Prada (new) (2004)
by Prada

Prada by Prada

Notes: Bergamot Oil Italian, Orange Oil, Bitter Orange Oil, Mandarin Flower, Mimosa India, Rose Absolute ABS, Schinus Molle ABS LMR, Peru Balsam, Patchouli Oil LMR, Raspberry Flower, Labdanum Resinoide LMR, Tonka Bean ABS LMR, Vanilla Absolute, Musk, Sandalwood Oil (from Sephora.com)

Upon initial spray of Prada, I smell ozone, vanilla, patchouli, citrus blend, sweet floral notes, and a soft woody accord. The ozone note is strange--not metallic, necessarily, but cold in comparison to the warm wood base. The patchouli in Prada is fairly recognizable as such, but its character almost immediately starts to synergistically blend with the other notes. On the whole, though, Prada is a fairly straightforward and linear woody amber patchouli fragrance with some interestingly darkened floral and citrus notes. It is as if some dried orange peel, rose petals and mild spices (clove, perhaps) were mixed together and stored in an exotic wooden box such as ebony or teak. Take that warm, oriental base, and add some lighter florals similar to what one would find in a traditional Eau de Cologne (orange flower or neroli). The oriental base completely overpowers the light floral notes, but at the same time it is cooled and softened. Eventually, the florals mostly fade, and the fragrance goes out on a base of spices, vanilla, patchouli, labdanum, and some woody aromachemicals which mimic sandalwood. Other reviewers have complained about longevity with Prada. On my skin, it lasts for hours. However, it is not an oriental powerhouse--rather it is a subtle and wearable fragrance which has a pleasingly attractive sweet-dry composition, somewhat along the lines of Chanel Allure Sensuelle or Givenchy Organza Indecence. The drydown is reminiscent of Chanel Egoiste or Bois des Iles, but does not have nearly the complexity. Overall, Prada is a well made, pleasant, wearable fragrance. Even though there is nothing outstanding or ground-breaking about it, Prada has a quality that is understated and quiet. Sometimes that is exactly what I want.

I agree with Pasha, this IS an excellent fragrance, I bought it BLIND thinking that it would work for me as a man as well. it just didnt work. Quite TOO feminine. I believe if the Rose and Mimosa absolute were gone, it would be a fine unisex fragrance. But this my friends shall smell amazing on a woman. However, I will say, this did not smell groundbreaking to me.

To me, Prada is an "Obsession Lite". More transparent than Obsession (and Prada has more patchouli), but it's an Obsession knock-off without a doubt. I still like it, though, but the lasting power is awful. If I had to choose between the two, Obsession wins hands down.

Smells pleasant enough, but the scent completely disappears on me in about 45 minutes. Very disappointing.

Prada reminds me of a blustery autumn night. Dried leaves and wisps of chimney smoke lead to a dark heart of labdanum and desire. Sex and drugs, but in a good way like a Victorian-era Johnny Depp movie. This is among my favorite fragrances, but there is a significant problem with the bottle design. My house smelled deliciously of Prada for months while the scent slowly evaporated even though I never touched or moved the bottle from its level location. This may be due to a faulty atomizer, or perhaps the concentrated essential oils eventually broke down the seal affixing the atomizer to the bottle. This is sad because the atomizer is the perfect touch to this classic fragrance, but not at the expense of losing the perfume! I highly recommend this fragrance for men and women alike, but the next time I purchase this scent I will avoid the atomizer and opt instead for the Prada Classic Parfum de Sac - 3 miniature 0.34 oz sprays.

Beautiful and I loved it from first sniff. Not sure why I've never broken down and purchased a bottle for myself. Someday I will.

One of the reasons I like it is that it reminds of an earlier, under-rated gourmand from the early 1990's that has all but disappeared in the wake of Mugler's Angel: TODD OLDHAM. I had a friend who wore Todd Oldham, and I am instantly transported back to 1995 whenever I smell Prada on anyone.

Strong vanilla, amber and patchouli notes. Nice change of pace from all the fruity florals out there.