Mon Amie Elizabeth
Babani (1926)

BABANI's MON AMIE ELIZABETH was created in 1926, and marketed by Elizabeth Arden in 1935, an attempt to familiarize American audiences with half a dozen of Babani's perfumes. Sadly, this marketing attempt did not meet with success, so Babani's 40 or so perfumes are little known in the American market.

Babani is best known for his exotic ingredients from the Far East and a number of his scents are named for oriental countries. This tribute to “My Friend Elizabeth” is one of his most extraordinary creations. It is very dry (Orris and Coumarin) with a tart, apricot-like undercurrent (Sweet Pea?) and an unctuous, sweet and round support (Ylang Ylang). It has a warm and sensual base, provided by the animalic musk and civet. The dry down gives the impression of a very dry suede leather. It is quite extraordinary and definitely unisex by today's standards.

Such adjectives as bright, rich, warm, sensual and complex come to mind. It would be a great masculine scent, to be worn by a sophisticated and erudite gent, a Roger Moore or a Matt Bomer. It is amazing, one of the greatest suede leathers ever created. Unique and masterful.
Sadly, rarer than hen's teeth these days. For me it's right up there with the iconic Bouqet de Faunes.