M de Morabito (1989)
by Pascal Morabito

Heroic, masculine fragrance. Dark green, penetrating spices, super sillage. may contain oud wood -- has a Mideastern vibe.

11th June, 2010.

The note pyramid for this is:

Top : Blackcurrant, Marigold, Mandarin

Heart : Jasmin, Peony, Hyacinth, Tea, Rose, Narcissus, Freesia

Base : Sandalwood, Peach, Musk, Civet, Amber

Some seek a damp, earthy "masculine" floral, whereas this is a dry, dusty masculine floral. The civet note is clear, though not super-strong, so if you don't like it, you might want to avoid this fragrance. One comparison is the original Boss Cologne (now known as Boss Number One), but that one is not as dry. If you like the idea, you might prefer the aftershave formulation, which is the only one I've sampled and is very strong.

My review of May, 2010: This might be best named The Air of the Moroccan Desert (if it hadn't already been used), but this is the desert air, not the air of a street market in Marrakesh. I've got the aftershave form, which is plenty strong. It is dusty and dry. I could not find a note pyramid, so I'm guessing there is orange blossom and jasmine in here, along with sandalwood, patchouli, and some sort of sweet note, such as honey. It's lighter and more "transparent" (perhaps due to the formulation) than other fragrances that are similar, such as vintage Chaps. There is a mild "dirty" note here, perhaps due to the orange blossom or jasmine. It might come across as dry leather to some, but I'm not sure if there is an actual leather note present. There is no strong spice, if any, and perhaps just a slight herbal element. The base reminds me of a dried-out cream. Those not used to this kind of fragrance might call it musty or decrepit, but there is just enough "brightness" here to keep it from being too much. Some might think this is base upon an Habit Rouge idea, and I couldn't argue with that notion, though this one is more consistent from opening to base (and I don't get any spice). If you are looking for something different and evocative, while still being wearable (assuming you don't just wear fresh/aquatic fragrances), you might want to sample this one.

30th May, 2010. (Last Edited: 28th April, 2011.)