As a man who, for most of his life, has been exposed to the style requirements of both men and women, designer Inno Sotto recognizes the significance of smelling good. "Scent is an extension of your persona." It’s the extra detail that reflects your tastes and, for some people, becomes the signature for which they are recognized.
As he is not only in the business of knowing the necessities of style but also providing it, Inno Sotto invested time in following the dictates of his nose. It took three years of deliberation and several trips to France to produce this next venture. The end result is a collection of fragrances that conveys the designers’ name and lifetime passion for style: Inno Sotto Mondo or ISM. More than an acronym, however, ISM takes on a deeper significance. As a suffix, it connotes ideology and movement; as a brand name, it suggests simple elegance and subtle class.
Developed in Charabot, Grasse, on the southern tip of France, Inno Sotto Mondo combines the finest and the freshest natural raw materials. Three different fragrances make up ISM: Deauville, a light fragrance named after a town in Northern France famous for its American Film Festival; Miro, a modern scent evoking the progressive feel gleaned from Spanish painter Joan Miro’s artwork; and Huit, a rich fragrance named after the French translation for the number eight. All the scents are branded eau de extreme, the French scent industry’s description of a fragrance category in between eau de toilette and eau de parfum.
Of these three scents, Huit seems to be the most versatile. The notes composing the fragrance display a unique blend that teases the olfactory senses. Citrusy ingredients such as grapefruit and bergamot lend a lingering freshness to the scent, while nutmeg and bale rose add some spicy warmth and personality. A touch of jasmine infuses floral femininity and gives the fragrance a unisex dimension; cedarwood and sandalwood give the scent the stamp of masculinity.
The contrasting traces of masculinity and femininity, of crispness and spiciness, give an idea of the man who can wear Huit. Inno Sotto has put together this fragrance in such a way that it can appeal to every man. The man who wears Huit can be an athlete, an artist, a rugged adventurer or a refined metrosexual. He can be as flexible as the fragrance, a man who puts together the different facets of his personality into one interesting package. The man who sprays on Huit is distinct and individual, a follower of his own passions. He has his own ideology, and moves to it accordingly.
The man who wears Huit can be any of these four men. Each one is from a different discipline, each one is an arbiter of his own style. These four men – a model, a pilot, an athlete, and a businessman – give a glimpse of their persona and reveal how ISM Huit can fit into each of their lifestyles.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a very loyal person who tries to take nothing for granted because life is too short.
How would others describe you?
Hopefully others would describe me in the same way but most likely they would add something regarding insanity.
Favorite pastime?
Pushing the envelope.
Dream travel destination?
Antarctica. The landscape is mind-blowing.
Where would you be more comfortable: In an urban landscape or the great outdoors?
The great outdoors, preferably the mountains far, far away from civilization.
Describe your personal dress sense.
Classic, stylish, functional.
How much time do you take to prep yourself?
Depends on what I have to prep for. Sometimes you have to take more time to get it right.
What scent do you like waking up to in the morning?
Buttermilk pancakes cooking on the stovetop.
What scent do you love smelling on a woman?
I love smelling fruit-scented body lotion on women.
What smell can’t you stand, even if others like it?
The smell of fresh coffee brewing. I grew up smelling it every morning so I dislike it now.
Any rituals or requirements when it comes to buying a fragrance?
The fragrance has to be crisp but not too overwhelming.
Where and when would you wear Inno Sotto Mondo Huit eau de extreme?
It is an excellent fragrance to wear on a first date.
What image comes to mind when you smell the fragrance?
A clean, sharp outfit to wear along with the fragrance.
How would you describe yourself?
Driven, yet kind-hearted.
How would others describe you?
Spontaneous and unassuming.
Favorite pastime?
Traveling to and discovering new beaches.
Where would you be more comfortable: An urban landscape or the great outdoors?
Manila is my workplace. The outdoors is a channel to rid myself of the stress brought about by the city.
Dream destination?
Turks and Caicos, and Santorini in Greece.
Describe your personal dress sense.
Sleek and comfortable. Tailored cuts have always worked for me.
What scent do you like waking up to in the morning?
Anything sweet and pleasant – vanilla-orange is actually good.
What scent do you love smelling on a woman?
Butterscotch!
Do you have any rituals or requirements when it comes to buying fragrance?
I go by feel, indulge in something that makes me feel comfortable and confident.
Where and when would you wear ISM Huit eau de extreme?
At night, be it to a formal event or a dinner meeting.
What image comes to mind when you smell the fragrance?
A dark suit and a tie.
How would you describe yourself?
Kind, loving, sensitive.
How would others describe you?
Intimidating at first but later on, people realize that I’m a gentle, caring person. Those who really know me would say that I can be free-spirited at times.
Favorite pastime?
Traveling, going to the beach, and snow-skiing.
Where would you be more comfortable: in an urban landscape or the great outdoors?
Although I like the great outdoors and find it peaceful, I find myself reliant on too many things in the city.
Dream destination? Or have you been there?
I want to visit the ancient ruins in Greece, and watch the running of the bulls in Spain.
Describe your personal dress sense.
I love dressing up for special occasions but when it’s all been said and done, I’m basically a jeans, T-shirt, and boots person.
What scent do you like waking up to in the morning?
I miss waking up to the smell of the crisp winter air back in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
What scent reminds you of your childhood?
When I was young, my mom would boil potpourri in the kitchen and before you knew it, the scent would fill up the entire household. It was a mixture of different floral scents with a touch of oak.
What scent do you love to smell on a woman?
Baby cologne.
What smell can’t you stand, even if others like it?
Deep-fried shrimp.
Do you have any rituals or requirements when it comes to buying fragrance?
I like my scents light and fresh. I want to be able to feel confident wearing it.
Where and when would you wear ISM Huit eau de extreme?
It’s something I can put on after a game, wear to a dinner out or to a formal event. I’d even use it for everyday wear.
What image comes to mind when you smell the fragrance?
Dressing nice, looking good, looking sharp.
Describe yourself.
I’m a reserved man.
How would others describe you?
Fun-loving and adventurous.
Favorite pastime?
I’m up for anything challenging.
Where would you be more comfortable: In an urban landscape or the great outdoors?
I like both.
Describe your personal dress sense.
I always like to keep it simple.
How much time do you take to prep yourself?
About 15 minutes.
Dream travel destination?
Mongolia.
What scent do you like waking up to in the morning?
The cool mountain breeze.
What scent reminds you of your childhood?
The smell of cut grass and jet fuel.
Where and when would you wear ISM Huit eau de extreme?
It’s a scent I’d wear when traveling.
What image comes to mind when you smell the fragrance?
A well-dressed man.