Imari by Avon

Aldehydes, Bergamot, Galbanum.
Muguet, Ylang-Ylang, Orris Root, Tuberose.
Musk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cedar, Ambergris.

This 1985 release from Avon comes in a bottle that reminds me somewhat of the original Ted Lapidus from 1978. It possesses that 70's tackiness that I love.

The fragrance itself is not reminiscent of your garden variety Avon product for sure. After numerous wearings, I find this rather good and the quality isn't indicative of Avon's normal offerings. This is much better and had I smelled this blind, I would have never guessed this release derived from this house. Also, for an Eau de Cologne, its presence and tenacity is impressive.

Almost a shared scent, Imari leans a tad feminine for my tastes. I wouldn't think it inappropriate if I smelled a male donning this fragrance, but I'd prefer smelling it on a woman. It smells superior than what you would expect from an "Avon" product. I also own and wear "masculines" such as Caron's Third Man that possess no macho whatsoever, so who is to say that Imari couldn't be pulled off by men?

Imari heads in a floral direction once the opening citric-shimmer has dissipated. It retains a stem quality throughout the life of the wearings, but allows the slow emergence of soft powder, vanilla, woods and subtle earth tones to augment the composition. Uncomplicated and steady, Imari proves to be a viable fragrance regardless of who created it or its price point.

Sillage is very respectable and longevity is 4 hours plus on my skin with a few, restrained sprays. Thumbs up from Aromi for Avon's Imari and as always, a sample wear is recommended in lieu of a blind purchase.