Catalyst for Men by Halston

A stately fragrance, now discontinued; I found the 100ml version at an incredible price and couldn’t pass it up; the 100ml is the flask version, very pretty and excellent for collecting. It opens with a floral and honeyed sweetness, yet quite mature and pleasant. It’s a masculine fragrance without being loud, and among all the combination of notes as indicated by Jerry Drake, it conveys well-being and tranquility. A little-known masterpiece far removed from current proposals, and although it’s a sober and stately scent, it doesn’t seem outdated or out of place in this era of sweet and oceanic fragrances without a sense of humor. A true gem.

I tried it when it first launched, and as the bottles suggest (test tube and Erlenmeyer flask), the best alchemists of the perfume world of that era created this gem. TREINTAYNUEVE notes, ladies and gentlemen, 39 facets of life on this planet in a single bottle. A cozy, warm, honeyed, sparkling, romantic, sensual, classic, modern, daring fragrance… that’s what those 7 letters HALSTON were all about; Cacharel Pour Homme came close, a bit more metallic and talcum-like, but sharing some common ground. Davidoff’s Horizon also comes from that side, though the quality is incomparable. Like all perfumes from that era, it lasted and projected for days. I hope I cross paths with this wonder again someday.

Great creation, complex, aromatic, and warm that brings well-being. I love the calm and relaxation that accompany its evolution on the skin. It’s modern and bold; it could have been born just a couple of years ago. It moves me with great longevity and is ideal for nights or cool seasons. Distinct from its siblings 1-12 and Z14, it’s more versatile and elegant. A captivating work, approved.

Roy Halston Frowick was born in Iowa and died in San Francisco. His fame arrived with the Pillbox hat worn by Jackie Kennedy in 1961. His style was simplicity, like his ultrasuede dresses. He entered the NY fashion scene enjoying nightlife without restrictions. His friendship with Andy Warhol and his parties at Studio 54, along with Victor Hugo, led him to lose his signature and go bankrupt. Another broken toy by fame and poorly digested power. I believe the olfactory family of Catalyst is Aromatic Citrus Floral; it barely has traces of fougère, unlike other Halstons which are rigorous ferns. By the 90s, classic fougères were no longer sought after. Catalyst is the Halston I like most. I’m not into drastic fougères or animalic chypres, but I love this scent with herbal, spicy, citrus, and floral notes, with a slight fougère touch. There are many notes listed, but Catalyst is complex and evolving. Among the citrus are orange and bergamot with lavender, musk, myrrh, and nutmeg. The ensemble is sophisticated and elegant. The name responds to a chemical concept: a catalyst, which accelerates reactions without being affected. Although the name and the laboratory decant are attractive, it smells very natural, nothing chemical. A soft floral accord of rose and lily of the valley blends with the opening without being intrusive. Then woody, resinous notes appear, along with a slight leather that intensify its noble tone. Myrrh, sweet amber, and camphorated cedar close with a magnificent brooch. It’s a pity its discontinuation; it’s timeless, like a Chanel or Guerlain, with class and balance to never go out of style.

Interesting fragrance, I like it, it’s long-lasting with above-average sillage. The bottle looks like a chemical test tube or a potion container; it’s curious. As for the scent, I can’t define it, but several fragrances come to mind. It’s like mixing Van Cleef’s Pour Homme, Tsar, and Jazz in one bottle. The result is Catalyst. The creation year is 1994, but it smells more like the mid-to-late 80s. It’s a classic fusion of the early and late 80s. It’s pleasant, masculine, refined, and affordable. A good buy.

From the start, you notice mint, mandarin, and leather, with touches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sandalwood in lesser intensity. There are many notes, but they all translate into a fragrance based on mint, leather, and woods, a very good and original mix. I have the after shave divided into two liquids, one normal and one oily, which mix and give a green color. Medium sillage, 8 to 10 hours of longevity. It could be said to be innovative, for young to intermediate users, aged 20 to 40, and for any climate, since its warm and fresh notes fit both cold and heat.

Delicious and exquisite.