Reviews of Acqua di Parma Colonia (1916)
by Acqua di Parma

I can understand why many revere this as a classic, but it has poor longevity on my skin and the dry down just smells musty. I can't give it a thumbs down, though, because clearly the problem is with me and not with the juice itself.

An amazing scent. I'd say for a gentleman of a certain age it is perfection. It definitely has an old-school charm. It is assured and confident, yet never over-bearing or loud. I also use the Colonia bath oil, which is like moisturizing your skin with honey. Splash on the cologne following and you're ready to create your own Fellini escapade.

I do not understand the gripes about this scent being short-lived. On the contrary, it will get me through cocktails, a two hour plus piece of theater, and a small bite after. How can that possibly not be enough?

A classic citrus scent for summer, with great sillage. My only gripe is that it's very short-lived.

Acqua di Parma is an old-school cologne, in the style of 4711 or R&G Extra Vielle. AdP is a bit sweeter, heavier and more floral than those other classic scents which project a citrusy personality. Here the rose dominates, and makes AdP too floral to suit me. It is a beautiful, classy scent... just not my style.

As for the fragrance's history... Several years ago I became acquainted with an ex-employee of italian firm "Magnani Glans", the last brand's owner before Luca Cordero de Montezzemolo and Diego Dalla Valle. He told me, that the fragrance was composed by an englishman, named Rose (I'm not sure for his surname spelling), who lived in Parma that time. He made two fragrances: "Style" for the italian market and "Acqua di Parma" as an export product. The local perfumes factory "Adams" was the manufacturer.
At early 70's "Magnani Glans" went broke eng sig. Luigi Magnani sold the brand to the shirt factory, named "Pizzarotti", who continued to produce "Acqua di Parma" till late 70's. Ultimately the name was bought by two friends and successful brand developers L.C. De Mentezzemolo ("Ferrari") and Diega Dalla Valle ("Tod's")

For some odd reason, this reminds me of Brut' cologne.

A classic, traditional eau de cologne. Quite a lot of sillage, lasts even through a shower. More suitable for men than for women, I think.