Perry Ellis for Men (original) 
Perry Ellis (1985)
DISCONTINUED

I can see the appeal of Perry Ellis for Men, but something in the mix is off for my tastes, at least in the opening. After some development, it is nicer and right in the neighborhood of Gucci Pour Homme and Derby. Because the base is so nice, I'm going for a thumbs up. (This is Basenotes, after all).

A bit rosier than your standard men's 80s aromatic leather, Perry Ellis for Men (the original "cologne for men") boasts a kitchen sink notes breakdown but feels not so much busy as it is full-bodied. Nothing smells wilted or overripe, even in this aged bottle in my possession, and it just....feels good. It feels good like a backrub, a fine Cuban cigar, a scotch on the rocks, Natalie Cole's voice, singing "Our Love is here to Stay." I tip my hat to this one.

It's certainly worthy of discovery for oakmoss and carnation fiends and for those who want a lovely Derby-adjacent or Patou PH-adjacent scent (I meant it!), its hum is similar, even if its melody is different. It's one that oddly gets overlooked in favor of the unicorns because it's maybe...Perry Ellis? The fashion house has long been associated with preppy, monochromatic sportswear style and may not have the panache of Halston or Oscar de La Renta, but it's Cologne for Men is more than ready for rediscovery. 

Also, what a sophisticated and thoughtful review below my own...

Fleur de Booze, you damn
Old school weak oriental
Pre-Tom Ford For Men

Carnations fading
Softly into cigarettes
And tinkling glasses

Bar night time travel
Leather jacket mystery
Olfactive vinyl

Why you done come back
When you never went away?
You may be a bit

Light on the oak moss
Death, taxes and IFRA, boy
But you still got style

In your neighborhood
And the ladies still love you
So don't go changin'

On your damn fan club
Until you do it again
You old rascal, you.

I can't speak on the vintage formula of Perry Ellis for Men (1985) because it was a cologne. I was just more curious if it lives up to the $20-$25 price factor for a 5oz bottle. This is my review under Falic Fashion Group.

This fragrance easily explained smells like a bottle of cognac with carnation submerged in it. Only way I can explain it. What makes the boozy quality is amber, cinnamon, a lot of old leather, and a bit of labdanum. All this combined it has a smell that reminds one of cognac. The labdanum does stick out to provide herbal and slightly sweet-minty hints. So this fragrance smells brown and green.

I recommend Perry Ellis for Men (1985) because I think it's a very decent cheapie. If you removed the labdanum and switched with pine, and removed the carnation? it would remind you of a subtle version of Red for Men(1991) The sprayer is it's downfall which doesn't crank out a generous amount. 4-5 sprays will get 8 hours of low projection.

Unlike most of the users here, I like the newer formulation of Perry Ellis, but it is very different from the original vintage. The original sits on the lifeline between Jovan Sex Appeal and Giorgio for Men. As others have mentioned, fragrances such as Derby, Bel Ami and even Equipage are reference points for the evolution of this one. The spicy, leathery feeling of the vintage is completely removed from the newer rendition. While I do enjoy the subtle floral of the current crop, this is one fragrance where seeking a vintage cologne bottle is worth the effort. Longevity is stellar, the blend is top notch and each stage brings new pleasures. Excellent stuff.