweet musky patchouli with woody/amber notes. Gives more of a formal masculine vibe, so one to get dressed up when wearing. Would male an excellent late afternoon into evening scent, so think wedding receptions, early evening dates, theatre and other formal occasions.
Presented in the classic design Parfums de Marly shiny black bottle, gold cap and embossed dual rearing horses logo.
Overall, Nisean is an addictive oriental spicy masculine fragrance with floral and citrus touches. Sexy, dark, yet with a lighter side.
Top Notes:
Lime, Pink Pepper
Mid Notes:
Rose, Geranium
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Amber
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
Conclusion
When it comes to tantalisingly exotic masculine fragrances, Parfums de Marly seem to have the knack of producing something unique and unusual. Their fragrances are constructed from high quality ingredients, provide beast-like performance, and simply have a non-conformative and quirky style about them. Each of the 10 best Parfums de Marly colognes reviewed today offer a true sense of style, class, and sophistication.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
