As a huge fan of Emporio Armani White and Night for Him, I have eagerly anticipated the arrival of City Glam, the fourth men’s fragrance released under the Emporio Armani label by Giorgio Armani. The notes include ginger, galangal, bitter orange, mint, musk and pepper.
Am I disappointed? Not exactly. Am I impressed? Not exactly. I’m not sure what to make of this fragrance. A light, fresh offering from Armani, “City Glam” is not exactly what comes to mind, but rather, “Eau de Emporio”. The similarities with White for Men are close, but City Glam seems to have taken cues from classic eau de colognes — I find it nice, unobtrusive, and subtle. To me, this is the scent of a summer day, walking on a hillside wearing linen. This is the scent of freshly washed sheets. This is not a night on the town whooping it up unless perhaps I’m whooping it up with the Snuggle Bear and Downy girl.
Most prominent on my skin is the bitter orange note. The pepper is quiet, but definitely there, lurking in the background with a hint of white musk. Though galangal and ginger share the same roots (ok, pun intended), I’m surprised by how little ginger I actually detect on my skin.
I’m happy to have my two samples and will probably enjoy them on cold winter nights when I want to dream about warm summer days, but I can't help but feel that this scent was totally mismarketed.
Emporio Armani City Glam for him is available at department stores, imaginationperfumery, perfumebay, and sephora.
Hi R! I tried this when this was launched here a couple of months ago. It was better than the women's perfume. Certainly will not be buying either.
Marlen – I'm assuming this comes in male/female versions, and that the one in the pink container is different from the one in the black? If so, I've tested the female one, and I too was a little puzzled. It's nice, quiet, inoffensive, and…why bother?
Thanks for pointing out R!
Oh shame on me! I DO need to get glasses.
Marlen please see above message.
I seem to recall Armani White for Women was very pleasant. This one sounds uninteresting to me.
I would never buy any of these scents strictly because of the way they look. Anyone else find the plastic packaging with the rubber press top incredibly hideous? Guess I'm too traditional when it comes to perfume bottles.
I tried these when they first came out and was totally unimpressed. The packaging is very inelegant as well – not really suitable for a perfumista like us.
You know, I'm a huge fan of Emporio White for both Him and Her, as well as Emporio Night for Him…but with a name like CITY GLAM you kinda expect more…this one coulda been an IUNX release!
Anyone think these second and third editions are akin to the bad sequel trend that plagued the movies in the 80's and 90's?
Couldn't agree more, marlen! I actually think the name “City Glam” would have been more appropriate for Armani's Code, and vice versa…and by the way, what is up with all of these “black” fragrances hitting the men's market that smell more fresh and “white”?? For instance, Kenneth Cole Black and Ralph Lauren Polo Black…things that make you go HMMM. I just don't get the marketing.