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Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui ( Original formula)

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Aldehyde, Anise, Basil, Bergamot, Cumin, Galbanum, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Thyme, Sage.
Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cyclamen, Geranium, Patchouli, Vetiver.
Leather, Oakmoss, Musk, Sandalwood.

A pugnacious and brooding 1981 leather fougeypre from the House of De La Renta.  Pour Lui is a polarizing scent due to its old school aura and combatitive attitude. Think medallions, chest hair and platform shoes.

I like Pour Lui, but find that I only wear it around the house occasionally and to work sporadically. This is one of the more masculine fougere's you are going to stumble upon and if I didn't know better, I'd think Mr. T was one of the collaborators while it was on the drawing board.

In the midst of the tumultuous opening of Pour Lui, you will find a spicy and strutting carnation. Framing this aggressive flower is a melancholy citrus that's slightly bitter from galbanum and cumin. The green and spice aren't conquerors, but they are strong enough that you know they showed up for the party.

There's a soapy lavender in the mix that's noticeable after a few minutes. This lavender accord begins on me in the heart and along with it is some additional spice and a herbaceous woodiness. Remember the coffee "Chock full of Nuts"? This creation is brimming over with heavy hitters and remains a dark and somber fragrance. I find absolutely nothing lighthearted about Oscar Pour Lui. Maybe Mr. T wore this when he fought Rocky Balboa in Rocky III during their first fight. Stallone had no idea he was potentially rumbling two personalities and promptly got his clock cleaned.

By the drydown, Pour Lui settles down ( if you can call it that ) to a soap accord inhabited by gritty florals, moss and what I can only describe as black leather. He's a clean tough guy and he won't let you forget it. Oscar de la Renta has made the perfect masculine for hardcore bikers who are in a drinking mood and ready for anything coming down the pike.

Sillage is massive at first, then settles down to terrific. Longevity is very good, but that could be very bad if you are one of Mr. T's opponents. Don't be a fool. Try the vintage version of Pour Lui and experience the poignant left hook that is this rowdy brew in the blue bottle.




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  1. shamu1September 8, 2010 at 5:33 PM

    I agree Aromi that this is a very crude scent, and that's one of its greatest appeals. I also love it for its brutal green leather smell, as well as its shamelessly 80s feel (even the new formulation smells very 80s). It's a definitive powerhouse in my book.

    Longevity could be better, though.

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