The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
1 And Only Winner arrived in 2023 from Le Chameau. The composition channels something immediate, the moment of stepping forward without hesitation, and there's nothing tentative about how it presents itself. Its Chypre Floral architecture opens with a crisp, almost weightless ozonic note that hits the air with surprising clarity, like a current of cool air cutting through a warm room. Below that fleeting brightness sits a dense, honeyed core where hazelnut richness wraps around softer textures, offering a nutty sweetness that feels substantial rather than sugary.
What sets this composition apart is the tension between the ozonic top and the warm gourmand heart. The bright citrus and ozone do the opening work, but it's the hazelnut-honey accord that carries the personality. That pairing of toasted nut sweetness with a floral Chypre structure gives the scent a duality that feels distinctive, shifting between airy and grounded with each inhale. The cedar and cashmere wood add structure without weight, while the orange blossom and jasmine lend a softness that keeps the composition from collapsing into pure sweetness.
The evolution
The first 20 minutes are a rush. Grapefruit and bergamot hit bright, sharpened by an ozonic coolness that feels almost atmospheric, like morning air after rain. Plum threads underneath, jammy and slightly tart, pulling the whole top toward something edible. Around the 30-minute mark, the citrus starts to recede, and the honey takes over. Not cloying. More like warm sugar dissolving into hot water. Hazelnut rounds it out, adding a roasted, almost praline depth. Orange blossom and jasmine flicker at the edges, never fully taking center stage but lending the composition a clean, soapy lift that keeps the honey from becoming heavy. The cedar and cashmere wood begin to ground everything by the second hour. The final phase, roughly 4-6 hours in, is where the base takes full command. Patchouli and oakmoss create a mossy, almost forest-floor warmth. Amberwood adds a resinous glow. Vetiver cuts through with a dry, earthy edge that prevents the whole thing from going soft. By the end, what lingers is that hazelnut-honey sweetness sitting on a bed of damp wood and earth.
Cultural impact
1 And Only Winner sits at an interesting crossroads in the masculine fragrance landscape. It's sweet enough to appeal to anyone drawn to gourmand territory, but its Chypre Floral architecture and oakmoss base give it a seriousness that sweeter fragrances often lack. The hazelnut-honey accord is the element that will divide opinion. For some, it's a rich, distinctive signature. For others, it leans too far into gourmand territory. The wearers who appreciate it tend to be those looking for a confident, office-friendly scent that doesn't bore them by noon, something with enough character to earn a second compliment without overwhelming the room.
