Polarizing Fragrances : Perfumes That Challenge and Perhaps Seduce

Strong emotions lead to lasting love, therefore a polarizing fragrance is much more likely to provoke a strong emotion and may perhaps forge a stronger bond than a perfume that is simply pleasant. Sometimes, however, some fragrances simply remain challenging and as much as you try to like them, they do not return the favor.

Among my favorite challenging fragrances is Robert Piguet Bandit.  I initially found its combination of green notes, leather and moss is roughewn and quite brutal, and in fact, I still feel the same way about it. Yet, Bandit has such a bold, dramatic and confident aura that inspite of finding it difficult, I was tempted to put it on again and again. It is now among my top 25 all-time favorites.  On the other hand, there is no such successful courtship between Serge Lutens Miel de Bois and me. Its overdose of honey notes that verges on urinous takes me to a New York backstreet alley on a hot summer day--not a pleasant olfactory experience.

What fragrances do you find challenging and with which one did you form a lasting bond? Conversely, which do you find unwearable?

Image: Robert Piguet Bandit ad.