Nina (original) (1987)
by Nina Ricci

I thought Nina was a very forgettable and non-descript white, slightly aldehydic floral, very similar to fragrances such as Gianfranco Ferre. When it was released I remember getting quite a few free samples of this fragrance, and try as I might, I really couldn't see anything deeper in it.

Fleur de Fleurs had been taken off general sale in the UK just before Nina was released; for me the former was a far more beautiful and distinctive fragrance.

28th March, 2010.

My favourite all through my 20s. Such a shame they discontinued it (especially to replace it with the new Nina, a sherbetty sweet confection that smells like cheap kiddies perfume). Managed to find some EDP online recently, but the bottles must have been poorly kept over the years and all that was left was a sweet soapiness that made me feel quite ill after a while... Will have to survive on the memories of it instead.

13rd September, 2009.

I so miss this fragrance. It was and is my most favorite of all time. I remember it to by very feminine, pretty, classy and a bit sultry. There was a really nice base to the fragrance that was so sexy. Lovely even when it rubbed off onto your clothing. Terrible shame, they discontinued this fragrance.

29th July, 2008.

Nina (original version) is a very well blended fresh green floral. Here are the official notes:

Top: Bergamot, mimosa, cassia tree buds, basil, orange blossom, marigold.
Mid: Jasmine, mimosa, rose, violet, ylang-ylang.
Base: Iris, sandalwood, vetiver, cassis.

I often find marigold intolerable in perfumes; it lends a distinct insect killer note to most fragrances. But in Nina, this note is actually one fo the only ones I can pick out and strangly enough it is my favorite part of the fragrance. It gives Nina a fresh, bright and slightly fizzy feeling- but the rest of the notes are so well blended that they are difficult to separate out. The over-all impression is of an elegant green floral. This is the kind of scent that is equally appropriate to wear for a summer wedding or a job interview. I agree with Inessa that in the EDT formula, it would be wonderful for office wear as well. I picture a refined but fashinable woman when I smell this, with expert grooming and impeccible manners. Definitly lady like but not in an old fashioned way.

18th October, 2006.

A timeless floral, with notes of lily-of -the-valley and other gorgeous white flowers. Suitable for most romantic moments (i.e. your wedding) and - in form of eau de toilette - for daily life too. It's becoming impossible to find - and what a pity! Definitely one of the best white floral compositions, never cloying, always beautiful.

1st March, 2006.