It’s intriguing to watch the evolution of a fragrance range from the launch of its pillar fragrance (Dunhill Icon) to the roll-out of its flankers (Dunhill Icon Absolute, Dunhill Icon Elite and Dunhill Icon Racing). It tells you something about the heritage of the brand and where it’s now re-staking its claim.
ICONIC: The Dunhill Icon fragrance collection, from left to right, Dunhill Icon, Dunhill Icon Racing, Dunhill Icon Elite and Dunhill Icon Absolute.
Dunhill has released many memorable fragrances since the launch of the superb Dunhill For Men in 1934. But the quality of releases over, say, the last two decades has been erratic, even for the most devoted fan. The launch of Dunhill Icon in 2014 was the esteemed British brand’s reclamation of all the iconic descriptors associated with its fragrances. “Quality”, “elegant”, “craftsmanship” and “British gentlemanliness”.
CRAFTSMANSHIP: Dunhill Icon was launched in 2015.
With the recent release of the latest addition to the Dunhill Icon range, Dunhill Icon Racing, I sniffed out all four fragrances. These are my impressions of each of the EDPs.
RACING GREEN: Dunhill Icon Racing is inspired by the British brand’s motoring heritage.
DUNHILL ICON EDP
Launched in 2015, Dunhill Icon makes its debut with this complex scent created by master perfumer Carlos Benaim. It’s so much more than its aromatic-woody profile suggests. Notes of neroli, bergamot, cardamom, lavender, black pepper, leather and oakmoss feature in this effervescent EDP.
DUNHILL ICON ABSOLUTE EDP
This later 2015 release ventures into more opulent territory. It’s the Dunhill Icon take on the oud trend, while not going the whole shebang. This is a refined treatment of agarwood, with bergamot, black pepper, jasmine, saffron, black rose, leather and tobacco leaf notes adding to its appeal.
DUNHILL ICON ELITE EDP
An unapologetically woody fragrance, with ebony and sandalwood notes featuring prominently. There’s also a smattering of citrus, cardamom, black pepper and suede notes in this 2016 release. It’s smooth, seductive and modern, without being overly trendy. We’re talking Dunhill bespoke suit kind of stuff.
DUNHILL ICON RACING EDP
Complete with stripes on the top of the bottle, Dunhill Icon Racing is inspired by Dunhill’s motoring heritage. To my nose, Dunhill Icon Racing is not as immediately impactful as its predecessors. Give it time, though, and this Laurent le Guernec composition make an impression with vetiver, lavender, cardamom, citrus and musk notes. I normally like my vetiver dark and dirty, but this fresher and younger interpretation is a winner too.
My conclusion? This is not a range, but rather an evolving fragrance collection that warrants its higher-than-the-average perfume price.
“Mark Eisen’s award-winning cylindrical metal and glass design for the Dunhill Icon collection gets it right on so many levels.”
I must also mention the design of the Dunhill Icon bottle. The fragrance industry has no shortage of beautiful bottles to behold. But South African Mark Eisen’s award-winning cylindrical metal and glass design for the Dunhill Icon collection gets it right on so many levels. Paying homage to Dunhill’s motoring heritage, its solid and classic design is a sophisticated statement that Dunhill Icon is a collection with longevity. You can read more about fashion designer-turned-industrial designer Mark Eisen (picture below) here: https://fragroom.com/2017/09/15/south-african-beauty/.
Dunhill Icon Racing EDP, R1 095 for 50ml and R1 595 for 100ml.
Great article as always. Beautiful bottles. I’m now curious to go test these out.
Big thank you, Laura! These are definitely stand-out bottles. Best start with the original Dunhill Icon, as it sets the tone for the collection. R
Thank you for the information about Mark Elsen. He has done a great job on the Dunhill bottles. Its definitely an accessory to have next to your Dunhill lighter. John
Pleasure, John! Mark Eisen really knows his stuff and his Dunhill Icon designs perfectly complement other Dunhill accessories. Thanks. R
Love reading your blog posts and this one does not disappoint! Nice to get your insights into this Dunhill range. And the images beautifully convey the classiness of their packaging. Nicely done, Richard! 😄😄
Thank you so much, Penny! Always good to read your comments. The Dunhill Icon range is super-classy, from the packaging to the juice. R
Great post Richard, a very good reminder of how much I love the Dunhill range. Thanks to you it’s on my next beauty shopping list. Keep up the great posts. Love it!
Thank you so much, Johann! The Dunhill Icon range is a very worthwhile fragrance investment. Enjoy your purchases. R
Hope the brand will come again at the top. Lovely article and its true that the bottle is so great and means a lot of memories with the lighter of our parents. The Dunhill Icon Racing looks like very appealing! Nicolas
Great to hear from you, Nicolas! Thank you so much. The Icon range is definitely a return to form for Dunhill. Now that you mention it, I must look at investing in a super-stylish Dunhill lighter again. R
What a great article, love the new design for the bottles. Your descriptions of the fragrance have made me eager to go out and have a look. Perfect Christmas gifts I think. Keep the reviews coming!
Big thanks, Lianne! They are definitely worth sniffing out. Each of the Dunhill Icons has something very different to offer. R