The story of Guy Laroche
After training with milliners and couturiers, Guy Laroche opened his own house in Paris in 1957. His elegant, accessible style found a loyal clientele over the following decades. Fragrance quickly became a pillar: Fidji, in 1966, a green floral inspired by the idea of island life, built the house's reputation with women. But it was Drakkar Noir, in 1982, composed by Pierre Wargnye, that wrote the Guy Laroche name into history. In its matte black bottle, this dark, woody aromatic fougère became one of the best-selling masculines of the 1980s and 1990s, worn by generations of men. The designer died in 1989. The house's fragrances are now produced under licence by the L'Oréal group, which continues to sell Drakkar Noir and its many variations to a new generation of wearers.
An olfactory signature
Drakkar Noir, the house's only entry in our database, sums up a moment in men's perfumery. Lavender, rosemary and basil open onto a heart of juniper, coriander and carnation, before a base of cedar, leather and oakmoss. The effect is aromatic, dry and slightly dark, with the soapy cleanness of fougères from that era and a woody backbone that gives it staying power. It is a fragrance with character, recognisable in an instant.
Which Guy Laroche perfume to choose?
Choose Drakkar Noir if you like classic fougères, lavender and aromatic notes over leather and oakmoss. It is an assertive scent, so two sprays are plenty. It suits spring and autumn particularly well, and will please anyone after an openly retro masculinity, far from today's sweet, ambery woods. It also layers well under a leather jacket.