GQ x Armani

Armani Code is the (Christmas) gift that keeps on giving

Shopping for Christmas gifts can be, but really shouldn’t be a daunting task. Sure you might settle for giving that loved one a pair of socks, or else regift the Panettone you received from your boss, but there’s one easy way to give someone something meaningful that won’t require eight hours spent trawling Oxford Street. Gifting a fragrance is almost as meaningful as presenting someone with a handknitted cardigan. When you gift someone a scent, you’re giving them something that you think embodies them and thus the exchange is entirely personal. What’s more in gifting a fragrance you prove that you really do know the recipient (or at least you think you do). What’s more, long after the scent runs dry, whenever the person you gifted gets a whiff of it, whether in the street or elsewhere, it will be a joyful reminder of you and your relationship. It’s a total win.

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Armani Code is the luxury fragrance that has stood the test of time and continues to add flavour to the necks of men everywhere. With four versions of the scent under the brand, there’s something for everyone this festive season.

For us, however, the brand’s standout fragrance is Armani Code Classic, and it’s more often than not that we give it as a gift at this time of the year. The original Armani Code Classic was launched in 2004 under the guise of Armani Black Code (it has since rebranded, although the juice inside remains largely the same, albeit a little creamier and more contemporary). Aimed at no age group in particular, it captured the sensory desires of men everywhere. In fact upon its release it was so popular that it was followed in 2006 by Armani Code For Women.

Rumoured to be the fragrance of choice for one Ryan Reynolds, Armani Code for men was the creation of some of the most-renowned perfumers on the planet - Antoine Lie (the Armani go-to nose), Antoine Maisondieu and Clement Gavarry - and it continues to stand as one of the most iconic fragrances out there.

And of course each fragrance comes in one of Giorgio Armani’s ultra-chic, glossy flaçons. Each is as striking as the next and comes with a textured grain detail at the bottle’s neck in reference to the traditionally refined design of a tuxedo’s cummerbund. Neat. With something for everyone, we’re gifting ourselves (and those around us) with Armani Code this year.

With top notes of lemon and bergamot the original Armani Code scent has a slight crisp and refreshing air to it, while a luxuriously, gourmand heart of star anise, olive blossom and guaiac wood lends itself nicely to winter wear, with it being reminiscent of cosy evenings inside, sheltered from the cold. Building on this, sensual, yet masculine base notes of enticing leather, tonka bean and tobacco further make it a chilly evening essential, whether that’s at a festive black tie event or a romantic dinner date. Elsewhere warming amber gives it a further wintery vibe.

But that’s not all. With the aim of catering to every man, Armani Code has been introduced in a quartet of versions, each holding the signature tonka bean at its heart. Armani Code Absolu was launched in 2019 and was created by the aforementioned Maisondieu. Top notes of green mandarin and apple make it a slightly more fresh take on the original, while a rum heart gives it a spicy and oriental touch. This year Giorgio Armani unveiled an alluring new facet of Code, Armani Code Eau de parfum, which has an intriguing, seductive appeal. Mandarin and bergamot are infused with lemon essence, while nose-pleasing rosemary and lavender from Provence - exclusively crafted for Giorgio Armani and sourced sustainably - make this one of the more aromatic fragrances in the Armani Code family. Meanwhile, Code Profumo, which Giorgio Armani released in 2016, is a longer-lasting, seductive and intense scent, inspired by the sharp sophistication of a Giorgio Armani-designed tuxedo. More powdery and richer in personality, achieved through the addition of smoky woods and amber, than the original scent, this combines impressive blends of mandarin, orange blossom, nutmeg and benzoin together, and is ideal for anyone who likes to make a first impression.

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