Reviews of Baghari (1950)
by Robert Piguet

Weird, I tell you. Baghari announces itself with a blast of citrus, dry aromatic notes, and dusty animalic overtones that remind me somehow of – believe it or not – Yatagan. The impression is fleeting: Baghari’s opening is far brighter, with citrus where Yatagan has pine, and once past the thirty seconds it takes for Baghari’s soft, sweet floral accord and powdery aldehydes to establish themselves, it lives in an entirely different world. Too bad really, since the harsh, dangerous opening is fascinating in the same manner as venomous reptiles and carnivorous plants.

Startling gear change at the opening or not, Baghari is a good fragrance, and as its sweet, spicy base develops it moves from simply pretty to sultry and seductive. There’s plenty of sillage and the scent projects well, so you’ll always know you’re wearing it. It lasts well, too, darkening and softening all the while, until its nocturnal flowers slip away into a starless olfactory night.

It’s a total (and welcome) surprise for one who was expecting something in the nature of either Bandit or Fracas. Baghari is a soft, silky innocent - but - sophisticated fragrance. It has that built in innocent / sophisticated dualism, and this dualism is accomplished, I believe, by an ingenious use of the aldehydes of the opening. The light, clean, clear floral purity – bergamot, violet, neroli – is coupled to the very sophisticated aldehydes, creating an accord of clarity, sensuality, and elegance. Since the floral notes were so pure and innocent, the aldehydes addition creates an olfactory oxymoron… an innocent sophistication… a worldly-wise naiveté… It is a remarkable accomplishment and so warm and intellectually intriguing. This contradictory olfactory juxtapositioning of the opening notes is followed by the rich, abundantly floral heart that centers on a refined and luscious rose and jasmine accord… simply and beautifully classic. If it wasn’t a classic accord before it was created, it is classic now. The base is classic, too. It is powdery and musky and sweet and features iris, vanilla, amber, and musk. I get mostly musk and powder. The florals, musk, and powder make this a lovely soft feminine scent, and I’ve not smelled many as beautiful...

Soft elegant citrus lures you in, the rich rose blends very well with the jasmine. Next you sense the jasmine blending in with the orange blossom and vanilla. The lasting scent is that of rich rose blent with the jasmine and vanilla. The amber is so soft that it isn't noticed. Would recommend it for Daytime wear.

What a beautiful scent! I have two vintage bottles full and just cannot control my urge to savor the soft beauty of this work of art. I have not put it on my skin of course due to the age, however I am planning to buy the re-release of this fragrance before the new year. I understand it has had some revamping, but I have high hopes that it gives the same feeling of warmth.