Teatro Alla Scala (1986)
by Krizia

I see the associations with Coco and Opium since this masterly work of italian olfactory craftsmanship was a classy, spicy and mysterious juice for a night gala at theatre or a ballet.  The smell of this unfortunately discontinued juice was deliberately and deliciously stuffy, vintage (in its backbone of aldehydes, bergamot, spices, mellow fruits, patchouli and animalic notes), hightly classy and superb in its spicy and fruity-floral-aldehydic animalic soul. I smell an honeyed rose (fairly harsh of spices), vetiver, mellow fruits, earthy patchouli and ylang-ylang. The note of tuberose links it perfectly with the fruits but is the duo rose-carnation the responsible of the main floral mark. The dry down is mossy, dense and sophisticated. The animalistic and fruity vibe reminds me a bit Diva Ungaro (and Fendi Fendi) but this one is less fruity and more earthy-rooty-dirty. An old-school respectful high class concoction.

27th January, 2012. (Last Edited: 28th January, 2012.)

I was looking for a long time for a replacement for this perfume, which was unfortunately discontinued... Until I smelled Coco I was in love with Teatro... My second perfume purchase ever.

13rd June, 2011.

Dusty and luxe log cabin-smelling classic! A night at the opera, or a resinous powerhouse on the prairie--your call! That cabin is no longer occupied, and Teatro Alla Scala is no longer available.

21st March, 2011.

I used to like the Parfum version of Teatro Alla Scala: on me it was exactly like Opium, though a little less sweet. Such a pity it's been discontinued.

7th May, 2010.

I can see why some compare Teatro alla Scala to Coco, though to me there are more sparkling aldehydes in Coco, and as a result the Chanel's got a lot more sillage and an overall "brighter" feel. But I'm finding the Teatro alla Scala nicely structured and classy - a fine blend of gentle aldehydes, spices and wood. It leaves me feeling like I should ramp up my "attitude" -- dress up a little, and maybe put on some ornate earrings. Not for every day, or all the time, but a nice pick-me-up when a bit of extra class is needed.

6th May, 2009.

This commentary is written based upon a side by side wearing of Teatro Alla Scala and Coco edp - to which it has been compared.

Before spritzing, I took a preliminary whiff of each perfume's sprayer. The similarities are immediate, although not identical.
One squirt of each, and we're off! TAS instantly comes across with a bold rose note. A much stronger rose than is in the Coco. It also seems to possess a considerably less spicy character overall. I would say the floral blend of TAS is resonating at a slightly lower pitch. As I switch back to smell the Coco, I'm struck by a clearer, crisp floral blend, and there is orange blossom quite evident. Lactonic and 'bright'. The Coco is also noteably spicier. TAS loses it's assortment of flowers, except the rose. It is predominant, and lovely. The major difference between the two is TAS's inclusion of civet. I own, and adore, the civet rich vintage formulation of Shocking. There is plenty of civet in TAS, and I would say it is even more comparable to vintage Shocking than the Coco - overall!

In conclusion, I would classify Teatro Alla Scala as a civet rich floral built upon a chypre base. The Coco is clearly an oriental. Funny though that I love Coco & vintage Shocking. Now I'll add Krizia's TAS to my list of wonderful & wearable fragrances! Thumbs up.

19th January, 2009. (Last Edited: 17th June, 2009.)