Much like @Dave Anderson, I started collecting in December 2024 almost to the day today. My first order, after watching a handful of YouTube influencers (mostly Justin Copeland), was: - Moustache EDP by Rochas - Individuel by Montblanc - Brioni EDP Eclat - Aimez Moi Comme Je Suis by Caron I think I spent about $230 and my wife was not all that happy wondering why I needed SO MANY bottles! During the past year, I have learned some very interesting history (e.g. Egyptians/Cleopatra, Marco Polo, the de Medici family, the French and other European countries, etc etc). During the early summer, I had the good fortune to find the House of Dubai and the House of Niche in the Rosemont shopping mall, where I met my man in fragrance, Aftab. Aftab is single-handedly responsible for my addiction to all those niche/polarizing frags. During the year I met a few of you in person; @Jamal Moore , @Paul Bartnicki , @Antonio O. Centeno , @Renato Carotti , and @Lon Chaneyfield. I believe I have developed good online friendships with MANY of you including @Jonathan Ventura , @Thomas Chavez , @Sean Kavanaugh , @Mark DiCiero , @Brett Sutton , @Henry Clay , @Srinesh C m , @Aditya Choksi , @Michael LoCascio Sr, @Blake Merl, @Edward Mooney, @Jermaine Carolina, @Dovi Rubelow, @Jeff Beason and MANY others. One year later, I have a collection in excess of 220 bottles and another 50+ decants, most of which I purchased with the care, precision and aim of a sawed-off shotgun. Also important is that my wife has now accepted the fact that this venture is important to me and she is actually enjoying the journey herself (sorta). Again, she surprises me.

Lattafa: Velvet Musk - $14.99 at Marshalls It’s considered an alternative to BDK Parfums Gris Charnel (which I don’t have or smelled before.) I also have Lattafa Liam “Grey”, also an alternative to Gris Charnel. Today I just can't tell how similar or different they are, my nose is out of service with a light cold. But, I like the scent profile and don’t mind if they are redundant (I don’t think so) they have different notes.