Feeling Man

This is a one of a kind masculine fragrance that blends berries/dried fruits with very dry notes used in traditional male perfumery without ever veering towards girlish sweetness. It is definitely not for everyone. Even on cold days, only a small minority can pull this off without feeling conscious about its apparent fruit meets incense spiciness. Nevertheless, it is commendable that somebody made the effort to come up with a formula that is strikingly original and curiously appealing. It did not receive universal praise for its originality. But it had depth, complexity, great staying power, undeniable warmth and an air of niche-ness at an affordable price. When Cotys swoop in, they promptly axed it because Feeling Man did not fit their corporate rule of cheap/fresh/oceanic/aquatic scents for men. In its place, dozens of new faceless Jil Sander launches crowded the shelves. Sadly, none of the new ones bearing Sander’s name came close to the only fragrance worth remembering. To me, Feeling Man was one that stood out – an unexpected gem hidden inside its deceptively simple packaging.

I used to love this. Never owned it. Decided to take the plunge on some vintage. Glad I did. Feeling Man smells just like I remember. I wouldn't have said this at the time, but "Drakkar Noir with infused berries" is a somewhat oversimplified way of describing this. There was nothing quite like it then or since. This may sound boring - it's not a flashy fragrance. But this is like your quiet buddy who has a lot going on under the surface ... a complex companion who is there for you come what may. This isn't your pal who gets the party started with a lot of bombast. But this is the one that is there before, during, and after the party. Plan, enjoy, and then discuss the party with this guy. He's all in with you. Part of me longs for a reissue. Part of me knows that duplicating this with today's regulations would be extremely difficult at best. This is coming from a guy who doesn't shy away from reformulations. Feeling Man. A throwback to a simpler time in perfumery where, ironically, the creations were almost always more complex than they are today. Sample if you can.

I bought this when it came out in 1989 and it instantly became my signature as I always got tons of compliments whenever I wore it. It’s primarily a sweet woody tobacco peppery scent with a slight effervescent fruity/flowery vibe. While it has a lot going on, it was always soft and powdery on me, not a harsh note in it. I was heartbroken when it got discontinued and once, in like 1999, I saw a bunch at Nordstrom rack on clearance. Like an idiot I bought just one bottle... I’m still kicking myself. There will never be anything close to this masterpiece, I really wish the house of Jil Sander relaunches this. A standout classic.

This one is stunning. I don't know how to describe this one... Maybe a designer version of Eight&Bob, or a niche version of YSL L'Homme Parfum Intense, with a hint of sweetness (rasperry) and a noticeable animalic tobacco.... Not sure my dexcription is accurate, but I can tell that who blended that one was ahead of time, and that some fragrances currently sold just wish they were Jil Sander Feeling Man... If it was under $100 I would have bought a FB. At $150/200, I may think twice, but I'm so happy I could get a mini-bottle! Spring/Fall evenings, 30+

I tried this on its own, and then I did a fun experiment. Try this with Silver Mountain Water or Al-Rehab Silver. Just one/two sprays of Feeling Man on top of a full wearing of the SMW or ARS. I find the tobacco and fruity notes interact really well with the aquatic and fruity notes in SMW/ARS and the result is divine.. Just wanted to know more opinions on this.