Thursday, December 25, 2008

Oscar de la Renta - Pour Lui

Oscar de la Renta’s signature scent from 1981 is a powerful and heady floral chypre for men. With massive output typical for 80´s fragrances in general, it firmly lands in the same category as Van Cleef & Arpels pour Homme and Floris Elite. This one is vastly superior though, especially compared to the latter brit.

It never takes the floral part too far and settles down to a nice powdery, musk base. But before hitting the base notes you´re in for one generous trip. Arid spices and herbs like carnation, geranium, oakmoss, lavender and cinnamon are embraced by elegant but strong incense. Further notes of vetiver, leather and gloomy florals are anchored by sturdy aldehydes. The aldehydic character makes the whole composition come across a bit like a masculine equivalent of Chanel´s ultra classic No 5.

P
our Lui’s quiet brilliance lies in combining all these diverse ingredients and dissonant notes and coming out on top with a smooth, refined, slightly abstract and mysterious blend.

Very far from the fresh scents of today, in small doses Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui is the perfect complement to a good dark suit. Formal, dry, unique and dense.

Year of Launch:
1981
Gender Classification: Masculine
Reminiscent of: Van Cleef & Arpels pour Homme, Floris Elite, Balenciaga Ho Hang Club, Estée Lauder Aramis, Chanel Antaeus, Trussardi Uomo
Longevity & Sillage: Both stellar
Overall Rating: 6/1o

8 comments:

Jonas said...

Hi, I stumbled upon your blog from a blogpost at Manolo, and I have a question about a new purchase of fragrance.

I don't know if you have the time to answer but it would be really nice.

I am looking for a classic scent, I am not a big fan of all the new fresh & fruity mainstream-perfumes. I have tried the new Burberry and the new Prada and they are somewhat in the area of what I am looking for but not really close.

I don't know the correct fragrance-words really to describe what I am looking for, but if I tried it would be musk & mahogany and perhaps some scotch. Warm and relaxing.

Great blog btw! Have never tried the Comme des Garcons but will give it a try now.

MonkeyManMatt said...

Hi Jonas! From your description it sounds like you want something quite classic but maybe with a contemporary edge.

I`ll limit my suggestions to stuff readily available in Sweden:

1. Yves Saint Laurent - Jazz
Soapy and highly masculine. Notes of lavender, cinnamon, sandalwood and moss. Old school classic.

2. Hermès - Terre d'Hermès
Clean, masculine vetiver based fragrance with grapefruit and slightly smoky. mineral tones. Original and easy to wear.

3. Chanel - Platinum Egoïste
Woody but fresh fragrance with notes of rosemary and cedarwood. Elegant and very long lasting.

Hope you find a favorite among these. Lycka till!
Mattias

Jonas said...

Thanks for the tips, I will smell them out, hopefully they exist in Gothenburg.

Tack!

andylil said...

Do you know if there was an earlier version of the Od la R. for men.? I used something in the 70s-80s that was very nice. I think it was clled just O de la R. for men.

andylil said...

was there an earkier men s perfume from oscar de la renta, i mean from 70s?

Sacredsystem said...

6/10??? This is one of the most beautiful, elegant and mysterious scents ever created. When I wear ODLRPL I am transported to a land of intrigue and manliness. One of my most complimented perfumes along with Kouros and Knize 10. This still demands respect, especially when compared with the weak and lifeless scents being produced today. I also respect the fact that OSCAR De La Renta only has two scents for men, both are beautiful and a joy to wear. Keep the reviews coming!

Anonymous said...

I would give this a 9/10. It is totally unlike any of today's fresh and wimp-ish scents.

This is strong, masculine, complex and masterfully blended. After about 30minutes the underlying church incense smell comes thru. throughout the day more layers are revealed.

If you like quality and to stand our from the crowd, this is a sure winner. They definitely don't make them like this anymore

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