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Perry Ellis for Men Original (1985)
by Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis for Men Original (1985) is a powerful vintage chypre with a complex aromatic-leather base, renowned for its deep oakmoss, galbanum, carnation, rose, and leather accords. It offers a rich, resinous, and slightly boozy character that feels both masculine and deeply nostalgic, evoking the elegance of 1980s luxury. The original formulation, found in a vintage 'Cologne for Men' splash bottle with Perry Ellis' signature, is widely regarded as a masterpiece—enduring, long-lasting, and highly prized for its depth and authenticity. The fragrance unfolds with sharp green notes, a prominent floral-carnation heart, and a smooth, musky-sweet dry down that lingers for hours, resembling aged cognac or fine amber. While the current reformulations are described as having less oakmoss, more cinnamon, and a lighter, synthetic feel, the vintage version remains a benchmark of quality and performance.
Pros
- +Possesses exceptional longevity and rich sillage, with a powerful, enduring dry down that can last 20+ hours
- +Features a deeply authentic, mossy, leathery, and aromatic profile that is rare and uniquely compelling
- +Is regarded as a lost masterpiece of 1980s fragrance, offering a refined, noble, and nostalgic character that stands out among modern scents
Cons
- −The new reformulations are widely criticized as inferior, lacking oakmoss and ending up overly sweet or cinnamon-dominated
- −The original can be overpowering and overwhelming, especially in warm climates or close quarters
- −The scent is highly divisive—those not drawn to oriental chypres may find it too bold, green, or medicinal