Acqua di Parma smells like sand and seawater. Not so much in the actual notes, but in the effect.
There’s 3 different types of bergamot in here. Bergamot usually lightens up a fragrance, hence its use in cologne. But there’s too much in here for AdP to be flimsy. It smells light in a heavy way, if that makes any sense. It’s like the perfume gods were playing tug of war with a proverbial rope between earthy and ethereal scents, the rope broke, and Acqua di Parma is what they got.
AdP feels summery. But it’s a bit heavy for a summer fragrance. This is a good time of year to wear it: when it’s still warmish enough for you to feel like it’s summer but the brisk evenings are starting to steal your thunder.
Here’s the rest of the note list, from Sephora: Bergamot, Orange, Ylang-Ylang, Orris Iris, Jasmine, Grasse Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Grey Amber, Vanilla.
I can’t pick out the rose or patchouli. They’re probably invisible players whose role is to flesh things out. I can smell the amber, some overripe ylang-ylang and a substantial iris accent. I smelled some citrusy jasmine the second time around.
Overall though, Acqua di Parma Profumo is more of an effect than a perfume. I don’t really think about the notes.
Price Range: Very Expensive
Recommended Occasion: It’s what hippies could wear when they want to be prim.
Release Year: Released in 1930. Rereleased in 2000.
My Rating: 8
Check out more reviews at EauMG, The Scented Hound, Donna at Perfume Smellin’ Things, Marina at Perfume Smellin’ Things, I Smell Therefore I Am, That Smell, Odiferess.
Note: Everybody says this is a chypre. I’m not getting that. To me it just isn’t dry, dark, or mossy enough. It was apparently reformulated in 2008, so due to restrictions there no real oakmoss in it. I love it though.
*Top image from Sephora. Bottom image is a 2007 image of Makokiny Beach from Wikipedia.