Eau de Toilette
Created in 1999

212 Men Carolina Herrera

For Men
Eau de Toilette
Year: 1999
Moderate
Sillage
Good
Longevity
Spring
Best Season
Casual
Best For

Fragrance Story

212 Men by Carolina Herrera is a Woody Floral Musk fragrance for men. 212 Men was launched in 1999. 212 Men was created by Alberto Morillas, Rosendo Mateu and Ann Gottlieb. Top notes are Green Notes, Grapefruit, Spices, Bergamot, Lavender and Petitgrain; middle notes are Ginger, Violet, Gardenia and Sage; base notes are Musk, Sandalwood, Incense, Vetiver, Guaiac Wood and Labdanum.

Composition Profile

citrus 100%
green 85%
warm spicy 70%
aromatic 60%
woody 50%
powdery 40%
fresh spicy 35%
musky 30%
lavender 25%
violet 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects 212 Men Carolina Herrera

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches 212 Men Carolina Herrera

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like 212 Men Carolina Herrera, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

The first impression, lasting 15-30 minutes

Green Notes
Grapefruit
Spices
Bergamot
Lavender
Petitgrain

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Ginger
Violet
Gardenia
Sage

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Musk
Sandalwood
Incense
Vetiver
Guaiac Wood
Labdanum
Unique Character

212 Men Carolina Herrera by Carolina Herrera offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

212 Men Carolina Herrera embodies the distinctive style of Carolina Herrera while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

212 Men Carolina Herrera is Ideal For

The Urban Alchemist: A Portrait of the 212 Man

The Archetype: The Magician

The man who wears 212 Men Carolina Herrera is, at his core, a Magician—a figure who transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. Like Hermes, he moves effortlessly between worlds, wielding charm and intellect as his tools. The Magician is a master of perception, shaping reality through wit, style, and calculated presence. He does not merely exist in the world; he enchants it.

The fragrance itself—citrusy, fresh, with an undercurrent of spice—mirrors this archetype. It is both approachable and elusive, a scent that lingers in memory rather than overwhelming the senses. It suggests a man who understands the power of subtlety, who knows that true influence is often exerted quietly.

The Persona: Charisma and Craft

His life is an exercise in controlled spontaneity. He thrives in cities, where human energy is dense and possibilities endless. His style is modern but never sterile—tailored blazers with an undone button, crisp white shirts that suggest effortlessness, shoes polished but not ostentatious. He is neither a dandy nor a minimalist; he is a curator of impressions.

His tastes reflect a refined eclecticism. He enjoys jazz but also electronic music, reads Murakami and Nietzsche, prefers cocktails that balance bitterness and sweetness. He is drawn to contrasts, seeing beauty in tension—the way a sleek skyscraper stands against an old cobblestone street, or how a well-timed silence can be more powerful than words.

Philosophically, he believes in self-invention. He does not accept fate as fixed; he sees identity as something fluid, something to be sculpted. This is not deception—it is alchemy, the transformation of raw potential into something polished.

The Light: Mastery and Magnetism

His greatest strength is his ability to adapt without losing himself. He navigates social hierarchies with ease, shifting tones without ever seeming false. People are drawn to him because he makes them feel interesting, seen—he listens with an intensity that flatters, responds with wit that provokes thought.

In relationships, he is passionate but never possessive. He values freedom—both his own and others’—and understands that love, like perfume, should never suffocate. His partners remember him long after he’s gone, not because he was perfect, but because he made them feel alive.

Professionally, he excels in fields that require strategy and persuasion—marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship. He is not a brute-force competitor; he wins by understanding the game better than others.

The Shadow: The Illusionist’s Trap

Yet the Magician’s power comes with a cost. His greatest flaw is his tendency to manipulate—sometimes unconsciously. He can become so adept at shaping perceptions that he loses touch with his own authenticity. He may charm people effortlessly, but does he ever let them truly know him?

There is a restlessness in him, a fear of stagnation that can make commitment difficult. He flirts with depth but sometimes retreats into surfaces, mistaking novelty for meaning. His relationships may suffer from a lack of vulnerability—he is so used to being in control that he struggles to surrender to raw, unfiltered emotion.

At his worst, he risks becoming a sophisticated ghost, admired but never grasped. The very qualities that make him magnetic—his adaptability, his elusiveness—can also isolate him.

The Balance: Between Enchantment and Truth

For the 212 man, the challenge is to integrate the Magician’s skill with the Fool’s sincerity. He must learn that true power lies not just in shaping perceptions but in occasionally discarding them—to be seen, truly seen, without artifice.

When he succeeds, he becomes more than a charismatic figure—he becomes a modern sage, one who understands that the greatest magic is not illusion, but transformation. And perhaps, in time, he will find that the most intoxicating fragrance is not the one he wears, but the scent of a life fully, unguardedly lived.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.