Perfumes are like songs. Some blast out at operatic volume, while others are sung a cappella. I Profumi di Firenze’s Florentia 16 Fiori Dolci is a lullaby – a perfume that has enough lasting power to fill a concert hall, but tells its story through intimacy, not volume.
I Profumi di Firenze has one of the most unique origin stories I’ve ever come across. In 1966, a massive flood ripped through Florence, Italy. In its wake, a 16th century manuscript of secret perfume formulas was discovered in the basement of an ancient apothecary shop, and which were originally created for Catherine de Medici. A perfumer named Dr. Giovanni Massimo rescued these formulas and based the line’s Florentia series on what he learned from them. Many of the perfumes that Catherine de Medici personally commissioned are re-created as part of the Florentia series, with Fiori Dolci having originally been prepared for a Florentine princess.
You would think that a perfume with a pedigree like this would be an aristocratic, restrained and formal affair, but nothing could be further from the truth. Whoever the Florentine Princess was that this scent was originally made for probably ran around the castle with her gown muddy from fussing with the palace gardens. Fiori Dolci is a rose and jasmine-based scent, but what makes it more interesting than the hundreds of other rose and jasmine perfumes is a green, bright tone supporting the main floral notes that keeps the composition from being too simple or linear. The richness of lilac and honey imparts a sunlit, almost hay-like feel underneath the traditional floral theme.
Painting: Pascal Chove
Fiori Dolci is a perfume for quieter moments. There are no pyrotechnics here; no exotic accords, just the scent of human tenderness. There is a balance between all of the notes, and its rustic sincerity is striking. The scent lingers for hours on the skin (on mine it lasted for nine). The notes don’t change or dry down as much as silently fade away. The sillage is subtle and quiet, tuned to just you and the person close to you.
Notes: Damascus rose, jasmine, lilacs, purple iris, ylang ylang and honey.
Disclosure: Sample provided by Pickwick Mercantile
–Steve Johnson, Guest Contributor
Art Director: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief
Editor's Note: Steve lives in Salem, MA and believes that the magic in a bottle of perfume is stronger than any spell. He discovered the world of fragrance in 2002 when he fell hard for Thierry Mugler’s Angel. Steve has written articles for Perfume Smelling Things and for Katie Puckrik Smells .
We have a 1.69 fluid oz. bottle of I Profumi di Firenze Florentia 16 Fiori Dolci to give away, courtesy of Pickwicks Mercantile of Portsmouth, NH. This is a US only draw.To be eligible leave a comment on why you would want to try Fiori Dolci or your favorite lullaby. Draw closes August 29, 2013 And give Steve a Warm Welcome
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