Man Pure Jil Sander 1981 Eau de Toilette

Don't worry, this won't be a sentimental, romanticized, or even brutal look back at my coming-of-age years. No memories of the songs, cars, motorcycles, parties, discos, concerts from back then, no stories, just this much - Man Pure was usually there. Everyone knew the scent and most liked it. 1983.

Today I feel my heartbeat when yet another package from eBay stands before me and I eagerly tear it open. Just the first spritz on my arm, that oily-resinous feeling spreading on my skin, and then - the first deep inhale…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2hxU4UG3dA

Fantastic, not faded - not at all despite all these years, it feels like 1983. Mediterranean herbs and a clear, lemony freshness, the spices, the very, very light, clean scent of soap, patchouli and cinnamon, this soft, though not sweet, but extremely harmonious, almost oriental base that lingers with you for days. 2020.

How many dupes have I tested and bought?! All similar, but none even close. How many times have I bought, smelled, sprayed, and hoarded Scent 79, the first version was still quite decent, the second probably less so, they are (only) homages, inspirations. For all I care, even a scent that is 99% similar. Yes, with good will, that works out.
Still - being just a bit off is also over! Always and with everything!

It's about feelings. It's about haptics, the aesthetics of this double cube bottle, the removal of this cap and that wide, rich spray on the skin, the anticipatory heartbeat before inhaling, and ultimately - and actually and yet always only - about…
..THE scent!