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Pierre Cardin Pour Monsieur

Orange, Lavender, Basil, Bergamot, Lemon.

Carnation, Leather, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Geranium.

Leather, Tonka Bean, Amber, Benzoin, Oakmoss, Vanilla.

In the early 70's, I used to occasionally wear Pierre Cardin. Back then, who knew about "original formulas" and reformulations? How could anyone know? What I do know in the present is that the bottle I picked up earlier this year is a crass and piercing shell of its former self. This is not something I'll choose to wear and I'll end up giving the 99% remaining to someone.......if I can find a taker.

Looking back to my youth, I recall a citric leather fragrance with a powdery, oriental drydown. It was economical and smelled pretty damn good for a drugstore scent. The version I'm wearing right now is like a stripped down model, complete with jagged edges and an amplified shrillness. The smooth quality is gone and the volume seems to be heightened which, in this case, is not a good thing.

For the most part, I still enjoy classics as I grew up with them and cannot help but to have a certain fondness for them. On the other hand, I attempt to be honest when reviewing fragrances. Hence my disappointment with this version of Pierre Cardin Pour Monsieur. There's really no reason, pertaining to the listed notes, that Pour Monsieur shouldn't be a reissue that comes very close to the original formula. Unfortunately, it isn't and I'm uncertain if it has to do with ratio or ingredient quality. In the end, I suppose that doesn't matter. This is........what it is.........

I know putting Pour Monsieur on "blast" will undoubtedly offend some classic lovers out there, but I'm a little offended myself at this contemporary offering of a 1970's cheapie that was once much better than it is now. Some things should be left as they were or let them simply ride into the sunset.

Thumbs down from Aromi for Pierre Cardin's Pour Monsieur. Sillage is strong and longevity for a cologne is impressive. This is just too much of a bad thing. As always, a sample wear is HIGHLY recommended.

Comments

  1. Sorry I could not disagree more. I love the reformulation. Smells almost identical to Bois du Portugal (Creed). Beautiful, luxurious, masculine. And one of my ultimate compliment getters. Perhaps the modern interpretation has a modified ingredient that no longer works with your body chemistry. But it radiates gorgeous fine french perfumery with mine. Send me your bottle immediately. ;)

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