If you have read my past articles, you probably know that I’m a big fan of Chanel’s products. Since I love the famous perfume house so, so much, I created a “Chanel” index to measure the effectiveness and luxuriousness of all men’s colognes. As you can see, my obsession with Chanel is really that strong.
This index is based on my favorite cologne, Pour Monsieur Concentree. If a male fragrance can almost match, equal or surpass Pour Monsieur Concentree’s level, it will have met my high standards, and thus, it will be added to my fragrance wardrobe. So, did Pour Monsieur Concentree have to pass a test? Of course it did, and it was measured against my first experience with a Chanel cologne. It had to pass the Antaeus index.
I was first introduced to this scent when I visited a Chanel boutique in San Francisco. When I first sampled it, I knew I was in nirvana. It was strong, luxurious and very, very sophisticated. It was meant for the man who was really comfortable with himself and loved to be in charge. However, this cologne did have a softer side. I noticed a hint of talcum powder in its juice. So, this cologne, in my opinion, was for the powerful man with a sensitive side. A few months later, after searching for the right price, it became my prized possession.
Chanel launched Antaeus in 1981. It is named after the Ancient Greek mythological figure, Antaeus. He was the son of the Earth Goddess, Gaeia, and the God of the Sea, Poseidon. He was also considered to be an invincible fighter, who could maintained this invincibility as long as he stayed in touch with his goddess mother. He met his downfall when Hercules held him in a vice-like grip. According to Chanel, “men can be both strong and vulnerable, and the ANTAEUS fragrance reminds us of this by alluding to the theme of virility with tenderness and indulgence.”
The beginning notes of this woody-chypre fragrance is lemon, lime, coriander and clary sage. The middle notes are thyme, basil, rose and jasmine. It finally ends with patchouli, castoreum, labdanum and oakmoss. Its juice is housed in a sleek and glassy black bottle.
I highly recommend Antaeus for mature men who want a strong and powerful yet “sensitive” fragrance. Antaeus can be purchased at Chanel boutiques, Chanel.com or other fine online perfumeries.