Italica

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This is an unapologetically sweet fragrance best suited for cooler weather, specifically fall evenings or casual winter gatherings. Picture wearing this to a holiday party or a cozy coffee date. It’s too heavy for the gym or a day at the office. This would be best suited for dates or relaxed social events where a potent gourmand fragrance would be appreciated.

Notes & Nuances

Fragrance World's Italica opens with a robust almond accord, reminiscent of marzipan rather than fresh almonds. The milk note is less creamy dairy and more like condensed milk, thick and sweet. A medicinal saffron note attempts to add complexity but contributes a strange band-aid accord that doesn't quite mesh. The heart dives headfirst into a sticky toffee, nearly cloying in its sweetness, joined by a boozy vanilla. It evokes the scent of a gourmet cupcake shop, but with an underlying artificial character. The base softens into a generic white musk and sandalwood blend, losing the gourmand focus of the opening and leaving a plasticky residue. It diverges from the original in the base, opting for a less nuanced, simpler structure.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity clocks in at around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour or so, then settling closer to the skin after about 3 hours, becoming a noticeable arm-length scent. Tested in an office setting, it was perceived as sweet but not overwhelming.