Topman gets better and better.  Last night we attended the launch party for their first fragrance and grooming range.  Set in a stunning room at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, and attended by a trendy crowd, the fragrances lived up to their glamourous arrival into the world of men’s grooming.

Yes, many high street labels carry their own fragrances for men.  Having tried quite a few of them, we’re eager to say that Topman’s Parfum No. 16 & Parfum No. 27 stand out from the rest.  When you find out that the creator and nose, as they’re referred to in the industry, of Agent Provocateur Parfum, Azzi Glasser was involved their creation, it becomes clear why.

‘For Topman to be taken seriously in the toiletries arena, it was crucial to make sure that we were able to produce a range of grooming products that were both affordable and luxurious at the same time.  A first on the high street, we weren’t interested in producing a range just for the sake of it.  Artistic integrity is paramount in everything we do as a brand, and this range follows the same exacting high brand values resulting in beautiful products that we are all proud and excited by. ‘ said Gordon Richardson, Design Director at Topman.

Topman top team, above from left: Kelly Reed, Senior PR Manager, Gill Patchett, Creative Studio Manager (created the packaging), and Jamel Derdour, Social Media Coordinator.

While the cynic might think there is bias in such a statement, having tested it, we have to agree.  Not only that, but the scents are comparable with well established, traditional fragrances for men.  The quality of ingredients they have used really comes through.  If you’re a bit bored, as we are, of the dozens of very generic smelling men’s fragrances on the market, this is definitely one to try.

No. 27 is composed of wildaccord of clarysage, anise and neroli, with vetiver and nutmeg at the heart, as well as oakmoss, frankincense, cedarwood and musks.  The end product is a seductive, masculine fragrance.  No. 16 has a cool fresh air to it, incorporating three key notes of bergamot, poivre and a woody accent which is further amplified by a base of amber and musks that react to body temperature.  The result is fresh yet warm.

Given the focus on ingredients you’d expect to find in a high end, long-established fragrance, we were pleasantly shocked to find out the fragrances will be priced at only £15.  Our initial guess was at least twice that.  Well done Topman for pulling this off so well, we have no doubt it will be well received.

The range will launch exclusively in Topman Oxford Circus and Selfridges Department Stores on 22 September.  It will then go nationwide to all Boots and Topman stores from 10th October.  You can also expect an essential core hair and body range that includes hair putty, body wash, deodorant and a body spray, all carrying the No. 27 fragrance.