Land Lacoste 1991 Eau de Toilette

Lacoste has not really impressed me with high-quality fragrances so far - at least for me, the French label seemed interchangeable, mass-appealing - even boring!

And after Procter & Gamble - sounds like a law firm - took over the licensing, presenting a "branch" of a branch every few months, the break with me and LACOSTE seems certain.

Therefore, or at least for now, "Back in time" again and the test of an oldie.
“Scorpio” seemed gracious and gifted me another vintage sample of a long-forgotten scent - merci! ;)

It was probably discontinued around the turn of the millennium, because after my entry into the perfume world in 2001/2002, I never saw it, never noticed it.

I discovered it only today, thanks to the sample, and I must admit that it could definitely still pass in today's time!

Why “Land” was taken off the market is questionable.
Was it the sales figures, the notorious IFRA reformulation guidelines, or simply marketing strategic reasons that led to the scent being buried?!

I personally suspect that the brand simply wanted to shake off its dusty image and become a bit younger, even "trendy".

This can now be observed very well when Mr. "Wannabe" offspring presents the rolled-up collar of his polo shirt (in all rainbow colors).
So how does a perfume from that time smell, when Lacoste was frowned upon as a tennis brand?

“Land” starts citrusy, but no aquatic freshness is to be expected.
It rather feels like a bitter load of bergamot.

Quasi the starting signal when the first rays of sunshine break over the meadows and fields still covered with morning dew.

As it progresses, the scent becomes herbal, spicy - even ethereal.
It somehow reminds me of a cold remedy, but is extremely appealing!
This flair feels like a homage to cultivated fields and farms, where potatoes, carrots, or celery grow. But also to meadows, where lush herbs and juicy grasses thrive.

Parallels to Prada's celebrated “Infusion de Vétiver” come to mind!

During the drydown, the spiciness fades a bit, and a dry nuance emerges.
Thoughts of rotting wood or dry hay spread, yet this citrusy, green undertone remains.

In the end, “Land” becomes surprisingly elegant and warm.
Thanks to tobacco components, it reminds me of Cartier's “Santos” or Hugo Boss “Sport” from 1987.

Tobacco, musk, and amber convey the flair of warmed earth, of aromatic moor or peat landscapes.

All these natural attributes were probably also intended for the bottle design... I don't know, however, if the glass architecture represents an opulent field bottle or a storm lighter?
At least the stylistic impressions of a Land Rover tire appear rural and rustic.

Rural also the print ads - two are known to me.
One shows a reddish-colored agricultural landscape from above, the other a typically Scottish-looking idyll with a wild brook and a male model in a green textured blazer and casually thrown-over sweater.

A scent for foresters and hunters? At least practical for everyday use and applicable at any time!
The longevity is also above average.

Despite its all-round character - for summer I might recommend something fresher…

PS: Dear Parfumo team - please note the change - “Land” is no longer produced and it has also increased in price on eBay!