When it comes to the new DSquared2 Wild perfume for men, I broke many of my rules for reviewing: I fell for advertising and the list of (supposed) fragrance notes, and I ordered expensive samples…from Germany…because the scent is not widely available in the U.S. (are DSquared2 perfumes EVER eagerly anticipated here?)
I feel most ashamed for believing the fragrance would be “…a raw roll in the hay — the whole idea is to be a bit raw.” Look at the horse in the ads, summoning aroma-ideas of sweat, leather, hay…neighing in the video starring the wild-man model Robin Here at NST(TM) awarded the best abs in perfume ads for 2014. I was swayed by Wild's list of enticing notes: humus, neo-labdanum (NEO!), vegetable amber, santolina, opoponax, and resins galore.1 With "all that," how could Wild NOT live up to its promises?
You can regard me as:
1. Dumb, unable to LEARN; after decades of perfume obsessions, I can still, on occasion, be influenced by PR campaigns; OR
2. Naive; "Isn't it amazing how Kevin can be so hopeful after years of disappointments?"
Take your pick!
Buying Wild samples was my biggest waste of perfume money this last year, because Wild ain't wild or raw, there's no barnyard vibe, no "horse," no manly aromas. Wild's an ordinary middle-of-the-road men's department store fragrance that smells like many others: simple, synthetic and clean. Wild is a linear scent; its notes blend almost seamlessly — you'll get a whiff of something fresh and "cool" (santolina? or neo-eucalyptus?) segueing into something woody and amber-ful...and that's about it! Wild smells like a sport fragrance that's been sweetened more than usual; it dries down to phony wood notes that last through a day's wear.
All that said, I'll add Wild to my list of fragrances I recommend to young, newbie perfume guys who were raised on Axe-type "perfumes;" Wild is a step up from those. Another recommendation I make: never believe what you read about a new perfume. (I won't share my shameful secret: I can't follow my own advice.)
DSquared2 Wild Eau de Toilette is available via the DSquared2 retail site for $77 (100 ml); Europeans and Canadians also have the choice of 30 ml and 50 ml sizes.
1. Perfumers: Daphné Bugey and Annick Ménardo.
Sorry you were so tragically disappointed in this one but you were right on the money about his abs
Deva: Robin gets credit for his abs!
Best abs, worst fitting pants.
Hahaha!
Oh Kevin, after watching that video you are completely forgiven. Who can watch that and not be momentarily confused as the blood rushes OUT of your brain?
When you sampled it did you toss your head like he does? Maybe that would help.
Lol!!!!!!!!!
brilliantly said!
the key word here is OUT.
Too much of that OUT if you ask me…………..lol!
Kelly: thanks for understanding! HA!
My second chuckle for the day,watching THAT video!Lol!Yup,nice abs….but he’s still no “THE MENTALIST”(Simon Baker:Now him I can appreciate wearing jeans and no underwear!!)
I pick door #3: gullible!
But we still love you!
Rappleyea: thank you.
I think deluded ad firms and similar companies are gearing up for some sort of S&M light quasi vulgar marketing before the likely to be obnoxious Shades of Grey movie comes out. I’m not a prude, but I’d be more impressed if Mr. Wonderful pulled up his pants a little. And I’m sorry you got suckered into testing, Kevin.
Did you have to rescue your nose with something else very good?
Either that or they should have gone all the way but with a fig leaf thrown on for Modesty’s sake.
I like the fig leaf idea – they can release a “spring” edition with some green notes…..
AnnS: I’m sure the DSquared2 twins kept pulling down his pants.
“I’d be more impressed if Mr. Wonderful pulled up his pants a little.”
You hush now!
He could at least let me buy him a drink first!
^ You crack me up.
Lol Kevin this review was a pleasure to read, though I am sorry for the wasted money.
Better luck in 2015!
Sun Mi…I wish I had learned my lesson…but who knows!
Optimism keeps one young, Kevin. Better luck with your next samples!
Noz…thank you…I will buy no samples for awhile.
LOL – love the review. Like you the bottle design, abs-prominent ad, imagery, and perfumers (I friggin love Menardo!) really got me excited about this one also. Glad to know I can put my money elsewhere.
And my inner-little boy **so** wanted to like a scent named ‘Wild’…seriously.
Mike…a waste of the “Wild” name.
I must admit that the simple fact that this picture exists makes me happier.
Kevin, your review reminds me a bit of how I felt about Etat Libre d’Orange’s Tom of Finland. I was expecting animal sweat, man sex and leather only to smell a polite-clean santalum.
If you’re looking for that metaphorical “horse” may I suggest Leather Oud from the Dior privé range (this one is what Tom should smell like!). I’m completely loving it. Please consider writing a review of it.
BTW am I the only one that finds the “harness” on the Wild bottle real kitsch?
Markus…I’ll look for the Leather Oud (and felt the same about Tom of Finland…)
Give it a chance…it is good fragrance!! My opinion. thanks…petros from greece!