Reviews of Sabi (1998)
by Henry Dunay

Why only one review? Sabi is a true beauty and has been around for years. I'm wearing it today for only the first time (thank you ever so, Haunani), but I'm compelled to talk up its elegance without hesitation. Where most fragrances perform the notes of a mere chamber orchestra, Sabi conducts a full symphonic experience (think Debussy played pianissimo). The varied florals are restrained, tied up with a fine ribbon of old-world powder and soap. I'm sure the whole garden is in attendance: rose, peony, lilac, iris, lily.

I'm surprised, after all this time sampling fragrances, that one can insist something new of me as Sabi does: "cleavage only" it taught me. Wrist skin isn't warm enough, pliable enough to cushion and time-release this scent. Mild, demure, feminine, I almost missed that it inherited some green chypre framing.

This is a beautiful green chypre that is perfect for any weather. At first, it is a little sweet and rather floral; but after it settles, it comes into perfect balance. There is some galbanum in this for sure, and the green note persists all the way into the drydown. At the end it is fresh and green, with just a hint of the former florals. This really lasts, by the way; I can still smell it faintly almost twenty-four hours after application. Captivating, uplifting.