Prada Amber Pour Homme is the latest fragrance release, and the first for men, from the house of Prada. It was developed by perfumer Daniela Andrier, and centers on four accords: an amber accord, as in the original Prada Eau de Parfum for women, a fougère accord, a fresh cologne accord, and a suede accord. The notes include bergamot, mandarin, neroli, cardamom, geranium, vetiver, orange blossom, myrrh, nirvanolide musk, labdanum, sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla, saffron, patchouli and leather.

Prada Amber Pour Homme is not at all what I expected, being less obviously based on the amber of the women’s Eau de Parfum than I had imagined it would be. It is actually pretty well described by the ad copy: it smells like the four accords listed above, with the citrus/fresh cologne strongest in the top notes, and the suede most evident in the dry down, although even then, it is a very soft suede. The amber is there but likewise subtle, the fougère accord is very mild (if there is lavender here, it is very much under control), and there are hints of warm earth and pale woods. It is sweeter than the women’s versions, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it sweet…

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