HERMES
H24
2021
PERFUMER
Christine Nagel
Clary Sage
Narcissus
rosewood
Sclarene
H24 was a highly anticipated release as it was the first (non-flanker) men’s release for Hermes since Terre d’Hermes. So, H24 has larger than life shoes to fill. Terre d’Hermes is not only a personal favorite of mine, but it’s a modern classic.
The effort was helmed by Christine Nagel and previous creations that I’ve smelled from her are not my favorites; Terre d’Hermes Intense Vetiver & L’Ombre Des Merveilles. I’m glad to say I feel more optimistic about H24 so far.
It’s different! From my memory, I can’t pull a fragrance that’s very similar to it (although I’m sure they exist). However, the clear departure from both Terre D’Hermes and popular fragrances on the market is an automatic win in my book. I’ve seen very mixed reactions to H24 in the year following it’s release (seemingly mostly negative ones in the niche community). A tagline for H24 contains: ‘a blend between nature and technology’, and that’s what this feels like, as it’s also a marriage between retro and (ultra)modern.
The two main facets in this fragrance are bright green and metallic. It’s zingy, a tiny bit soapy and slightly fruity (I want to say ginger and grapefruit. One reviewer I saw mentioned banana, and I can actually imagine that as well), but mostly aromatic. It’s neon green; the colors on the packaging are fitting. Combined with a strong metallic tinge, a subdued hint of florals, and maybe spices. It’s outline could’ve been a release from some decades ago.
Aside from being surprisingly bright; the texture and details feel modern and contrasting. It’s not ‘metro’, like Dior Homme was perceived by some upon release though. Whoever looks at gender in fragrances at all, would probably agree this smells masculine; but I’d say the texture throws a curve ball. It’s ozonic, but fizzy. It reminds me of dissolving an effervescent tablet. Overall, this could be a healthy smoothie through a metal straw.
I think I really like it. Persolaise made an excellent video, in which he used the term ‘anti-Sauvage‘. I can imagine H24 (and it’s presentation) being ignored by the ‘Sauvage-crowd’, but I think that there will be a large group yearning for an off-kilter release to disrupt trends in the designer hits and H24 could be it… even if it takes time for people to appreciate it.
