Obsession

Obsession, inspired by Calvin Klein Obsession for Men (1986)

Citrus opens it before the spices take over; Calvin Klein's own list simply says 'spices', while other sources name clove, nutmeg and coriander. Lavender and sage give the heart an herbal edge, and myrrh adds a resinous, incense-like darkness. The base pairs amber and patchouli with sandalwood and musk, dense and resinous.

About the original

Calvin Klein launched Obsession for Men in 1986 as the masculine counterpart to the women's Obsession of the previous year, and the brand still describes it as a counterpoint to that scent. In style it is a spicy amber of the kind typical of 1980s men's fragrances. Calvin Klein continues to sell it as an eau de toilette. Current bottles are reported to smell drier and thinner than vintage ones, although the brand has made no statement about any reformulation.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Calvin Klein stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Men who grew up with eighties classics, or who simply like their fragrance spiced and resinous, will recognise the style at once. Next to today's fresh blue scents it reads as distinctly retro, and the myrrh and amber base is a poor match for a man who wants clean citrus.

Related scents

• Calvin Klein Obsession
• Calvin Klein Eternity
• Chanel Antaeus

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Mandarin, Bergamot

Heart notes: Lavender, Myrrh, Sage, Spices

Base notes: Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli

Mandarin and bergamot open it with a plain citrus note before the spices arrive.

The heart is herbal and spiced: lavender and sage with myrrh, a resin with a dry, church-incense smell, plus a blend of spices.

Amber and patchouli dominate the drydown, rounded out by sandalwood and vetiver, with musk underneath.

Is this the men's or the women's Obsession?

The men's: Calvin Klein Obsession for Men from 1986. The women's Obsession (1985) is a different fragrance, which we make as a separate product.

Does Obsession for Men smell of lavender?

Yes, though not in a fresh way. Calvin Klein lists lavender in the heart next to myrrh, sage and spices, so it reads herbal and resinous rather than clean.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Calvin Klein and Obsession for Men are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Calvin Klein in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.