
I like this fragrance and always did. I don't get any smokiness though that people all talk about. It does not fell that dry, as one would expect from 'a modern Oriental' that people always refer this fragrance as. It is a sexy scent, and dares you to dream, but for how long, that is another question.
The thing is it has been so popular in the past decade, and still is, now it does not feel as special as it did before. Maybe they should come up with a heavier eau de parfum version or something. The ginger note, surprisingly well-handled here, is quite present, and maybe that balances the 'woodiness' of the scent so well, that it does not feel too dry to my nose. The scent tends to stay close to the skin, and feels like a very 'designer fragrance' with its whole wearing experience. Even though it is quite pleasant, one cannot help but thinking if it weren't for the 'Gucci' name, would this ever be this popular.
The drydown of the fragrance is the best part to me, because it is a truly unique transformation. I smell a lot of woods, but also a bit of amber here, in a sexy manner. It gets very warm after the drydown, and quite seductive. I would never describe this scent as dark. I suppose people around you could feel 'envy' if the fragrance actually made you feel over-confident and poised.
It just transforms well with the skin, and I daresay, I mostly find the scent to be quite fresh even though all the musk, amber and warmness to it.
I remember the advertising, and it was just too gorgeous and sexy. The bottle is so Tom Ford circa the Gucci days, it is sublime. Very modern and architectural, the black rectangular cap, and the prism that holds the juice display the emerald green color of the fragrance so beautifully. I mean, the name, the color, the bottle only enrich the whole experience and expectations.
Envy Man and Woman are the perfect husband and wife, or when you think of what Tom Ford would want them to be, 'sex buddies'. Feels perfect for Martini drenched nights and the morning afters. The only problem is that the couple have been on the headlines for so long know, I don't know if they are as exciting as they have been 5 or 6 years ago.