Natori
Avon (1995)

Natori by Avon (1995) is a honeyed benzoin floral treat that went duly unnoticed like most things from Avon did by the 90's, especially as proliferation of discount perfume in physical retail formats began further eroding the brand's foothold in Middle America, long its bastion of commerce. The name is associated with the fashion brand launched by Josie Natori in 1977, and this is oddly not an oft-spoken of tie-in with the house of Natori, plus not the only one released, leading to some confusion about its status as a collab with minor fashion houses as Avon has done in the past.

Natori opens with a dry violet and freesia, honestly feeling a bit masculine in that approach vector, the green petrol-like violet shining strong along the backdrop of the benzoin, until the geranium rose crosstalk pull things a bit more neutral. I honestly think Natori stays fairly unisex throughout the wear, with only that honey benzoin note really adding the sweetness one might expect from a feminine fragrance of the period. To me, with the hay-like tonka and creamy sandalwood included, it's not enough to move out of unisex territory, feeling like a precursor to a modern Mancera rather than an Avon. Performance is great in parfum, but also really good in EdP format.

Orris is listed here, but all I really get is the associated ionones here, adding a late-stage dryness that once again, feels more masculine in the context of the violet, geranium, and sandalwood. Natori can be a bit difficult to find at an okay price because it seems to be one of the lesser-sold and more-obscure Avons, plus most things Avon made in the 90's never had the prolific production runs their peak-years releases did, a la Avon Charisma (1970) or Avon Candid (1977). Natori seems a bit on-theme with other similar Asian-themed nomenclature of the late 20th, such as Avon Imari (1987) and Avon Haiku (2000), so there's that. Thumbs up

It starts with a very bitter freesia that might be due to my bottle being from the late 90's. Then I get a gorgeous rhum and some violet. Really good!

This is probably an odd place to start reviewing fragrances, but this is the first fragrance of note that I actually owned. When I was a teenager, my adopted mother sold Avon, and bought all of their new perfumes without fail. She didn't much like this one, so by default, it came to me. I wore it on my first date, to prom, and on my weddingday, and have always been pleased with it. I doubt I'd love it as much as I do if it didn't have those lovely connotations in my mind, but it does, so basically, Natori is my first love among perfumes.I realize now that it's a bit over-sweet for my taste, and pretty shallow as far as scents go, but interestingly enough, it has quite a few of the notes that I'm finding I love in other fragrances. (orris, sandalwood, benzoin, and to a lesser extent, rose) I suppose it was just a teenaged version of what I grew into.

I just acquired a bottle from my late Aunt and every time I have worn it I get compliments. Didn't realise that it had been discontinued. I wouldn't normally even look at perfumes from Avon as I wear Chanel or Estee Lauder but I will certainly keep my eye out in future. Wish Avon would consider bringing this one back!

I acquired some of this perfume in an Avon Demonstrators box, and when I first tried it I thought it smelled as if I had sprinkled myself with whiskey. However, after a few moments the real scent came through and it is exquisite. It must be a few years old , as it was discontinued sometime ago, but there are some woody notes in here that have improved with age.Avon should consider re-introducing some of these fragrances as they are soooo popular.

I love this perfume. I get so many compliments when I wear it. I bought 20 bottles off ebay when it was discontinued. They're launching a new line just in time, cause I'm almost out!