Back in 2001 James Franco played James Dean in an autobiographical film. That may have been one reason why he was picked to be the face for Coach’s newest men’s scent that aims to capture quintessential American values including a rebellious streak. James Franco is the urban adventurer in the campaign. Of course New York City is in the mix; this is Coach after all. It’s a different thing that sporting a Coach messenger bag or portfolio in the 2010s is falling in line and not breaking away from the pack.

The package:

You’ll find the signature Coach leather hangtag on this bottle. It’s been a brand standard for Coach bags since 1970. That’s not the only signature Coach element. The midnight blue degradé flacon also features a spray cap that seeks inspiration from a Coach design touch that dates back to 1954 – the signature clasp on Coach bags. The cap is fashioned like a turn lock. It’s not just a cool design touch but mighty functional too. This scent clearly scores on the packaging front.

What’s in the scent:

Coach for Men makes a big first impression. The top notes feature the freshness of green nashi pear and the citrusy vibe of bergamot and kumquat. That fresh vibe is quickly replaced by a spicy heart – cardamom and coriander and a touch of geranium. The drydown is a tad synthetic with mildly intense notes of suede and vetiver. The scent finishes on a slightly unexpected note from the fresh start. This perfume possesses moderate staying power (on your skin) while sillage (the fragrance trail) is not strong either.

Bottomline:

You’ll probably dig the distinctive bottle, it sets this scent apart. We dig the high energy opening notes that lend this perfume a very easy to wear appeal. If you’re in the market for a gift idea, this is a safe bet. It doesn’t break new ground though and is certainly not a scent that will shock your olfactory nerves. It’s subtle, perfect for a day in the office or even a casual evening with your buddies or the brood. It certainly doesn’t have the longevity for a hot summer’s day but can temporarily elevate your mood on a dreary Monday morning or a typical monsoon day.

Coach for Men comes in three sizes including a trial-friendly and imminently giftable 40 ml size. The scent is available at all major department stores. Cost: Rs 4950 / 100 ml, Rs 3700 / 60 ml and Rs 2500 / 40 ml.