Free Life by Etienne Aigner ( Revised from 2010 )

Bergamot, Sage, Nutmeg, Lavender, Rosewood.
Cedar, Geranium, Jasmine, Muguet, Patchouli, Rose.
Amber, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla.

I was compelled today to revisit Etienne Aigner's 1987 release of Free Life. As of late, I've been wearing some of the darker, designer ouds like Ferrari and that prompted me to dig out the bottle of Free Life. I definitely don't wear Free Life enough, but that is due to the amount of fragrance choices I have. Owning many bottles is a two edged sword.

Free Life does not smell like the designer ouds I have, but it wears like they do. It is dense, semi dark and a rather serious scent. This isn't a somber fragrance, but it surely isn't frivolous or lighthearted. They certainly don't create masculines anymore using this template, so anytime I do wear Free Life, I thoroughly enjoy it.

One of things I like is the tuning of Rosewood, Lavender and Tonka. There's a somewhat moist quality present and the suggestion of licorice. Normally, I'll experience that through Anise or Tarragon. In Free Life, it's accomplished through combinations.

There's quite a bit going on in Free Life, yet it smells as if it's devoid of transitions until the extended drydown. The Spice, Woods, Floral, Earth and Oriental accents seem welded together from the onset. Because of the overall character this scent takes on, it appears to be more suited for cool to cold temperatures. It's extremely full bodied, yet doesn't cut a swath while entering a room immediately after application. The totality of Free Life affords the wearer the ability  to smell extremely different, masculine and could almost pass itself off as something creative Jacques Bogart would release today. Free Life isn't synthetic smelling nor does it possess a chemical vibe. This has gravitas, but all fragrances that have this quality are always going to be off putting to some.

I believe Free Life is classified as a Woody Amber, but the Oriental finish is very enjoyable and long lasting. I've worn this scent in warm and hot temperatures, but at least for me, it performs best in the winter temps. You may have a different opinion.

Free Life is yet another Etienne Aigner creation that got glossed over since its release in 1987. To be honest, I can understand that situation since Aigner didn't exactly have the best ad and marketing campaigns in a time period where bigger, bolder and outlandish weren't considered polarizing.

Sillage is moderate, yet substantial and full bodied. Longevity is approximately 5-6 hours on my skin with normal sprays. The personal space hang time is just as long or longer. You can smell this the next day with no problem. Thumbs up from Aromi for Etienne Aigner's Free Life and as always, a sample wear if highly recommended. ( if possible ).