Kenneth Cole, typically noted for his clothing and shoe designs, was to release Black cologne in 2003. The minimalist name and packaging themes of the bottle personify the sleek lines that are often identified with Cole’s style. However, this particular fragrance uncharacteristically shifts towards a paradigm that is altogether different from its namesake upon further investigation.
Black cologne may be purchased in 1.7 oz. and 3.4 oz. sizes at $48 and $65, respectively. The sleek black bottle is simply marked as Black – Kenneth Cole with a chalkboard – like font. All major retailers and numerous online depots carry this fragrance.
Let us evaluate the conditions that would actually merit the investment.
Kenneth Cole – Black Cologne Ingredients and Aroma
Black cologne would be more appropriately named Orange by Kenneth Cole.
The fragrance carries strong citrus notes and the confrontational smell is not exactly befitting of a sleek and mysterious black. The ingredients may be described as mandarin orange, ginger, mint, cedar, basil, and lotus. This integrated combination produces a complex aroma that is dominated by wild fruit and rustic back woods. Subtle, it is not.
The mix is distinct, yet somewhat awkward. The citrus overtones are not synonymous with the light, aquatic-like groves of the Mediterranean. Rather, the fruity flavoring more so equates to the stifling heat and flat expanses of Central Florida.
Perhaps the deception arrives because I often associate Kenneth Cole with business – like downtown appeal and confident uptown understatement. Instead, Black cologne is a brash, spicy ode to masculinity.
How to Wear Kenneth Cole – Black Cologne
Kenneth Cole Black cologne is best suited to be worn to casual dates, evening gatherings, and spirited social events. The strong fragrance is not an iconic top-seller in the mold of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male or Issey Miyake’s L’Eau D’Issey and would represent a striking change of pace per the fashionable set. Black is particularly fragrant and men must proceed with caution. This is not exactly multi purpose cologne suitable for the workplace.
Spray no more than three pumps in total at the vital pulse points and take care to rub the excess cologne into these areas per your fingertips. Pulse point zones are located upon the wrists, the chest, base of the neck, and behind the ears where blood vessels are prominent. The body heat will activate the oils of the cologne by regular waves – in concert with natural, pulsating body rhythms.
This fragranceis not to be overused.
Kenneth Cole’s Black is best utilized as a splash of color amidst your regular cologne rotation palette. Consider Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gio cologne prior to committing to this purchase.
Black by Kenneth Cole is 3.5 stars out of 5.
Where to Purchase Kenneth Cole – Black Cologne:
Kenneth Cole Fragrances: Black at $48 for 1.7 oz. and $65 for 3.4 oz.
Macy’s: Kenneth Cole Black at $50.00 for 1.7 oz. and $67.50 for 3.4 oz.
Kenneth Cole – Black Cologne Review, Sources:
The Official Web Site of Kenneth Cole, http://www.kennethcole.com/home/index.jsp
Perfume.com, Black by Kenneth Cole, http://www.perfume.com/kenneth-cole/black/men-cologne/10006673
Reference:
- www.kennethcole.com/home/index.jsp
- www.perfume.com/kenneth-cole/black/men-cologne/10006673
- www.perfumeland.com/kenneth_cole-kenneth_cole_black-cologne.html
