Portrait Paul Smith

For Men
Year:

Fragrance Story

Portrait For Men by Paul Smith is a Woody Spicy fragrance for men. Portrait For Men was launched in 2013. The nose behind this fragrance is Barnabe Fillion. Top notes are Pink Pepper, Cardamom and Bergamot; middle notes are Black Currant Blossom and Geranium; base notes are Tolu Balsam, Myrrh, Cedar, Labdanum and Musk.

Composition Profile

amber 100%
warm spicy 85%
aromatic 70%
soft spicy 60%
sweet 50%
powdery 40%
woody 35%
fresh spicy 30%
musky 25%
balsamic 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Portrait Paul Smith

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 Portrait Paul Smith

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Portrait Paul Smith, 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

Pink Pepper
Cardamom
Bergamot

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Black Currant Blossom
Geranium

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Tolu Balsam
Myrrh
Cedar
Labdanum
Musk
Unique Character

Portrait Paul Smith by Paul Smith 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

Portrait Paul Smith embodies the distinctive style of Paul Smith while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Portrait Paul Smith is Ideal For

The Portrait of a Soul: The Explorer with a Penchant for Subtle Rebellion

To wear Portrait Paul Smith is to embrace a fragrance that balances crisp citrus with warm, woody depth—a scent that is neither loud nor timid, but quietly assured. The person who chooses this fragrance is one who thrives in the liminal spaces between convention and individuality, tradition and innovation. Their archetype is unmistakably The Explorer, though not in the crude sense of a wanderer without roots. Rather, they are a seeker of refined experiences, a connoisseur of life’s subtler pleasures, always searching for meaning in the interplay of elegance and spontaneity.

Aesthetic and Style: The Art of Controlled Contrast

Their wardrobe is a carefully curated collection of understated sophistication—tailored blazers with a slight asymmetry, well-worn leather shoes that have seen both city streets and countryside paths, and perhaps a single bold accessory that hints at an inner defiance. They appreciate the craftsmanship of classic design but reject ostentation. Their home is much the same: mid-century modern furniture softened by lived-in textures, art that suggests rather than shouts, and bookshelves filled with both timeless literature and obscure travelogues.

They are drawn to the quiet rebellion of Paul Smith’s designs—where British tradition meets a wink of irreverence. This duality defines them: they respect structure but refuse to be confined by it.

Philosophy and Values: The Search for Authentic Experience

For them, life is not about accumulating possessions but about collecting moments—conversations that stretch into the early hours, meals where the wine and company are equally intoxicating, journeys taken not for Instagram but for the sake of feeling alive. They value intelligence but despise pretension; they admire passion but distrust fanaticism.

Their guiding principle is curiosity tempered by discernment. They do not chase novelty for its own sake, but neither do they cling to the past out of fear. They believe in the examined life, though they are not prone to excessive introspection—preferring instead to engage with the world as both participant and observer.

Relationships: Intimacy Without Possession

In love and friendship, they are magnetic but never clingy. They attract others with their ease and wit, but they guard their deeper emotions carefully. They are the kind of person who remembers small details—a favorite book, a childhood story—and uses these to forge connections, yet they resist being fully known. Their independence is both their strength and their limitation.

Romantically, they are drawn to partners who are equally self-possessed, who understand that love is not about merging but about walking parallel paths. They struggle with vulnerability, often masking it with charm or humor. Their shadow here is a reluctance to surrender—they fear losing themselves in another, and so they sometimes withhold just enough to remain safe.

Lifestyle: The Rhythm of Refined Restlessness

They thrive in cities but escape to the countryside when the noise becomes too much. They enjoy the ritual of a well-made espresso in the morning and a single malt at night, but they are just as content with street food in a foreign market. Routine comforts them, but stagnation terrifies them.

Professionally, they are often drawn to fields that allow for creativity within structure—design, writing, consulting, or entrepreneurship. They dislike rigid hierarchies but respect competence. They are not workaholics, but they take pride in what they do, viewing their career as another form of self-expression rather than a mere means to an end.

The Shadow: The Fear of Commitment and the Illusion of Freedom

For all their virtues, the Explorer’s greatest weakness is their reluctance to plant roots. They mistake movement for growth, sometimes confusing the accumulation of experiences with true depth. There is a restlessness beneath their poise—an anxiety that if they stay too long in one place, one relationship, or one way of being, they will lose themselves.

They may also fall into the trap of aestheticizing life to the point of detachment. Their appreciation for beauty can sometimes become a barrier to raw, unfiltered emotion. They risk becoming spectators in their own lives, admiring the scenery but never fully stepping into the frame.

The Balance: Wisdom in Motion

When at their best, they are neither wanderers nor settlers, but something in between—a person who understands that meaning is found not in extremes, but in the tension between them. They learn, over time, that freedom is not the absence of ties but the ability to choose them wisely.

Portrait Paul Smith is their scent because it mirrors their essence: bright yet grounded, classic yet unpredictable. It is a fragrance for someone who knows that the most interesting lives are lived in the nuances, in the spaces between black and white. And so they move through the world—always searching, always savoring, always just a little bit apart.

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.