Halston 1-12

By the editors · 2 min readThe opening announces itself with a bright, green sharpness—galbanum and citrus cut through with an unexpected basil edge that feels both barbershop-clean and faintly herbal. There's a crispness here that recalls the tailored minimalism of mid-seventies New York, when Halston dressed everyone who mattered in clean lines and neutral tones.

As it settles, lavender emerges with surprising softness, tempered by jasmine and neroli that keep it from turning soapy or overtly masculine. The drydown is where the perfume finds its anchor: oakmoss and patchouli create a mossy, earthy foundation, while vanilla and tonka add just enough sweetness to round the edges without tipping into gourmand territory. Sandalwood and vetiver provide a woody spine throughout.

This is aromatic chypre before that category became cluttered with flankers and reformulations—elegant without being precious, confident without shouting. It wears close to the skin and suits anyone who appreciates restraint.