Luxury Fragrances Battle For Supremacy

Fragrant warriors

Like the explosive power of a perfectly executed roundhouse kick, the world of luxury fragrances delivers an intense sensory impact that commands attention and respect. In this aromatic arena, where each scent fights for dominance, nine exceptional contenders step into the ring, each bringing their unique olfactory combinations that pack as much punch as a champion’s strike.

From the musky jabs of Bvlgari to the powerful woody knockout of Bleu de Chanel, these fragrances demonstrate that in both the ring and perfumery, true strength lies in the perfect balance of power and precision. Just as a fighter must master their punches and kicks, these scents masterfully combine top, heart, and base notes to create an unforgettable sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the first encounter.

Olfactory champions

Aidan and Yiyoung wear all clothing JIL SANDER — (Models L-R) Jewelry **TIFFANY TITAN BY PHARRELL WILLIAMS** / Suit **JIL SANDER** (at **UNIVERS**) / Fragrance **BVLGARI POUR HOMME** / Jewelry **TIFFANY & CO.**

A harmonious and refined woody musky fragrance, this eau de parfum by Bvlgari presents an unprecedented and intensified duo of tea notes while maintaining the Darjeeling tea accord at the center of its olfactive creation. Completed by the freshness of ginger and the iconic elegant signature of the Pour Homme musk note, the scent conveys an enduring feeling of peace and vitality.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris 724 — Fragrance **MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN PARIS 724** (at **RUSTAN’S**)

Urban landscapes inspire this musky floral eau de parfum by Maison Francis Kirkdjian. 724’s top notes feature a fresh urban accord with Italian bergamot and vertical aldehydes. The heart reveals an airy floral bouquet of Egyptian jasmine absolute, sweet pea, and mock orange. Base notes offer comforting sandalwood and white musk accord.

Model posing with fragrance — Fragrance **BLEU DE CHANEL** (at **RUSTAN’S**) / Jacket **GUCCI** / Jewelry **TIFFANY & CO.**

Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum: a daring woody-aromatic fragrance. Bold, fresh, and sensual, it embodies a man who defies convention and chooses his own path. Citrus notes lead to ambery cedar, while tonka bean and vanilla amplify the woody tones. New Caledonian sandalwood provides depth, leaving an alluring trail.

Tom Ford Ombre fragrance — Fragrance **TOM FORD OMBRÉ LEATHER** / Jewelry **TIFFANY TITAN BY PHARRELL WILLIAMS** / Tank **CALVIN KLEIN**

Dust on wind, skin on skin—the Ombré Leather fragrance by Tom Ford evokes the desert heart of the West. The sensuality of rich black leather is texturized with patchouli and vetiver, while floral tones of jasmine sambac conjure wild desert beauty, while layers of amber and moss mimic the heat of rock and sand.

This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!

Photography Ronnie Salvacion

Creative direction Patrick Ty

Grooming Xeng Zulueta

Hair Bryan Eusebio

Models Aidan Palis (New Monarq), Daumier Corilla, Karl Gragasin, and Yiyoung Park (Mercator)

Fashion Ryuji Shiomitsu

Production Jones Palteng

Photography assistant Joey Arboleras

Fashion assistants Bithia Reyes, Raki Lucas, and Shella Liwanag

Dayne Aduna

Associate Editor

Dayne Aduna is an Associate Editor at VMAN Southeast Asia, specializing in fashion, grooming, film, television, and contemporary pop culture. With a strong editorial focus on menswear, his work explores how style intersects with shifting cultural movements across Southeast Asia and beyond.

His expertise spans fashion journalism, celebrity profiling, grooming and skincare trends, fragrance, runway reporting, and cultural commentary, with a particular eye for emerging creatives and youth-driven style.

Dayne has written extensively on fashion houses, seasonal trends, designer collections, and the evolving image of the modern Southeast Asian man, bringing both editorial depth and cultural relevance to his coverage.

See more stories by Dayne Aduna