Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia, Musc Moderne and Dorian’s Fougère + 3 You Should Be Wearing Giveaway

Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia, Musc Moderne and Dorian’s Fougère

Darren Alan Perfumes  Acqua di Colonia, Musc Moderne and Dorian’s Fougère, collage by Michelyn and Rachel

 “The earth has its music for those who will listen.”   – Reginald Holmes

 Spring weather is in full blossom in the fields of Iowa. This windswept and pendulous season always reminds me of a favorite ballet piece, a succinct pas de deux by Frederick Ashton called Voices of Spring, set to the music of the Frühlingsstimmen waltz by Johann Strauss II.

 Voices of Spring collage free use by Rachel

The ballerina bursts onto the stage in a torch lift, scattering flower petals across the stage. The young lovers are the embodiment of spring as floating feet and entangled arms create jubilant and youthful energy. Musicality follows the momentum of the melody. One particularly notable aspect of the pas de deux Voices of Spring are the excellent balancing sequences influenced by choreographer Frederick Ashton’s Cicchetti education.

Darren Alan of Darren Alan Perfumes

Darren Alan of Darren Alan Perfumes, courtesy of the perfumer

A fragrance house that embodies this kind of exquisite balance, training, and youthful spirit is Darren Alan Perfumes. I reach for the fragrances of Darren Alan when attending elegant cultural events as they reflect the classical structures, refined materials, and contemporary vibrancy that fit perfectly into the environs. Here are three Darren Alan perfumes you should be wearing for the spring and summer seasons.

Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia

 Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia courtesy of the brand

 

Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia (2009): this bright genderless fragrance opens with neroli, a splash back to historic colognes with fresh and clear structures. The neroli exudes a spring floralcy in the orange-blossom and linalool directions, with touches of juicy orange citrus and fresh greenness. Bergamot, lemon and blood orange ring sunny circles around the neroli, bringing to mind the lazy days of summer. Lavender continues the linalool freshness of the opening and bay leaf adds a brush of barbershop clean. Jasmine and orange blossom notes in the heart are an unexpected and very welcome diversion, filling out the petaled floralcy of citrus notes while also brightening the citrus aspects of jasmine and orange blossom. An Egyptian musk accord (made of white musks) recalls the warmth of a Moroccan souk. Sandalwood and white amber float in the air like the sea breeze on a balmy afternoon.

Notes: neroli, bergamot, amalfi lemon, lavender, blood orange, jasmine absolute, bay leaf, Moroccan orange blossom absolute, Egyptian musk, white ambergris, sandalwood

Musc Moderne Darren Alan Perfumes

 Darren Alan Perfumes Musc Moderne

Darren Alan Perfumes Musc Moderne (2019): a fine and lacy breeze opens this pretty summer fragrance. Bergamot’s green and brioche complexity is brightened by a happy lemon note and elegant lily of the valley. Osmanthus’s mousse-like floralcy conjures pink grapefruit pith and sweet orchard fruits. Sweet muscadine grape is a brilliant addition with its effervescent champagne nuance lifting the dry rose petal floralcy of rose de mai absolute. Musc Moderne’s dry down has the perfect salty mineral nuance created by seaweed absolute and white ambergris. White musks tie everything together to create a perfect summer picnic by the seashore.

Notes: bergamot, Amalfi lemon, lily of the valley, muscadine grape, osmanthus absolute, rose de mai absolute, East Indian sandalwood (S.album), white ambergris, Tunisian musk, seaweed absolute

 

Darren Alan Perfumes Dorian's Fougère 

 Darren Alan Perfumes Dorian’s Fougère, courtesy of the brand

Dorian’s Fougère (2023): Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this is a gentleman’s (or woman’s…Think the HBO series Gentleman Jack) fragrance. Dorian’s Fougère is created with symmetry and proportion. The core framework of the scent is the vintage fougère recipe of bergamot, lavender, geranium, tonka, and oakmoss. Carnation, hawthorn and artisanal hay absolute add motifs of quiet country manor living to the heart. The dry down resonates with balsamic and amber tones as Mysore sandalwood, saffron, patchouli, vintage musk accord, and a vintage civet accord gesture toward a bygone era of elegance.

Notes: bergamot, spike lavender, petitgrain bigarade, mastic leaf (lenstique), carnation, geranium, hawthorne, hay absolute, sambac jasmine, neroli, tonka bean absolute, balsam, Mysore sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum, saffron absolute, oakmoss, vintage musk & civet accord 

A bottles and samples my own; opinions my own.

~ Rachel K. Ng, Senior Contributor

Acqua di Colonia, Musc Moderne and Dorian’s Fougère Darren Alan Perfumes

Darren Alan Perfumes  Acqua di Colonia, Musc Moderne and Dorian’s Fougère, collage by Michelyn

Thanks to Darren Alan we have a reader’s choice of 50 ml of Darren Alan Perfumes Acqua di Colonia, OR 50 ml of Dorian’s Fougère OR 50 ml of Musc Moderne for a registered ÇaFleureBon reader USA ONLY, (if you are not sure if you are registered click here – you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible please leave a quality comment on this site with what sparks your interest about Rachel’s reviews and your choice should you win. Draw closes 5/14/2024

Enjoy Rachel’s reviews of Darren Alan Perfumes Chypre No 1 here and Jonquille here. Please read Darren Alan’s  Profiles in American Perfumery

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26 comments

  • YitzR says:

    Musc Moderne Sounds like the perfect summer fragrance with the bergamot and other fruity notes, I also like that the dry down is musky and woody which normally gives better longevity.
    Would really love to have this fragrance.
    Acqua di Colonia Also sounds like it’s calling great summer vibes, I’m imagining a linen shirt, shorts and sandals get up for this one.
    Fantastic review overall on all 3!

    USA NJ

  • Arron_Q says:

    I adore nearly everything I have tried from Darren Alan thus far; however, I have to admit that 2 of the 3 featured here are the only remaining ones from the house I have yet to sample (Musc Moderne and Acqua di Colonia.) Darren is an absolute master of the neo-vintage genre. He and Manuel Cross of Rogue just have that “it” factor when it comes to bringing classic profiles into the modern era. Dorian’s Fougere is an amazing callback to the masculine scents of old. As Rachel stated, it does have a stately country manor feel and just exudes class. The herbal tones alongside the civet accord just whisk you away to days long gone. I have been cherishing the 10ml I purchased a while back and would be absolutely elated to win a full bottle. Meanwhile, since I’m about to subscribe to Darren’s new perfume of the month service, I guess I should add samples of those other two to my cart. Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • Lo Cro says:

    These all sound lovely. I’d definitely say that Musc Moderne has the most appeal for me because it has a compilation of notes that I don’t already have a variation of and I’m wanting to expand my’taste.’

    I’m curious to get my nose on a sample of Dorian’s Fougère as I think it would be something my son would enjoy and I like to plan birthday and holiday gifts in advance.

    Acqua di Colonia seems like a solid spring and summer fragrance, too. Tough choice but I’m loving the description of Musc Moderne the most!

    Ohio, US

  • Froaderick says:

    I always appreciate when a reviewer intertwines perfumery with another art form, in this case both the music and choreography of Voices of Spring. I’m also drawn by Rachel’s description of Darren Alan fragrances having classical structures, refined materials and contemporary vibrancy! All three sound captivating, but the classic leanings of Dorian’s Fougere push it to the top of my list. Cheers from Ohio! 🙂

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I always love discovering new houses and Daren Allan Perfumes is a new house to me. Anything that it’s inspired by music and culture I will gravitate towards as I’m a huge music fan. Love how Rachel chose a different type of fragrance to showcase for each of the 3 shown here. Should I win, Acquaint Di Colonia sounds the best to me as summer is around the corner and I lack on the freshies side of things. I like to think I’m youthful too (even though my body begs to differ at times) so these 3 choices give a vibrancy and youthfulness to the wearer. Cheers from USA.

  • Ben A says:

    This house is entirely new to me, but Rachel’s evocative comparison of Darren Allen’s perfumery to the balance of a choreographed dance drew me in. And the fragrance that most interests me of the three reviewed here is Dorian’s Fougère. I’m always drawn to modern re-imaginings of the classic fougère structure…and this one sounds lovely. I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • opalbear says:

    Darren Alan is one of my favorite perfumers! Everything I’ve ordered has been just gorgeous, so well crafted. Vintage vibe but a modern flair. I am now totally torn as to which to pick?? Cruel!! I suppose it will be the Musc Moderne… all I know is I can’t go wrong!
    Grateful for the chance to win, in California.

  • Devon81 says:

    I am so happy to see more fragrance reviews for Darren’s perfume line! I adored Rachel’s review previously of Jonquille. Musc Moderne I think is my favorite of those 3 mentioned above, when I sampled it. The saltiness is definitely the key. These 3 have been less talked about, so I am ecstatic to see this, but they are no less amazing than his others. Darren does such an amazing job crafting his fragrances. It is rare that I love everything in a line from a perfumer, but it’s effortless to love them all in his line. His appreciation for vintage styles really shines brightly, and I love all the exposure he is getting lately because he 1000% deserves it. Thanks so much for highlighting these lovely offerings for warm weather, and the chance to win this very generous giveaway. I’m in PA, USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    I have tried a few of Darren Alan’s scents, but two of the three mentioned here are still on my Want To Try list. The third, Acqua di Colonia, sounds like a great summer scent and unisex enough to work for everyone. One day I will find a sample of Alan’s Vintage Novel and try that, but today the Fougere has my full attention: I love scents that evoke bygone eras and Dorian’s Fougere sounds like it does that in spades! I’d love to try that.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I’m interested in Dorian’s Fougère and the inspiration of The Picture Of Dorian Grey really intrigue me. The notes described sound beautiful and sad, a lovely array. Lavender, carnation, tonka… something I know I would love to wear. I live in Oregon.

  • mdellaroc says:

    I’d love to try Musc Moderne. It sounds like the perfect summer scent, and might stretch me out of my coconut scents. In maryland.

  • Beth says:

    Acqua di Colonia is on my radar and has been. I’ve learned from Darren how to compose perfumes and utilize and evaluate ingredients and Rachel has done Darren’s visions justice and she captures the scent stories so well! Thank you for the chance to win.

  • Diana D says:

    What a great collection of spring/summer fragrances! I’d never heard of this fragrance house. They has a lovely selection to choose from. I am most drawn to Acqua di Colonia because of it’s citrusy freshness. I love that it has sandalwood in the drydown. That is such a beautiful note to tie everything together with a softness that works really well in warmer weather.
    I live in the USA.

  • kusudamakitten98 says:

    I enjoyed Rachel’s comparison of Darren Alan perfumes to classical ballet, which is elegant and delicate but also takes a lot of strength and discipline. I have had the pleasure of sampling Acqua di Colonia and it is absolutely gorgeous! I would be so happy to win a full bottle of it.

    From NJ, USA

  • Annika says:

    All three of these fragrances sound lovely and speak to an era of carefully composed vintage perfumes. I’m most drawn to Musc Moderne. I love the floral complexity of osmanthus, rose de mai and (the often underutilized) lily of the valley. The muscadine grape seems like it would provide a welcome fruity punch. The dry down is intriguing with the wood and salty mineral notes. MD, USA.

  • Z R says:

    While these all sound wonderful, Musc Moderne sparks my interest most. I’ve been very into musky fragrances lately and the combo of musk with lemon and osmanthus sounds perfect for the current season, of not-quite-summer. Thanks for the opportunity – I’m in the USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    A perfect picnic at the seashore totally got my attention. I am having a “Musc moment” in my fragrance journey. That would be my choice if I am the lucky one. Sadly I’ve only been to Iowa in the summer, I’m sure the spring blooms are amazing. thanks for the chance. USA.

  • oliviatworkowsky says:

    The fact that all of the fragrances seem to exhibit a sense of elegance and class I feel that perfume is such a personal thing, but I just love it when you get the feeling of classiness and warm and just a confidence boost for my fragrance. Even though all of these fragrances are different, they all sound absolutely lovely, however, I think the one that’s my interest the most would be musc moderne because I don’t think there is a fragrance that I have that sounds anything like this one!

    Commenting from Missouri in the USA!!!

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    Very nice Review ! I always appreciate when a reviewer intertwines perfumery with another art form, in this case both the music and choreography of Voices of Spring. I’m also drawn by Rachel’s description of Darren Alan fragrances having classical structures, refined materials and contemporary vibrancy! All three sound captivating, but the classic leanings of Dorian’s Fougere push it to the top of my list. From PA,USA

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    I wound go for Dorian’s Fougère. I have yet to find a good Fougere that works well on my skin. This sounds like one that will last long and would be a great wear for this spring summer. The notes that pop out in the dry down sounds amazing.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • rmsssss says:

    I love Darren Alan’s creations but especially Dorian’s Fougere. I love that it dries down to ambery and animalic notes instead of vintage ones. If I am lucky enough to win, I’d pick Dorian’s Fougere! I’m in MN, USA.

  • janelle22 says:

    Darren is such a nice person and I’ve always wanted to try his fragrances. These three all sound beautiful in their own ways. From the descriptions though, I’d love to try Musc Moderne as Rachel has made it sound like my perfect summer fragrance– airy, lacy, breezy, citrused, salty and mineralic likely creating an aquatic accord. Sounds SO lovely! CT, USA

  • realtyisme says:

    Darren Alan Perfumes have captured my attention from the first time I ever encountered one of his creations known as Devil’s Share. From there, Chypre No 1, then After The Rain (my adult son’s favorite), Sweet Repose, and Vintage Novel have continually kept my attention along with his other creations. I have not yet gotten my nose on Dorian’s Fougère but am very interested. Should I be the lucky winner of the giveaway, my choice would have to be Dorian’s Fougère.
    PA, USA

  • mmerline says:

    Cool survey of Darren Alan’s perfumes. Of the three profiled, Acqua di Colonia is the most appealing as the weather warms up; the fresh citrus and twist of bay leaf sound like just the thing for a balmy day. I’m also intrigued by his take on the barbershop fougère. The inclusion of mastic leaf, hawthorne, saffron, and civet provide complexity that differentiates this from other fougères, and I’m most fond of those that include a strong hay accord. Thanks Rachel.

    I’m in the midwest, USA. If I were to win, I’d choose Dorian’s Fougère. Thanks!

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    I love this perfume . always appreciate when a reviewer intertwines perfumery with another art form, in this case both the music and choreography of Voices of Spring. I’m also drawn by Rachel’s description of Darren Alan fragrances having classical structures, refined materials and contemporary vibrancy! All three sound captivating, From PA,USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the lovely review.

    I’m really feeling the love for Acqua Di Colonia and Dorian’s Fougere.

    I love the old school EdC that were heavy on the neroli, orange blossoms and musks. Just a perfect scent for the warm summer weather.

    Dorian’s Fougere sounds wonderful especially because of the saffron absolute, balsams and resins.

    I would love to try one of these two.

    Cheers from WI, USA