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vsp247speagoessenda – :
20 years ago, I smelled this on a father figure at my place of worship and absolutely loved it. I asked him what he was wearing and he told me it was DK. He smelled marvelous. But I was only 8 years old and didn’t think to ask my parents if they could buy me a bottle (they probably wouldn’t have). But I never forgot the name of it. Now that I’m on this site, I discovered that it’s discontinued- but I’m still going to get my hands on it. It’s such a sexy Dudu (insider) cologne. AHHHHHH! Wonderful all around. I so wish you would revive this heavenly creation, Donna Karan!
Моня_48 – :
One of the best fragrances I have ever owned. Although I ran out years ago, if I would have known it would be discontinued a year or 2 later, I would have bought 3 – 5 bottles.
Верный – :
DK For Men taught me a lot about scent memory. Crash course style.
I bought a bottle in 1994 as soon as it hit the shelves. It was the greatest thing I’d ever smelled, like the aura of the cockpit of a well-driven supercar. I hemmed and hawed for about half an hour before deciding to drop the most money I had ever spent on one fragrance, but I was glad I did. Until…
A few months later my new girlfriend started spending a lot of time at my condo. One evening she had need to :::ahem::: visit the lavatory. Despite there being an exhaust fan and a spray can of linen scent Lysol, she decided my $95 bottle of DK For Men would make a better room spray.
5 minutes later I walked down my hallway and face first into a cloud of an entirely new fragrance – DK For Men Poop. The two scents had blended and become one. I literally gagged. It was absolutely horrifying.
I was never again able to wear my beloved DK For Men without smelling poop. Months after the girl and I split up, every time I tried wearing it, fresh poop. Could not shake the association. Broke my heart worse than the girl did.
I gave that bottle away to someone. I had no idea of a future “vintage market” where that bottle would have been highly prized. Live and learn.
Main lesson – never use your expensive frags to mask a dump.
jus777 – :
Donna Karan For Men
*Purchased in a rummage sale, Hamptons, NY
A discontinued fragrance which reappeared in the mid 90’s with the same bottle design/shape but with a decidedly more masculine scent. This fragrance is actually somewhat similar to Donna Karan’s original debut fragrance for women but with more pronounced dry notes and more suede/leather/musk and a bigger incense accord. This is not very masculine in the traditional sense but it’s not bad. It’s definitely a complex and very deep scent, engaging my nose constantly, far from dull. I would also peg it as a formal evening cologne, and good for winter and autumn months. Warm, spicy, floral, citrusy and smoky, a cologne of many shades.
Opens with citrus notes and fruit notes, most unusual for men’s colognes but giving it a fresh delicious energy. I detect apricot and orange, which to me are not terribly feminine because the citrus is very typical of men’s citrus based colognes. It starts off as a sweet day time scent of fruit, citrus, followed by a number of floral notes. In the DK For Women the florals are front and center at one point but here they take a backseat. The only floral notes I could pick up on were the carnation and the jasmine. For me it was far more fruity with an additional cassis or grape note. There’s also some unlisted notes that are clearly in here: lavender. The lavender note is found in many men’s colognes and here it is very well placed.
As it dries down, and it goes there pretty fast, it’s woodsy and spicy, herbal, green, and musky. The leather note is the big player here. It comes in the form of suede. There’s some sandalwood and patchouli not to mention vetiver. The green theme in the dry down is more along the lines of 1980s men’s fougeres or chypres, or even unisex Orientals.
I don’t think Donna Karan knew what she was doing, exactly, when she formulated this scent and it was purely experimental. It seems like she tweaked the formula from her first fragrance for women. Even Elizabeth Taylor Passion For Men seems to have had more thought into it despite it also being a tweaked version of PASSION for women. This is not bad but today it is very outdated and retro. I wear it from time to time when I am in a festive mood in summer time. I have a lot of it left so I’m going to enjoy this for another year or so.
neoendru – :
I guess I’m a minority when I say that I DIDN’T grew up with DK men. In fact, I’m 36 and had, untill one year ago, never smelled it.
It was curiousity that made me buy a bottle.
And, shortly after, a backup bottle.
DK men is really nice. Fruity, musky, sweet, a bit leathery maybe. It’s a scent that I liked instantly. I can’t imagine someone not liking it!
I get the references to Hugo Boss Dark Blue and Chanel Egoiste. DK men is a bit more muskier than those two, which gives it charisma. At the same time I think it’s juvenile.
Is it the perfect scent? No. Longevity and sillage are only moderate.
8,5/10
czq817elipseskism – :
I know, I know, I am a strange lady. But I love this, if you like it spicy and woody, Ladies this is worth a trip to the dark side for.
stepanmalov111 – :
Sorry but this is nothing like Lanvin Avant Garde. Not even a hint. I would have to say that the fragrance which has come anywhere close to DK Fuel and/or Unleaded is Dior Homme and even so I am talking maybe a 35-40% similarity.
SvetaA – :
Hello my fragrance friends!..I have been looking at this bottle for a while now.amazed at the praise of this fine creation of the perfumed!.one of my friends that I grew up with,told me that his favorite bottle in high school was the DK Fuel.I never knew.I had never seen the bottle back then..lol.
So in my small scanning online for any treasures in my city,Phx.I stumbled across a 90% full bottle of DK Fuel, that was sitting ther for 2 weeks already for 90$.well there was no way I was paying 90.lol..wheeled and dealed,waited, and finally gave the agreement for 50$..WOW!…
Now that I have had a chance to try and see what all the hype is about.it is ve different than anything I have ever wore!..I get a strong incense,juniper, slight wood smell in the opening on my skin.almost a light sweet scent but leathery after about 10mins..THEN,it changes to an absolutely awsum scent that grabs my attention.I don’t even know how to describe. lol..this mite be a new favorite of mine!.. I’m glad I found out about this bottle and had the patience to wait til the right deal came along to purchase this GEM..
Bravo – :
Scentsitive, you are my brother by another mother.
“For me, this is my holy grail, my signature scent. I can’t describe this scent as I’ll be too impartial. Fresh out of university, on my first job and first paycheck, I bought this as accompaniment for Dior Fahrenheit, my college days signature scent. I used this as my daytime scent and Dior Fahrenheit as nighttime scent.”
velikiygo – :
For me, this is my holy grail, my signature scent. I can’t describe this scent as I’ll be too impartial. Fresh out of university, on my first job and first paycheck, I bought this as accompaniment for Dior Fahrenheit, my college days signature scent. I used this as my daytime scent and Dior Fahrenheit as nighttime scent. I got this the first time it was released and was so mad and heartbroken when it was discontinued. I searched my entire city looking for this to no avail. Luckily, a few years ago, in another city, on a foreign country, I found this again with the help of a friend who knows how I love this juice. I almost cried when I saw it again. I cannot contain my excitement and I opened the box and sprayed all over my body with no abandon. My friend and everyone inside the shop were shocked and later were all laughing at me. I didn’t care. I asked the shop owner how many bottles he have and without thinking, I bought his entire stock. Now, I have enough supply for my entire life. This original vintage juice, even though it says cologne spray, is very long lasting on me. It projects softly which I like for a daytime scent. If Cuir Ottoman by Parfum d’Empire is my favorite leather scent, this is the perfect and my favorite suede scent. Very elegant, luxurious and mesmerizing. The epitome of discreet luxury.
vishenko – :
Classic … intriguing … timeless. Mix of leather … tobacco … myrhh and musk … long lasting… becomes one with the body … one of the best … kudos Donna Karan
subone – :
”Frame by frame we begin to change
Skeletons and robot brains
She found a book that writes itself
That plays it all upon a stage ”
When I think of DK Men (DK Fuel) I think of a unique compilation of fragrances.
First let’s start with Chanel Egoiste. As some of you have already mentioned, I can surely agree that the opening is quite similar but not to the T. Then there’s Hugo Boss Dark Blue which shares a similar and wonderful suede note. John Varvatos original for its leathery and creamy vibe. Michael For Men by Michael Kors for its tobacco and fruity notes. Le 3 Homme de Caron for its sweetness, and Fahrenheit for its awesome petrol-like essence.
Now I’m not actually implying that these wonderful fragrances could be alternatives to the legendary masterpiece that is Donna Karan Men, but they do share similar characteristics which if you were to mix, somehow would create the abstract portrait of this extraordinary juice.
On my skin, longevity is anywhere from 7 to 8 hours and silage is moderate. I do however, spray twice on each pulse point simply because I love this juice!
I prefer wearing this avant-garde masterpiece for cooler months. Preferably Fall, Winter and early Spring (anywhere near late 40s to mid 50 degree weather).
To me this is a potion worth having, worth seeking if you’re into the idea of eccentricity, rebellion, intellect, and risk taking.
olegbond – :
How is this a masterpiece? I wore this to work last night and I felt like I was going to throw up; it literally smells like burning plastic. Maybe I’m just becoming a niche snob, but this stuff is just terrible. BLEH.
Paninn – :
Maybe one of my all-time favorites ever. I went through several bottles when this first came out (and no, a cloud of it did not follow me wherever I went; I know better than that), and then strayed with other fragrances for a spell, only to find it had been discontinued one day.
I loved how it was sweet without being too sweet (NOT a fan of anything “Sport”), a great combo of leather, woodsy, tobacco, and warmth. There’s an excitement and energy to it without being juvenile.
This was a feel-good fragrance for me, always putting me in a good mood. Great at night, but not so dark and moody it wasn’t appropriate for the day. I like to think that during the day there’s more fruit and brighter notes while the evening brought out the deeper notes. Do we smell what we want to smell or what’s really there? I guess if the personal impact is what it is, who’s to argue?
Donna Karan Fuel makes a decent attempt at reinvigorating this feeling, but it’s not as spot on as DKMen.
Pivogon – :
Recently bought a lanvin avant garde. Very similar to this DK for men except DK is more heavier on tobacco notes and for guys who smokes cigs, this one is very suitable and now Lanvin creates one great fragrance and so is Gucci for men. All has tobacco notes. Lovely.
doctor86 – :
Outstanding warmth and complex use of musk of bygone era before frags were not afraid to smell manly. Dont get me wrong,i love my SVD,however theyre is something very specila and nostalgic about this scent. It brings you back to a time when riding on a Harley and wearing a leather jacket and sunglass’s while saying “Ill be back” was really Bad S$$.
natasha.vlasova.81. – :
I have two version of DK Men. The first one is the original DK MEN. It is packed with black box with “FUEL FOR MEN TM” label on the back of the box & comes as EDT in 75ml bottle. The second one is DK MEN UNLEADED . It is packed with grey box with “UNLEADED TM EAU FRAICHEUR TONIQUE VAPORISATEUR” label on the back of the box & comes as EDT in 100ml bottle. Both of them have the same unique Flacon – They look like Batman secret weapon, haha & the original one used metal plate to cover both side of the flacon, Donna Karan Don’t use the metal plate anymore on the UNLEADED version – maybe because of the highly cost of bottle manufacturing… what a pity.
I never tried the reissue version that comes in tall cylinder black bottle, but I pray to God hoping that the juice is the same as the original one. The UNLEADED version is very linier on my skin. I think the scent from the UNLEADED version is the middle notes of the DK MEN original – nothing surprises me. if you look at the DK MEN notes above – there are so many notes & way too complex, just like the scent development itself. DK MEN is a Masterpiece, Why?? When u smell DK MEN original on your skin & said to yourself “OMG!… the scent changes again” more than four times & you start to hate all the apple shape releases from Donna Karan – you will know that it was made by love & passion for fragrance.
ADVOKATIKnet – :
OMG I missed this so much!!! I used to wear the DK Unleaded version when I was a kid. I remember I was a child model for Donna Karan when I was like 3. After a fashion show, I was given a bottle of DK Unleaded and a bottle of Chaos. I was a kid back then so I didn’t know how good this sh*t was…and I just wasted it by spraying on everything at home…now I regret this sooo much 🙁 A few years ago, I started going everywhere to find this fragrance…when I’m on vacation…or anywhere, I would go into DK stores and look for it….unfortunately…its discontinued 🙁 Damn you Donna for doing this!! I really want to find my childhood scent….so now its relaunched (kind of), it’s an interpretation of the original…i got one…so expensive!!! Its not exactly like the original and the unleaded but its close…
uvq028Bessinepome – :
wow..love it, will be my next purchase now that it has been re released. very masculine with a class feel to it. while other masculine fragrances may have a wee wee , this one is has a …k.. wish i had known about this one when it first came out, would have been on my 10th bottle by now.
gpu000012 – :
Warm Blanket of Love & Seduction… A Dignity of Self-Achievement & Pride…
krec91 – :
Concerning the original formulation of DK Men, I’ve still hoarded a supply of various mini bottles of this and I have a little bit left in my original full-size. I remember this scent very well from when I was a kid, and all I can say is that it is some high octane sh*t – a warm, creamy, leathery fragrance that is VERY masculine. Not offensive at all, but this can announce your presence very well. DK Men is a very distinctive scent, and once you smell it you’ll never forget it.
So yes, a creamy, leathery fragrance that starts out smelling like leather and booze with a hint of fruitiness to me. As it dries down, it still retains this, however just becoming smoother and woodsier – like a warm burning fireplace. I would not be surprised if tobacco is in this. The sandalwood is a key player here, interacting with the juniper, almond, pineapple and musk to create the leather/smoky aroma. Suede and motor oil? You bet. This is THE scent to wear with a leather jacket, no doubt. Sillage isn’t monster, but the fragrance does last a good while. An absolutely wonderful masculine cold weather scent, and one of my all-time favorites.
Hopefully when I get the cash, I’ll get the reissue.
dj_xottab_ssv – :
I have mixed feelings about reviewing this one, because I don’t want anymore to find out how good this is. It is available again at Nieman Marcus and Bergdorff as a limited edition, and my plan was to slowly buy up the world supply and HOG it all for myself. Yes, I love both the Fuel and the Unleaded. Incredible, original, and unique. I just bought an original Unleaded in the sculptured bottle and it is still just as wonderful even after all these years.
Out of the bottle I get a wonderful mix of Pineappe (not too strong), almond, spices and sweet but not overly sweet musk, and the wonderful petrol note that I love so much. This is a truly addictive scent. I don’t usually regard perfumes/colognes as male or female, but I have a very hard time associating this with anything feminine. It reeks of man from top to bottom. And what a glorious bottom it has. This dries down to a wonderful chocolatey, musky, spicy base and stays on my skin for darn near 18 hours. When I read all the other glowing reviews, I thought to myself there was no way I was going to jump on board with this fragrance. As most who know me, know I love the skin scents. When I get the urge for a powerful upright dominating fragrance, this is my go to. The notes make this look like it might turn out a horrible mess, but nothing could be further from the truth. Every ingredient is measured out to perfection, and I believe her husband took the time to sculpt a flacon to reflect that. Both are incredible works of art.
The Unleaded is every bit as good. It is a lighter eau fraiche mixture with some citrus added and some of the other notes tweaked for a very unique freshness. It is not as loud and powerful, and may be suited to everyday wear a little more. Unleaded is a versatile scent, but with the same wonderful petrol mixed in for a combustibility that is undeniable.
If you are looking to turn up the heat and create conditions favorable to an explosive rendezvous, this is your mix. Hit that throttle and and don’t look back!
Lin0904 – :
there is a new,old dk fuel, you can get it from a nieman marcus,online, or at bergdorf goodman,online, i did not have the plesure to have tried the origanal,i have read on many sites on peapole talk on how great the old stuff smelled like,and i have found that there are some,selling the origanal on ebay or some online sites,also that most of those who spent way to much for the one sold from those who said they had the real stuff, many got ripoff,i,myself thought of buying fromthose who said they have the real original,but the i thought about the ones who got ripoff, also how old even if it was the realone,would it smell bieng that old.so i purchased the new fuel ffor men, and it smells awesome and i am happy i did,one thing i have learned is sometimes online,you get what you payed for,and yes i have been ripoff,because i could not wait, so i thought i was getting a good deal,not so ,so now i purchased at nieman marcus or at bergdof gooman so that way im getting the goooooood stuff, the new fuel smels very nice and im a great scent lover.
SDren – :
yes they have the new fuel by dk has anyone tried it , if so please fragratica should update the new fuel by dk.
BathRoomStormr – :
i like this but it s simply a cross between dior homme, and michael kors for men..but as i said i like it…hm maybe i ll buy this one sometime..and hey..haha it reminds me smell of LP record 😀
Fleteteve – :
Please! Please! Please! Do give this wonder a new chance. We LOVED it sooooo much.
I had it, I loved it and now I do so miss it. Why Donna? Why did you take it away from us?
Ramil PRZ – :
One of my favorites…Used to wear it in college and now it has been relaunched…..How I missed it!
diman rybin – :
This has now been relaunched as a limited edition only available at Bergdorf Goodman NYC
vk1871 – :
This was a great classic fragrance, very masculine. It has been discontinued and if looking for one that is very close to this fragrance, try Micheal Kors.