Whether it was the fresh, summery juice or David Gandy's involvement as the face (and tanned, be-Speedoed torso) of the campaign that did it, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue Pour Homme has become one of the most successful new fragrances of the 21st century so far. Launched originally in 2007, its continued popularity meant that it spawned its first remixed edition last year, Discover Vulcano.
Now it's getting getting its second, Swimming in Lipari - which takes the original citrus-dominant formula, dials up the grapefruit and rosemary, and adds in an aquatic kick of sweet ambergris and sea salt. In short, if you want to dive into the Mediterranean, but can't get over to Italy any time soon, this is what you need to spray on.
Once again, David Gandy is on board to front the new fragrance. And having represented the scent for almost ten years it's safe to say that man knows a thing or two about smelling good - and here, we bring you his top tips (white Speedo not necessary).
GQ: Why do you think Light Blue has become a classic so quickly?
David Gandy: It's very fresh - it's a real spring/summer fragrance. You could wear it in the winter, but I tend to go for something richer and more masculine - something that has bergamot and vetiver. It's perfect for summer - it's got that sensual escapism. Everyone wants to be on that boat in the Mediterranean.
What's so successful about this new edition, Swimming in Lipari?
The good thing about it is that this new version hasn't changed that much - it's just a little fresher, a little cleaner, a little crisper.
Are you a disciple of different fragrances for different seasons?
Now the summer's come I wouldn't think of wearing The One, for example, or something too deep like that - I look for something fresher. I change my wardrobe, so I change my fragrance to go with it.
What's your go-to black tie scent?
If I'm going to a more formal event, I particularly like [Dolce & Gabbana's] Velvet line - the vetiver one is my favourite. Everyone always comments on it.
What was the first fragrance you ever bought?
I think it was Diesel when I was a teenager - not actual diesel, something by Diesel! I still smell it now and it takes me back to puberty and being 15, trying to get into pubs. In the same way, Light Blue always reminds me of coming back on the boat with Mario [Testino] to Naples after shooting that [first] campaign.
How do you apply your scent?
I spray it on my clothes as I like that it stays on your clothes longer than on your skin. So if I have a scarf I have a couple of sprays on that. I would never put it on if I don't have anything on - I will put my suit and shirt on first, and then spray on the fragrance. It's like if you love the smell of your girlfriend's perfume and you roll over and smell them on your pillow. I don't spray it on my wrists - I guess it's to do with the pulse points, but I've never really got that one for men. I just spray it on my neck.
Would you ever go rogue and release your own fragrance?
What, and call it DG? [Laughs] I don't think I'd be allowed to use that. It would be very difficult to move away from Light Blue. This has made me, the campaign for the Light Blue fragrance, so I would like to see the story develop. I would like to see another, more evening version of the fragrance one day - I might talk to [Domenico and Stefano] about that. Dark Blue, perhaps?
