The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Roberto Capucci launched the Him fragrance in 2015, part of a collection that reflects the designer's sculptural approach to fashion translated into olfactory form. The Capucci fragrance line has operated since 1963 under a philosophy of distinctiveness over commercial safety, compositions that prioritize memorable character over mass appeal. This commitment to artistry over marketability manifests in every bottle, from initial concept through final formulation. The decision to create a masculine fragrance called simply "Him" suggests a confidence in identity rather than a need to define it through genre.
The notes themselves are what make this interesting: two rose varieties (Bulgarian and Turkish) layered together. Bulgarian rose brings depth and the classic honeyed warmth. Turkish rose adds a slightly greener, more austere quality. Together they create a rose that feels complete, neither precious nor sparse. The cacao pod is the real surprise. Here it's not the sweet chocolate of gourmand fragrances but something darker, almost bitter. It grounds the roses rather than sweetening them. White musk softens the finish into something powdery and intimate, while violet and peony add that dusty floral quality that lingers close to skin.
The evolution
The opening announces itself with lavender's green bite alongside cacao, not the creamy cocoa of desserts but something drier, almost mineral. Ten minutes in, the roses arrive. Bulgarian first, then the Turkish creeping underneath, and suddenly the composition shifts from masculine convention into something more interesting. The violet and peony bloom around the thirty-minute mark, adding powdery softness that tempers the initial freshness. By the second hour, the composition has settled into its drydown: cocoa warmth wrapped in white musk, florals fading into a soft powder that stays close to skin. The fragrance evolves from sharp green opening through layered floral heart to a warm, intimate base, revealing its complexity gradually rather than all at once. Each stage offers something distinct, making it worth revisiting throughout the wear.
Cultural impact
Released in 2015, Roberto Capucci Him offered something different when many masculine releases followed familiar paths. Cocoa and rose, powdery florals, these notes placed the fragrance in unexpected territory. The composition appeals to those who appreciate restraint over declaration, a scent that speaks quietly rather than demanding attention. Its approach to masculine perfumery sidesteps convention, offering an alternative to louder, more aggressive options without sacrificing depth or character.
