by Donna Karan
DKNY Men 2009 is a light, aromatic woody-spicy fragrance with a fresh citrus opening dominated by bergamot, mandarin orange, and clary sage, layered with pepper, cardamom, and violet leaf. The heart evolves into a dry, herbal, and subtly spicy woody base with vetiver, cedar, patchouli, and orris root, creating an elegant, clean, and modern impression. It is best described as an understated, sophisticated cologne that blends citrus, herbal, and spicy notes into a linear, linear scent profile with moderate longevity and low-to-moderate sillage. Many users find it effective and appealing in spring and summer, particularly for office wear and casual daytime use. Its performance is not overwhelming, with a moderate hold of 4 to 8 hours depending on application, and a scent that is most noticeable close to the skin or in brief interactions. It lacks strong development or year-round versatility, and while it appeals to some for its modern freshness and safety for neutral environments, others see it as generic or unremarkable. It bears strong similarities to Bvlgari Aqva and 212 Men in its spicy, ozonic, and woody character, and shares some DNA with CK Reveal Women due to a shared pepper-iris-violet note. On some skin types, the fragrance can feel subtle or faint, while others report it as stable and well-balanced with a quiet sophistication that never overly dominates.