K de Krizia (1981)
by Krizia

This is a grand and glamorous, rose-centered floral chypre scent that could easily have been crass and overbearing, but isn’t, thanks largely to well-calculated structural balance and ingredients that smell of quality. Smelling K de Krizia, I’m reminded both of such floral chypre classics as 1000 and Acqua di Parma Profumo, and of the recent ambitious rose scents from Amouage (Lyric Woman) and Andy Tauer (Une Rose Chyprée). K de Krizia is less fruity-lactonic to my nose than the Patou and Acqua di Parma classics, and lacks the incense that distinguishes Lyric Woman and Une Rose Chyprée. This leaves it both drier and in some ways more transparent than any of these others. I find this scent especially appealing in its drydown, which showcases bracingly bitter moss, smoky leather, and the merest dab of animalic warmth. Longevity is more than adequate for me at perhaps six hours, and the scent projects well but does not overwhelm the wearer. Once past the more aggressively floral top notes, I find a light application of K de Krizia fairly comfortable to wear as a man, and wonder that it doesn’t receive more attention. For crying out loud, it’s even a bargain!

K de Krizia EDT is Classic Chypre with two Capital Cs. In a sense, it’s hard to beat these massively noted mega-component creations that dominated the ‘80s – I’ve never smelled one that I didn’t like. To me, the civet, styrax, moss, and leather of the base dominate K de Krizia by establishing that super smooth, very dry, warm, suedish chypre background for the total run of the scent. The amber is there but not dominant, and I don’t smell the vanilla. At the top, I can’t separate out the peach note that is supposed to be in there, but there is a tiny bit of a non floral sweetness there. The florals of the top and middle are strongly present, but do not overcome the denser, darker notes of the base. With the florals, also, I can’t separate out individual notes, but rather sense them as amassed, smooth, non-flowery texture. I do not necessarily consider this fragrance feminine in itself except that its type is so indicative of an ‘80s feminine floral chypre, so I guess I should call it feminine. It’s a fragrance that doesn’t really call attention to itself except for its pleasantness and softness. Not exciting, but it speaks subconsciously. With heavy application, it speaks volumes. It’s a scent that I don’t think I would ever tire of.

Love, love, love it! A very dignified Spanish woman who worked at my office (international banker) used to walk by and I would just breathe in....I finally asked her, "what are you wearing?!?" and she told me Krizia. Well, being in Manhattan, I hopped across the street and purchased it. Warm, delicious, amber, vanilla, rose and sandalwood ... who could ask for more? Use it sparingly in cooler months and it won 't be overbearing. Here's some more info: "Top Notes: Aldehydes, peach, hyacinth, bergamot, neroli. Heart Notes: Jasmine, narcissus, orange blossom, rose, carnation, orchid, lily of the valley, orris. Base Notes: Sandalwood, vetiver, musk, amber, moss, civet, vanilla, styrax, leather."

K de Krizia is deep with an abundance of moss. The lighter floral topnotes succomb to the moss and amber...leaving a very dry somewhat powdery feeling. Slight traces of vanilla are detectable in this mix. I might also call it a warm fragrance. It is unique, though I prefer to admire it from afar as it's tonality doesn't represent "me".