In a tribute to Christiaan Houtenbos’ style and personal approach to creativity, Byredo have created a limited edition box for the fragrance Mister Marvelous. This collection of 200 orange limited edition Mister Marvelous, 100ml Eau de Parfum, have been signed personally by Christiaan Houtenbos. The box is emblazoned with Christiaan’s initials and is fittingly hued a vibrant orange, Christiaan’s colour of choice. The first two things I did upon receiving my bottle of Byredo Mister Marvelous were a spray it liberally on to myself and a look in a dictionary for the definition of marvelous. Obviously I understand the word but when someone, one person, has been labelled Mister Marvelous I wanted to learn why and more pertinently, why is this man deemed ‘marvelous’?
The man in question is Christiaan Houtenbos. Christiaan, after researching him, has learned his is way to the top of his trade and is now a world renowned hair stylist. From his family’s barbershop in his native Holland via the navy to the international catwalks and styling hair for Calvin Klein, David Beckham, Jimmy Choo… the list is endless. This is all well and good but I suspect there are plenty of talented hair stylists working their trade on the international catwalks, so what makes Christiaan marvelous or even Mister Marvelous? Back to the definition of marvelous; great wonder, extraordinary or extremely good. He earns this with his passion for what he does, how much he cares about what he does and more importantly his contribution to history – creating Grace Jones’ flat top and Debbie Harry’s hair in Blondie – an artist.
The Fragrance:
It’s hard to deny that any of Ben Gorham’s creations aren’t marvelous and Byredo Mister Marvelous is from the same stable. A modern twist on a classic cologne that takes essential elements and injects contemporary vigour and energy. The citrus top notes give edge and bite to a sophisticated, smooth heart and the base offers dark, sensual, powerful and masculine notes. A strange fragrance but this is in part what marvelous is. I would suggest gentleman, that it is worn on balmy summer evenings.
The Scent:
Top: Carrot, Pimento Berries – Heart: Tahitian Vanilla Flower, Laurier Rose, Glycine, Tiger Orchid – Base: Sandalwood, Vanilla Bean. The Limited Edition Mister Marvelous is priced £130, and available exclusively from Liberty at the link below. ( By Eli Ankutse from www.apetogentleman.com )