SAFARI by Ralph Lauren 1990-1992

My review of both the women’s (1990) and men’s (1992) classics

[@RichMitch]

One of cosmair's finest, got a few to keep me going. Nice to see you posting again 🫂

[@laniersmith1798]

Thanks Rich. I agree Safari is a fine one indeed. Cheers

[@ReasoningThru]

It’s such a pleasure to see you back my friend. These opening images are “Supremely Enchanting”. I could almost smell the overpowering scent of musk. As you listed the notes for both, my eyes were animated with hearts and got bigger and bigger as they bubbled out of my eyes.

[@laniersmith1798]

Ah my sweet friend you are alwas supremely enchanting. Encantada, si? mucho besso. amiga mi. Salute!

[@aintnomeaning]

No one knows how to make an intro/build up video like you! Your videos always transport me to a different time.

[@laniersmith1798]

Thank you aintnomeaning. That means a lot to me! Cheers!

[@TheSwanwood]

Wonderful to hear your take on these classic gems from Ralph Lauren. I loved Safari for Men when it was first released, and it became a daily driver for me at the time. I think it's worth noting that the 1985 film, "Out of Africa" (with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford) based on the novel by Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen - surely must have had stylistic and romantic influences on RL's Safari campaign.

[@TheSwanwood]

I stand corrected - RL's Safari campaign launched in spring of 1984, and pre-dated Sydney Pollack's "Out of Africa" by a year. However, in a 1986 NY Times piece on Milena Canonero, costume designer for the 1985 film, Ralph Lauren is cited as being influenced by "her work".

[@JT-rx1eo]

I have Ralph Lauren Safari for Men and it's one of my favorites. It's very similar in scent profile to Yves Saint Laurent Jazz, a fragrance that was released about 4 years earlier. AND THE SAFARI FOR MEN BOTTLE DESIGN IS ONE OF THE BEST IN MY COLLECTION! Safari for Men is so smooth to my nose. Nothing challenging. Another fragrance from that era similar to Safari, but has an added cumin accord and IS challenging, is Salvador by Salvador Dali. Its bottle design is great too. As far as recommending other Ralph Lauren fragrances, the fact that the early releases (Polo "Green", Safari, etc.) were in an era where the designer/niche differentiation was much less defined. So quality, at least to my perception, was better then. Unfortunately, Ralph Lauren's releases devolved into a not-too-well-respected mid-level designer quality. So I would recommend those earlier releases, Polo Green, Safari, Crest, and even Purple Label released in 2003. Polo Green is my favorite fragrance of all time, and I have nearly 200 bottles in my collection. It's the ultimate male fragrance, the way a man should smell. Polo Crest from the early 1990's is like a direct flanker to Polo Green, but much more toned down. It's similar to Hermès Rocabar and Floris 1962. Purple label is an underrated fragrance featuring a backbone of BlackBerry, suede, and mahogany notes. Its elegant and would pair well as a fragrance accessory for a dark suit with a dark purple shirt or tie. Bond No.9 Bleecker Street is similar and copied Purple Label. The later Polo lines were lesser quality and lesser artistic expressions, in the opinion of many. But Polo Red line features the coffee note and Polo Black features the note of mango. They are generally synthetic but I still enjoy them.

[@laniersmith1798]

Thank you JT for your wonderful note and your recommendations. I am getting the impression that my reaction to those current RL released in the store is right on par with what you and others are telling me. That is a shame if in fact RL has gone the quick buck and low quality route. Cheers.

[@AussieAdventurer]

Thank you for the additional information, I have been a Safari for Men fan since it’s original launch never changed, since I love it so very much. I found it difficult to explain when shopping for something similar in smell so again thank you, now I know what to look for 👏👍

[@manlyscents]

Safari for Men is one of the very best. Great video!

[@laniersmith1798]

Manly Scents I certainly agree with you on that. Cheers.

[@johnvuela1211]

Looking great, Lanier! State of the art videos once again. You are the goldsmith of fragrance prescribers. Thank you for the review!

[@laniersmith1798]

Thanks John!

[@justaddlight]

A lovely video Lanier. The OG Safari still a favourite of mine from RL. 🧡 Important to invest in the older formulations with the brand imo. Not a fan of any of the modern Polo flankers except for maybe Supreme Leather and Polo Red Extreme. But the rest are just an understandable attempt at banking on a familiar name. Strange they decided not to pursue a couple of Safari flankers actually. Then again, they probably would've butchered them anyway. 😬 Unless they went the Cartier route and did to Safari what Cartier did with Pasha? 🤔Might've worked.

[@laniersmith1798]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have been looking at Supreme Leather. It seems the most interesting of the newer fragrances from RL

[@raquelgeneve]

Absolutely wonderful video!🤗😍

[@laniersmith1798]

Thank you Raquel ...Cheers!

[@Sambuccashake]

Very nice review of what seems to have been a classic house with a distinct house "style". I wish they still produced offerings like this!

[@laniersmith1798]

I wish they did too. I hopped into Macy's to smell the current offerings and I was underwhelmed. RL's clothes are marvolous classics always each season. Why can't he do the same with his fragrances? Cheers.

[@Sambuccashake]

@@laniersmith1798 Managed to snag a Cosmair bottle of Safari after watching your video. Glad I did!

[@zelda1]

Hey Lanier, I have the men's Safari in my collection. also. I absolutely love it. I'm so glad you did a review. Thanks for posting. See you soon. Be well,

[@laniersmith1798]

Cheers Mike always a pleasure to hear from you.

[@IsseyMiyake81]

The two fragrances from RL that i love are safari & purple label.

[@laniersmith1798]

I’m contemplating getting Purple Label. Cheers!

[@RamseytheRam]

I did not know that about how the name Safari came about! Amazing pictures! My favorite Ralph Lauren frags are 1) polo green (1978) 2) Safari for Men (1992) 3) Chaps (1979) 4) Polo Crest (1991) 5) Polo Sport (1994) If you can find cosmair bottles of these get it!

[@laniersmith1798]

Thank you Ramsey. Several people have mentioned Chaps… I’ll have to investigate the fragrance. Cheers.

[@JT-rx1eo]

Yeh Ramsey! We agree on Polo Green and Safari. I forgot Chaps is Ralph Lauren. I have a bottle of that too.

[@brenlynch4811]

Beautiful intro as always,Africa the dark continent,sadly I’ve never got to discover its beauty in person only in books and film, maybe some day I will make the pilgrimage to the cradle of mankind .I hope you’ve been there Mr S .or if not like myself take a trip someday ,The vintage safari femme bottle is stunning ,it reminds me of a warriors Spearhead,stay safe and god bless 🙏✌️

[@laniersmith1798]

No I have never been to Africa but I would love to go. What a trip that would be. Cheers.

[@Baz4]

Great video. I think you might like Polo Crest and possibly Monogram? You have such restraint to be able to keep a fragrance unopened for two years especially if it’s one you don’t already have 😮

[@laniersmith1798]

I have just ordered Monogram! The reason I didn’t open it was because I forgot I had it! I found it a few days ago when I was rearranging my fragrances for fall/winter. It had nothing to do with restraint lol. Cheers

[@markcoffman494]

This was my signature scent all through high school. I loved it, but I have movies to more classic fragrances.

[@harrywaltersson4336]

Thank you! Just ordered it.

[@laniersmith1798]

I hope you liked it as much as I do. Cheers!

[@aginacarlo]

The magic of fragrances of the late 70s & early 80s has been lost with time!

[@darkkstar5647]

They are both beautiful bottles but the women's bottle is fantastic. Looking for this now to buy! Somehow I'm wondering if it is somewhat similar to women's DUNE from Dior.

[@CC19524]

Lanier Smith, I like that glass bottle it comes in. Im always looking to expand my fragrance collection and you give good ideas.

[@laniersmith1798]

Thanks Tom! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Cheers.

[@keithbaker5932]

I loved it - too bad it was discontinued!

[@laniersmith1798]

Cheers Keith.

[@aginacarlo]

In the late 70s and early 80s I primarily alternated between only "2" fragrances, Grey Flannel & Portos. I was a 'fragrance loyalists" NOT A "butterfly" LOL

[@siredith8846]

A very nice presentation. I’m glad you like Safari. Unfortunately, the new formulations are very, very weak! I first came across this fragrance in January 1997 at Changi Airport Duty Free when I was 17. I was greatly impressed, but the sales lady told me that it was for the more mature. Now I’m middle aged and own a vintage bottle of Safari, I certainly don’t believe that Safari is only for older men. Safari would make a young man look sophisticated and a step above typical teenagers. In hindsight, I would have impressed girls with Safari.

[@laniersmith1798]

You certainly would have impressed the girls if you had bought it when you were a teenager. It’s a shame that you had such a bad sales associate block your natural instinct for a Beautiful fragrance. Cheers

[@averoes4029]

Always a pure joy to watch your videos. Wish you could make more of those reviews.

[@DixieLiving]

Thank you Lanier! I'm glad to have a bottle of Chaps. Rugged Americaness. Cheers!

[@laniersmith1798]

Cheers Dixie.

[@anand-menon]

Lanier, you have a lot of fragrances in your collection. Are there any similarities between Safari and YSL Jazz or Cartier Pasha?

[@laniersmith1798]

I’m sorry to say Anand that I have yet to purchase either of those fragrances. I have been thinking of getting both for some time now and most likely will. I have only tested Pasha but it was back in my San Francisco days so I don’t recall it. Clearly. I do remember that I did like it. Cheers

[@210195111]

Have you tried Aaron Terence Hughes scents. Pretty amazing.

[@laniersmith1798]

No I haven't tried them Don, thank you for the suggestion. Cheers.

[@aginacarlo]

My love affair with Grey Flannel started in 1976-77. I am a native San Franciscan. Lanier, My name is Al, When can we engage in a conversation??????????

[@deluxelex9056]

I own Ralph Lauren Chaps (Warner version - "vintage") and Polo "Green" (Cosmair version - "vintage") are great. The others, especially current versions are not worth it.

[@laniersmith1798]

Thank you Deluxelex your input is appreciated. Cheers.

[@alerojas2952]

I wouldn't say it is American. It is just a variation of the Lacoste shirt. Personally, I prefer Lacoste.

[@laniersmith1798]

Whatever the polo is, it’s a classic. I love my Lacoste polos too. Cheers

[@Pinerocks]

Don’t forget Fred Perry!! Lol

[@aginacarlo]

The Promiscuous Years in San Francisco 76-84: People came from all over the world to “The City” to taste the San Francisco nightlife.

[@andrewh6034]

I do like Safari. I only have a few sprays left from a Jan 2013 bottle, but am hesitant to buy a new one in case it isn't the same anymore. That womens bottle looks like it might be fashioned after the Zulu assegai spear head.

[@laniersmith1798]

I counted back and I received my bottle seven years ago. Interesting bottles both. Cheers.

[@aginacarlo]

Lanier, I apology for my lengthy comments. PLEASE CONTACT ME!!