The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
#HisSummer2018 arrived in 2023 as part of The Dua Brand's Inspired Expression line. The fragrance draws inspiration from L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau d'Été, the 2018 summer edition of Issey Miyake's iconic aquatic-aromatic from the mid-90s. The composition leans into a fruity-tropical-aromatic territory built around a bright opening of grapefruit, kiwi, and pineapple, warmed through a middle of nutmeg and coriander before cypress and vetiver ground the drydown. The pineapple reads juicy and ripe rather than candied, while the grapefruit brings a clean bitterness that keeps the sweetness honest.
What's interesting is how the notes behave once they settle in. Grapefruit, pineapple, coriander, cypress, nutmeg, and kiwi all share the composition, and the way they interact keeps the opening presence present throughout the wear. It doesn't fade out so much as sink deeper, trading brightness for warmth without changing costume. The vetiver at the base does all the heavy structural work, an earthy anchor that keeps the tropical sweetness from floating off.
The evolution
#HisSummer2018 opens with a burst of bright grapefruit that hits the skin like the first cold drink of a warm afternoon. The pineapple and kiwi arrive quickly, keeping the mood playful and juicy without sliding into candy territory. As the minutes pass, the green snap of coriander pulls the brighter fruits into a cooler, more grown-up space. The nutmeg threads through quietly, offering a low warmth that hums beneath the fruits rather than competing for attention. Cypress adds a dry, resinous greenness that keeps the blend from feeling overly sweet, lending structure to what could otherwise drift into tropical cliché. It never gets heavy or smoky; it stays light, warm, and easy to wear through long summer days. The vetiver waits at the edges throughout, a quiet earthy presence that becomes more noticeable as the citrus recedes, grounding the composition without ever overwhelming it.
Cultural impact
#HisSummer2018 belongs to a category of warm-weather fragrances built around bright citrus, tropical fruits, and aromatic greenness, the kind of profile that reads casual and daytime-appropriate. The composition fits naturally into spring and summer rotation, offering a breezy character that suits relaxed occasions. Wearers tend to reach for it when the temperature rises and heavier scents feel out of place, or when a fragrance needs to complement rather than dominate an outfit.
