Domenico Caraceni 1913
by Domenico Caraceni

A finely tailored rose-dominant scent that hints of refinement and impeccable taste, very much like a bespoke suit or an exquisitely cut dress; I find DOMENICO CARACENI 1913 to be comfortably gender-neutral. However the potent rose element is a double edged sword and may even be a little too sweet for some (though not for me). Just avoid overspraying or getting this on fabric lest you start smelling as though you've accidentally spilled on some rose cordial during lunch.

What an impressive fragrance, but what really impresses me is the number of stunning reviews of 1913 here on BNs. Seldom have I seen so many reviews of this standard for one fragrance. Could it be that 1913 is so special as to bring out the best in the reviewers? I think so. What can I say that hasn't been already, well not much new really, only that in the first hour I believe I can pick out elderflower.... I can also offer glowing praise though. 1913 is wonderful and is on my 'Wishlist'.

A beauty, what more can I say.A rose for men , yet wearable and masculine.
Read the positive comments below and skip the negative ones, and then for pete´s sake, order this while you can! And if you´re still dissapointed, send your bottle to me.

An intriguingly complex fragrance that has some rose in and out of the scene. Love this, but I find it hard to understand and fully appreciate. I think of this is a sophisticated avant gard fragrance with enigmatic sharp/soft olfactory elements, that is one thing indoors, and something else outside--- particularly in the winter. In the cold weather the notes pop like mad with almost shimmering 3-D sillage. Although I don't see cinnamon in the pyramid, I smell a distinct rose and cinnamon combo in the chilly air, that is out of this world. When worn in warm weather, the rose in DC 1913 has to fight for its place in the sun and it is a tad lacking in excitement. I smell no tobacco, sadly, although there is a lot of incense that I can't define as frankincense, since I have no earthly idea what stand-alone frankincense smells like. This doesn't really smell like a fragrance that evolves from a custom tailoring connection or heritage, as does Kiton fragrance. It would be a closer association to say this fragrance takes its inspiration from a quality high-end art gallery or small chic museum, IMHO. Keep it light on application and it can be subtle and sophisticated. Overdue it and it's probably obnoxious. A masculine semi-rose best for Fall and Winter.

Aw, shucks. Folks, foetidus beat me to the punch!

What he said--word for word.

( I am only surprised N_N hasn't reviewed this yet. One would think the Baron de Charlus would be a huge fan, or could I be mistaken? )

I shall content myself to add that this one is not for the under 35 crowd and that it is sartorially demanding. I cannot imagine wearing this without a suit and tie.

Confound it! Even if I were in a hurry I couldn't bring myself to tie a four-in-hand, it demands a Windsor knot.

Good in warmer climates, unlike my all time favorite suit and tie frag, Dunhill '34 or my Autumn/Winter rose, Egoiste.

I have got to buy a white raw silk suit . . .

*sigh*

The Baron de Charlus once told me: "According to the estimable Mario Justiniani, I should love this scent. Sadly, no. Certainly, this is a decadent, hothouse, highly androgynous fragrance, but not in any intriguing way, or so my nose and imagination inform me. Instead, we are treated to a fairly relentless assault of sickly, sweet roses with a definitively cloying and synthetic feel to them. It put me in mind of certain of the scents of Frederic Malle (not many of which I admire).
The association with vampires, mentioned by one reviewer, was unfortunately lost on me. Indeed, I am positive that not one of the vampires of my acquaintance would be seen dead or undead in this fragrance. On the other hand, it did put me in mind of certain overheated salons which my position in society obliges me to endure -- invariably filled with pampered, elderly ladies whose conversation is as suffocating and tedious as their fragrance.
In the domain of decadent dandy's scents, there are far more interesting choices: Anucci Man, Sybaris by Puig, possibly even Frederic Malle's own Musc Ravageur. In the realm of roses, there are also far more intriguing creations: for instance, Alain Delon's Iquitos or, even better, Parfums de Rosine's Rose d'Homme.
Much as I admire certain reviews of the admirable Mario, I am afraid I have nothing good to say of Domenico."