Armani Code Reignites an Old Flame
As romance gears up to make the ultimate comeback this year, you can be forgiven for feeling a little bit rusty about the dating scene. After all, it’s been a while since any of us have sat down to a proper candlelit dinner. To start preparing for our own return to intimate bars and restaurants, we’ve been taking cues from two names synonymous with style and self-assurance: Ryan Reynolds and Giorgio Armani.
Let’s start with Ryan Reynolds. Already, the Hollywood star has helped to solidify plans for several of our first big dates back out in the real world. For one thing, the eternally busy actor can be found starring in no less than three films this year, meaning we’ve already extended loose invitations for three future dates to the neighbourhood movie theatre.
As for more formal occasions? Here, too, Reynolds offers plenty of inspiration, this time in the form of dapper red carpet photos that demonstrate exactly how to get your next suit tailored.
Needless to say, when the actor endorses a date night fragrance, we’re inclined to take his recommendation for that too. Which leads us to our next big secret for building up 2021 date night confidence: Armani Code Eau de Parfum. Anchored by classically masculine notes like cedar, vanilla, and tonka bean, the fragrance also incorporates more unexpected elements like rosemary, lavender, and citrus. In other words, it’s equal parts suave sophistication and intriguing surprise.
No wonder Reynolds is such a fan. At every awards show, he somehow manages to be both the best-dressed gentleman in the room and the charming wiseguy cracking the types of jokes that make the Deadpool franchise so much fun. Rakish meets refined is sort of his whole specialty.
Of course, that same balance of modern attitude and traditional elegance has long been woven into the history of Giorgio Armani. Ever since Richard Gere stepped into frame in a crisp grey Armani jacket in American Gigolo, the fashion house has built a reputation as the official go-to for leading men who know how to leverage serious style to elevate their own magnetic charm.
In 2004, the original Armani Code Eau de Toilette debuted to finally answer the question of what scent that cinematic Armani man might wear if he stepped off the big screen and sat down for a drink. Since then, the fragrance has grown as beloved as the best Armani suits.
This year, Armani builds upon the enduring magic of that first Code scent with a seductive sequel, Armani Code Eau de Parfum. Created by acclaimed perfumer Antoine Maisondieu — the same creative mind behind Armani Code 1.0 — it’s another richly layered blockbuster. Fans of the original Code’s trademark woodiness will recognize the same signature tonka bean base, now further intensified by a torrefied roasting process. Meanwhile, top notes of mandarin and bergamot introduce a sensual new layer.
The fragrance’s union of old and new is further reflected in its sophisticated bottle design. Maintaining the curved glossy black bottle and tuxedo cummerbund–esque textured neck detail of the original Armani Code flacon, this latest edition swaps in a golden cap to add a bit of warmth and shine. As with the scent inside, the design update feels familiar yet decidedly fresh. The takeaway? Armani Code Eau de Parfum is the Code of a new era. Welcome to the Roaring Twenties.
Especially as we set out to enjoy the magic of some good old-fashioned nightlife again, there’s real appeal to a scent that carries some of the past into the present moment. Whether you’ve already spent every second of lockdown with your significant other and are now looking to revisit your carefree honeymoon phase or you’re setting out to meet someone new for the very first time, there’s something extra romantic about a scent that taps into the power of timeless longevity.
After all, no matter how many Ryan Reynolds movies we marathoned at home over the past year, we’re still just as excited to watch him return to the big screen this summer. And when we do, we’ll be wearing Armani Code Eau de Parfum, settling into a romantic night out with someone special — and looking forward to the many other nights still ahead.
A Q&A with Armani Code Ambassador Ryan Reynolds
What is your first memory of the brand?
Armani dressing so many people I admire for the Oscars.
What do you like most about Giorgio Armani?
The timelessness of the brand.
What power would you say fragrance has?
Memory. I’ve always found it incredible how tied fragrance is to memory and nostalgia.
What does Armani Code’s world evoke to you?
Mainly a sense of joy, friendly ambition, and sensuality.
You brought humour and authenticity into the seductive world of Armani Code. Would you say that they are the ultimate seduction weapons?
I think humour is sexy. It’s self-aware, and it’s an attribute of self-examination. Plus, it makes for a damn good self-defence mechanism.
How have each of the directors you have worked with influenced your acting style?
The biggest influences for me came when I was a kid. I ingested as many films as I could every day. I learn so much from everyone I’ve seen on the big screen and, of course, many of the directors I’ve been lucky enough to work with.
You are a father, an actor, a producer, a member of several charities. What is the most fulfilling role? What is the most demanding?
Most fulfilling and demanding is being a dad to three kids. I love every second of it. But it’s all so fleeting, so it requires me to be as present as possible all the time. Thank god.
Do you have a dream role that you would love to play?
I’m lucky because each movie I do is a dream role. Hopefully that feeling never goes away.
Is there a specific film or actor performance that made you want to become an actor yourself?
For me, it was when I was a little kid seeing Stand by Me for the first time. It really resonated and stuck with me.
What is the best advice you have been given so far in the industry?
“They’re all just rehearsals.” Which is something Jeff Bridges said to me about 12 years ago. That stuck with me. Basically, what he meant by that is to never be too precious about your work.
