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O'Driù brings Niche back to its place (Olfactive Obsessions)

post #1 of 438
12/6/11 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
I recently went to Rome for my usual pre-Christmas trip. Visited a bunch of old friends, done some shopping and made my mandatory pilgrimage to the three Campomarzio70 stores...

My first stop was at their store in Via Vittoria (just next to Piazza Di Spagna) where I had the honour to discover a very interesting (and so far obscure) italian brand: O'Driù


Here're a few infos I took from their website...

What is the alchemical process that turns a fragrance into the essence of the soul? When can we say that we feel penetrated by a particular scent which we recognise as our very own in a pure and unconsciously conscious state?

When this happens, it is Perfume. When this happens, we can call it an event.

O’DRIÙ is a limited edition collection of hand-crafted perfumes which were presented at this year’s Pitti Uomo. Just a few months later, O’DRIÙ’s uniqueness was reasserted in its recent success at Pitti Fragranze with two new “handmade” creations, the first two members of the GENESI (Genesis) family: LADAMO (Adam) andLEVA (Eve).

O’DRIÙ, an anagram that conceals a Druid, is an amalgamation of two Celtic words: oak and wisdom. The full meaning of the term “Druid” is actually “he who knows through the oak”, so through signs carved on the bark, but also through the signs of the natural world. This explains why O’DRIÙ is a perfume created wholly from natural essences. Angelo Orazio has perhaps even impressed a magic sign on each of these essences which, through our nose, reaches the unconscious mind like a new sensitivity, an emancipation.

The fragrances....

GENESI SERIE

LADAMO:
TOP NOTES
earth, roots, wind, magnolia, ginger

MIDDLE NOTES
liquorice, sandalwood, tobacco, the hug of a woman

BASE NOTES
mimosa, juniper, lichens, a bath in the water

Hand made in 200 pieces from a single production
Conceived in 2011
Price: 180 euro



LEVA:
TOP NOTES
grapefruit, jasmine, black pepper, under the sun

MIDDLE NOTES
curcuma, vanilla, jatamansi,
the nightmare that reveals the pleasure

BASE NOTES
lemongrass, benjamin, broad bean, a smell in the wood


Hand made in 200 pieces from a single production
Conceived in 2011
Price: 180 euro


-------------------------------------

ALCHIMIA DI PROFUMO SERIE

LALTROVE 1001:
TOP NOTES
grape-fruit, black pepper, peony, anise

MIDDLE NOTES
angelica, orange, cinnamon, sweet marjoram, wormwood, cypriol

BASE NOTES
sandal, musk, rosemary, sage


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro

LATLROVE 1002:
TOP NOTES
jasmine, chamomile, rose, mandarin, neroli

MIDDLE NOTES
geranium, carnation, cedar, lavender

BASE NOTES
mimosa, wormwood, cinnamon, saffron, anise, patchouli


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro

LINFEDELE 1003:
TOP NOTES
leather, laurel, pine, orange

MIDDLE NOTES
incense, galbanum, amyris, jasmine, yerba mate

BASE NOTES
juniper, myrrh, myrtle, tobacco, styrax


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro



LINFEDELE 1004:
TOP NOTES
sauvage notes, dill, orange, turmeric

MIDDLE NOTES
coffee, toasted kamut, petitgrain, cloves, patchouli

BASE NOTES
incense, ylang ylang, cardamom, myrrh, vanilla


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro

LONDA 1005:

TOP NOTES
saltiness, smoky notes, mint, lemon, pine

MIDDLE NOTES
lemongrass, lavender, sweet basil, ginger, cumin

BASE NOTES
vetiver, musk, wormwood, green tea, sirocco


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro

LONDA 1006:
TOP NOTES
marine notes, mandarin, lavender, niaouli, thyme

MIDDLE NOTES
lemongrass, sage, sweet basil, myrtle, carnation, styrax

BASE NOTES
grape-fruit, bergamot, magnolia, black pepper, mimosa


Number of pieces: 29
Conceived in 2011
Price: 380 euro



LAFRO:
TOP NOTES
jasmine, mandarin, tarragon, afa

MIDDLE NOTES
cumin, lemon, goat milk, oxidized silver

BASE NOTES
incence, orange-flower, dry grass, musk


Number of pieces: 18
Conceived in 2011
Price: 240 euro



VIS ET HONOR:
TOP NOTES
bitter battle, smoked notes, chlorophyll,
chamomile, fox fur

MIDDLE NOTES
olive, mimosa, myrtle, juniper, galbanum

BASENOTES
laurel, cardamom, bitter almond,
wormwood, incence, lichens


Number of pieces: 49
Conceived in 2011
Price: 270 euro

---------------------------------------------

ALCHIMIA DI PROFUMO LITD EDITION is a unique fragrance “tailor made”.
Angelo Orazio Pregoni has created an original nuance of 1000ml dedicated to the need and emotions of its owner. The perfume is protected from the light in its special black bottle of Murano blown glass. The silver ring sculptured in investment casting, covered with rhodium and engraved in pink opens the secret door to the alchimia of your own perfume. The perfume is conserved in O’Driù’s laboratory and will be made available in 100ml ampoules at the chosen point of sale as required.

LALFEOGRIGIO:
TOP NOTES
orange, elemi, jasmine, rose

MIDDLE NOTES
broad bean tonka, geranium, wormwood, capsicum

BASE NOTES
sandal, musk, angelica, tobacco, coffee


Number of pieces: 8
Conceived in 2011
Price: 888 euro



LALFEOROSA:
TOP NOTES
petitgrain, vanilla, chamomile, rose

MIDDLE NOTES
broad bean tonka, geranium, jasmine, capsicum, lavender

BASE NOTES
mimosa, incense, cinnamon, saffron, patchouli


Number of pieces: 8
Conceived in 2011
Price: 888 euro

-----------------------------------------------

So far I had the chance to sample both LAFRO and LADAMO. Will report back very soon with my personal impressions...experiences with this brand anyone?

For additional infos you can check their website at www.odriu.it
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post #2 of 438
12/6/11 at 10:49am
Wow, some of these tie with Nez A Nez in the hilarious description department. Not sure I want to smell like ''the nightmare that reveals the pleasure''.
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post #3 of 438
12/6/11 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugandaraja View Post

Wow, some of these tie with Nez A Nez in the hilarious description department. Not sure I want to smell like ''the nightmare that reveals the pleasure''.

LOL Suga what about a bath in the water? LOL Besides that some of the above fragrances smell terrific. I had the chance to smell a bunch of them while at the store and they really striked me as extremely solid compositions. That's why I decided to sample a couple to properly test them at home....
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post #4 of 438
12/6/11 at 11:09am
Thank you, alfa. Those notes sound wonderful.

Pretty pricey in some of the scents.

What is a fox fur note? Or the hugs of a woman?
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post #5 of 438
12/6/11 at 11:36am
Hi guys. Can I wade in? I was fascinated by Alfa's post about these but I guess like all of you I wondered if they were going to be more style than substance?! I mean really, hugs, nightmares... and "wind", the mind boggles. That doesn't do well in translation.

BUT, Alfarom you do say that first impressions are that they have something to them, so I look forward to your reviews!!
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post #6 of 438
12/6/11 at 12:16pm
U r da man!

I have to give credit to you and scent for introducing me to some of the best hidden gem perfumes I've ever smelled.

Thanks ^_^


Now about these perfumes.

I have to say that when alfarom likes this something, its certainly got depth to it. You may not like it because its not your type (yet?) but it will definiteness be something worth checking out.
I know this fact for sure.
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post #7 of 438
12/6/11 at 2:26pm
I was smiling the whole time I read through those descriptions for the notes. "A bath in the water".
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post #8 of 438
12/6/11 at 2:50pm
Thread Starter 
I've been lucky this time as when I smelled some of these fragrances at the store I was completely unaware of the presentation/concept of this brand so I had the opportunity to get an impression simply on what I was smelling. When I got home I made a research on the web to get some more informations on the house and here's what I found. Ok, the fox fur, nightmare that reveals the pleasure type of things are definitely off-putting (at least to me), as well as the overall "mystical allure" of the brand but some of these fragrances are quite solid and have extremely interesting notes.

On the other hand I keep in high consideration the guys running Campomarzio. Their passion and knowledge are definitely solid and their ability to select and represent new brands fear no rivals in Italy. They started pushing Vero Profumo back in 2007 when nobody was absolutely aware of the brand and they lately became Vero Kern's wordlwide manufacturer, representative, and general distributors.

I'm genuinely curious to explore those two samples I got and will report very soon with a more precise and concrete impression but, so far, I'm excited about this brand. Crossing my fingers....

@Hedonist: thanks Mutual!
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post #9 of 438
12/8/11 at 10:55am
Thread Starter 
Today I finally got to test LAFRO and I confirm my initial impression: this stuff is fantastic.

TOP NOTES
jasmine, mandarin, tarragon, afa
MIDDLE NOTES
cumin, lemon, goat milk, oxidized silver
BASE NOTES
incence, orange-flower, dry grass, musk

LAFRO stays for italian L'Afro which means The African and it's basically a bold and insanely powerful concoction of herbs and spices laying on a solid animalic musky base and incense. It opens with an arresting accord of cumin and terragon joined by sour lemon. If you don't like cumin you should better stay carefully away from this...

The opening is quite brutal and can result seriously challenging to someone. It's sweaty, unpretty and extremely spicy/aromatic. The typical sweaty espect of the caraway is emphasized to the maximum and, in this phase, LAFRO brings to mind of the hottest periods of the year in the most torrid zones of the planet. Markets of spices, incenses, african food, hay...a true to life experience. Be careful on the trigger as in this phase the fragrance projects for yards!

Jasmin makes its appearance providing some balance and bringing the composition to a slightly more conventional territory. Herbs and spices settle down and assume a more "familiar" allure while musk starts lurking in the back together with incense. Now we're in and old apotheke with all the aromatic herbs stored inside the ceramic jars. Handwritten labels, some dust, dark mahogany forniture, tisane blends...

The animalic musk starts showing its presence more consistently joined by incense and hints of leather (the latter being very similar to the one in Leather Oud but definitely toned down). The initial herbal/spicy aspect is still quite remarkable but the fragrance becomes definitely more approachable for anyone who's into dark musks. This is the final phase where LAFRO stays quite close to the skin for more than 8 hours.

Overall LAFRO speaks of quality, smells very natural and takes the distance from the huge amount of pretentious niche outfits promising stereotyped luxury. LAFRO is about going back to basics. The luxury of a wild safari as opposed to a tuxedo at the opera premiere and a limo. It has the typical "crudeness" of those african votive wood statues. They're crude but nonetheless fascinating.

Downside: Surely not among the most versatile compositions around.
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post #10 of 438
1/11/12 at 12:18am
Would love to hear more about this brand!
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post #11 of 438
1/11/12 at 12:45am
Thread Starter 
Testing LADAMO today...will report back soon...
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post #12 of 438
1/11/12 at 11:08am
Thread Starter 
LADAMO (L'Adamo) stays for Adam and together with LEVA (L'Eva / Eve) form the Genesi line. One masculine and one feminine that I suppose should work as sort of signature of the house...

LADAMO strikes as a more complex/richer version of Huitieme Art's Fareb as it basically opens with the same rooty immortelle/ginger accord. Anyone who's usually not into helichrysum should carefully avoid this composition as this is what it's all about. The immortelle note is devoided of most of the burnt-sugary feel and emphasized on its fenugreek and woody-liqorice aspect while a light mimose note provides a little refinement that's not enough to tame this insanely powerful composition. Where Fareb introduces leather, LADAMO pushes on spices (mainly cardamom) and juniper to add even more body. The fragrance stays pretty linear for hours and hours to finally "evolve" into a galbanum driven drydown.

Definitely masculine, full-bodied and with a strong herbal quality. LADAMO It's pervaded by a rough edge as opposed to sophistication and refinement and in this context it shares the same old apothekary quality of ancient houses such as Santa Maria Novella. For other aspects (the use of spices and the overall oriental feel), it may bring to mind of an uncompromising version of some early Diptyques. A fragrance that sounds like a statement, a statement that speaks of great quality ingredients, a couple of accords, no frills.

Do I like it? It smells good and I'm a sucker for immortelle but at these prices I expect a little more than a straight forward helichrysum...
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post #13 of 438
1/11/12 at 12:11pm
I really quite like your description of Ladamo! Even if my Anglo brain parses it as ''Lad Ammo''.

I'm a big immortelle fan, and licorice and cardamon sound like great additions.
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post #14 of 438
1/11/12 at 1:16pm
Thread Starter 
Insanely powerful Suga. Two tiny dabs on each wrist and I was done for the whole day. Now, after more than 11 hrs from application, I'm still surrounded. Well, actually most of the sillage is gone but the fragrance is still strongly present...
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post #15 of 438
1/18/12 at 11:47am
Alfarom, your descriptions are really great, thank you for your suggestive words! But let me tell you that Ladamo doesn't reveal any trace of immortelle or licorice in its structure. The accord is the result of putting together carrot seeds and feanugreek, which is really a challenge! To the whole O'driù philosophy, I had the fortune and pleasure to meet him and having him explaining every and each fragrance and it really was a high intensity-experience! This man is a kind of immortal magician, someone from far far away although very young (34). He's wise and experienced and multitasking, just like his perfumes are. Each of them is a journey into your stomach and your deepest emotions... I do love them and I'm very happy that the Campomarzio70 team had the courage to support him. If anyone would like to receive any samples, just ask for them via email to viavittoria@campomarzio70.it. They normally send little samples everywhere!
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post #16 of 438
1/18/12 at 11:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lisa judith View Post

Alfarom, your descriptions are really great, thank you for your suggestive words! But let me tell you that Ladamo doesn't reveal any trace of immortelle or licorice in its structure. The accord is the result of putting together carrot seeds and feanugreek, which is really a challenge!

That's amazing. Well, actually Immortelle has a fenugreek aspect as well so that's why I probably mistaken the accord. Before revieweing it I also made a comparative, wrist to wrist, test with Fareb and while the O'Driù is definitely much bolder and stronger, the accord result overall similar (ginger and immortelle among other things)...

I'm wondering why on their website they listed licorice between the notes then?
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post #17 of 438
1/18/12 at 12:16pm
LADAMO:
TOP NOTES
earth, roots, wind, magnolia, ginger


I would like to know what wind smells like or do I?
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post #18 of 438
1/18/12 at 12:17pm
Good question... to me he said: "you smell licorice, but actually there isn't any, it is the result... etc". he said he doesn't really care about the correct listing of notes, he prefers listing emotions, suggestions, memories of something we directly or undirectly know.... that's why he put some weird accord such as "embrace of a woman" and "fox fur". The man is quite extravagant, indeed, but he never seemed "fake" to me; i never got the impression he was playing a role, he's just like he shows to be (and that's very complex, just like his creations!)
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post #19 of 438
1/18/12 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 
However he reached the overall effect is important up to a certain point. What's really important is that LADAMO smells good and IMO, it honestly smells of Immortelle...
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post #20 of 438
1/18/12 at 12:27pm
ps. I don't know how many of you are into astrology but... he's a scorpio! and that explains a lot... ;-)
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post #21 of 438
1/18/12 at 12:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

However he reached the overall effect is important up to a certain point. What's really important is that LADAMO smells good !

I agree!
Among my fav ones is Linfedele donna. Did you try it? A wonderful spicy and gourmand/dry composition around incense and pheromones. Linfedele, which means unfaithful, is not the person who wears the fragrance, but the fragrance itself: the promise of a connection to God, as suggested by the presence of incense, is broken by other more human notes which bring the perfume down to earth. A very suggestive description for a strong evocative fragrance. A masterpiece, IMO; but not for everyday, and not for everyone.
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post #22 of 438
1/18/12 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 
I will surely go deeper into this house...thanks for your suggestions Lisa.
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post #23 of 438
1/19/12 at 4:40pm
I wanted to say thanks Alfarom for the introduction and expanding on their philosophy. I think your descriptions had me drooling at one point( he says turning red ) I contacted them and they were very nice and very generous. My samples are winging their way to me.

I enjoy reading what you have to say and your critiques. I finally sampled the new HdP amber and it does rock. Please keep up the great work.

Cheers Rex
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post #24 of 438
1/20/12 at 1:22am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Rex...I relly appreciate it. Report us back with your impressions...
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post #25 of 438
1/20/12 at 2:24am
Wow several of these scents sound really amazing. All those green notes, herbs and spices are right up my alley. Such short runs! I'd imagine he'll formulate more bottles should the need arise. I might just write em an email and pick up some samples. The fear that I might actually want to buy one or the other bottle is the only thing holding me back...

Thanks alfarom! You rock.
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post #26 of 438
2/8/12 at 5:14pm
Well I received a large parcel today from O'Driu. The contents are beautiful. Crisp manilla envelopes, wax sealed with the sample plus a description of the fragrance. Feathers to assist in testing.

The fragrances I received are:

Vis et Honor
Leva
Londa
Lalfeorosa
Ladamo
Linfedele

This is going to be fun.

Cheers Rex
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post #27 of 438
2/8/12 at 8:12pm
Is it possible to get samples in the USA?
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post #28 of 438
2/9/12 at 12:32am
Thread Starter 
Rex, I'm very curious about Vis Et Honor. Let us know how it's like please just out of my curiosity, were they free samples?
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post #29 of 438
2/9/12 at 4:47am
Good morning.

jbailla2-I dont think they are available in the US, mine came directly from Milan.

alfarom-Hi Alfarom, Im wearing Linfedele today(gorgeous, deep, spicy) But I will try Vis et Honor tommorrow. You were spot on when you noted how strong the scents were.


Cheers Rex
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post #30 of 438
2/9/12 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 
......
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post #31 of 438
2/9/12 at 3:41pm
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post #32 of 438
2/9/12 at 3:59pm
This line sounds fantastic.

The 1000ml looks convidative for a split.

Not bad, 44 euros for 50ml.


Lets go???
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post #33 of 438
2/10/12 at 8:34am
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post #34 of 438
2/11/12 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
.....
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post #35 of 438
2/16/12 at 5:41am
Thread Starter 
I've finally been able to sample the whole range of fragrances by O'Driù (including the four extremely limited editions that Angelo Pregoni composed for Perfhumance). These guys rock and their approach to perfume is one of the most geniunely artistic in years...

For further infos on Perfhumance check here and here (unfortunately only in italian language).

My report on the whole line will follow soon...
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post #36 of 438
2/21/12 at 3:01am
Thread Starter 
I finally got to test Vis et Honor. This stuff is strong, epic and sort of primitive/visceral...



If you're interested here's my full review...
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post #37 of 438
2/21/12 at 5:07am
Vis et Honor is breathtaking isn't it. I've sampled it carefully on three seperate occassions and I'm blown away. The mixture of the bitter woods and almond with juniper, olive, incense and wormwood is perfect. I kept smelling myself.

NOW, do you think they have travel size?
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post #38 of 438
2/21/12 at 1:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trex57 View Post

Vis et Honor is breathtaking isn't it. I've sampled it carefully on three seperate occassions and I'm blown away. The mixture of the bitter woods and almond with juniper, olive, incense and wormwood is perfect. I kept smelling myself.

One of a kind, really. I also get a subtle fougere-y accord during the opening that provides an old-fashioned vibe that's pretty interesting indeed

Quote:
NOW, do you think they have travel size?

LOL, I don't think so. But Daniel's idea sounds attractive
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post #39 of 438
2/21/12 at 1:31pm
Do you mean a split? If thats the case it might be a good idea. HMMMMMMM, but would we have to throwdown to keep the original bottle? I'm just saying is all. You gave it a 7.5 eh? I would have been a bit more generous maybe 8 to 8.25.

Whats next young man? Maybe Linfidele?

Regards Rex
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post #40 of 438
2/21/12 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trex57 View Post

Do you mean a split? If thats the case it might be a good idea. HMMMMMMM, but would we have to throwdown to keep the original bottle? I'm just saying is all.

I think it could be a good option if you don't feel like splurging your money. I stick with a full bottle but still have to decide which one. I've to go through 13 more samples...

Quote:
You gave it a 7.5 eh? I would have been a bit more generous maybe 8 to 8.25.

7.5 out of 10 is pretty good
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post #41 of 438
2/27/12 at 8:33am
LADAMO

Wow! Bosky, bosky, bosky.

The first man. The genesis of man. Don't expect the smooth chested, lithe hipped, Adam of renaissance art. This Adam is the man, a he man. Grrrrrrr. This Adam walks on bare feet in a really bosky terrain. He is a hunter gatherer. In fact, to me this fragrance is more suggestive of a terrain than of a man.

Dense to begin, opening and drying over time. Black liquorice, a pronounced dry dusty immortelle, fenugreek, ginger, galbanum. A dry bushy terrain. Then wood and tobacco, dried grass, rich and dry.

Based on first impressions this reads as an immortelle driven fragrance. But if you take time, try on paper and skin, consider the concept, the notes, you will discover much more. But actually I don't think that the importance of these O'Driu fragrances is in the breakdown of their notes. It is in the emotional reaction to the whole experience.
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post #42 of 438
2/27/12 at 9:11am
Thread Starter 
I love that review Foustie! Adam walking on bare feet made my day Love ya!
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post #43 of 438
2/27/12 at 4:44pm
Great review, Foustie, I've worn it a couple of times myself. I think you're spot on. I've been through Leva as well. Although, noted as feminine it is effortlessly unisex. I hope you get to try it and post another review.
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post #44 of 438
2/28/12 at 2:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

I love that review Foustie! Adam walking on bare feet made my day Love ya!

Love ya back!

Hi trex57.

Let me tell you that I was still intimate with Adam for maybe fifteen hours yesterday and even after a bath! So no concerns about longevity. The deep, deep drydown was very close to the skin but tenacious. More human in the end actually, with a spicy accord, the fenugreek note definately, and a suggestion of cumin, and also a note not unlike asafoetida, so back we go to the immortelle!

I should conclude by saying that Ladamo was an exploration for me. It is not a fragrance that I would wear. But for those who favour immortelle, curry spices, or perhaps even those who are into dry tobacco fragrances it is really worth trying.
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post #45 of 438
3/2/12 at 5:47am
Thread Starter 
today was LALFEOGRIGIO and, believe me, it was just WOW!

LALFEOGRIGIO:
TOP NOTES
orange, elemi, jasmine, rose

MIDDLE NOTES
broad bean tonka, geranium, wormwood, capsicum

BASE NOTES
sandal, musk, angelica, tobacco, coffee

Lalfeogrigio blew me away! Literally! I don't know where to start as there is really a lot going on here...

Ok, first of all I learned that the perfume pyramid above it's just indicative. Appearantly it should represent what the fragrance is supposed to evoke with its main accords. When you purchase the full bottle (or sample), the packaging comes with an additional list of actual notes that in this case includes more than 50 (fifty) ingredients involved in the making of this concoction (allergenics excluded). If, for certain reasons, this may sound a bit pretentious or off-putting, at the same time Lalfeogrigio delivers exactly what he promises: a huge fragrance.

What it smells like? I guess this is one of those compositions that may change depending on the wearer. Don't get me wrong, in this specific case, I'm not saying that your body chemistry will make the difference but, considering the incredible amounts of ingredients involved, it really depends on how much you are sensitive to certain notes instead of others. Me? I get an initial blast of culinary herbs and spices (Piper Nigrum, Sage, Cumin, Laurel, Oreganum, Rosemary) that is arresting to say the least. As previously experienced with other compositions from the same house, the opening is brutal, unpretty, rough...If you're familiar with Villoresi's fragrances you'll probably know what I'm talking about. Sort of an ugly duckling type of stuff.

If you survived to the initial "assault" you're now ready to be treated to a consistent amount of resins (Boswellia Sacra, Boswellia Carteri, Myrrh, Styrax). The transition is repentine but skilfully handled by introducing an extremely sophisticated floral accord (rose and jasmine) joined by vanilla and tonka beans. In this phase, Lalfeogrigio plays the juxtapositions game contrasting the sweet base with a strong masculine vibe provided by geranium, leathery castoreum, spices and absynth/lavender. WOW it's musky too! Perfectly balanced!

If this may sound a bit over the top, let me tell you it's not. Everything is so detailed and clearly detectable just like an high resolution picture. The main point of streght of Lalfeogrigio is to be incredibly bold but at the same time never loud or vulgar...pure symphonic perfumery. Another remarkable aspect is that everything smells incredibly natural (as opposed to synthetic) which, nowadays, is quite a plus...

I could go on saying what else I detect but I prefer to stop it here. Just let me write a list of fragrances/brands that popped up (is it gramatically correct? Anyone?) in my mind while wearing this outstanding concoction...

Parfum Sacre, Jicky (and other Guerlains), Musc Ravageur, YSL Nu EDP, Black Cashmere, A Taste of Heaven, Santa Maria Novella, Villoresi, Ambre Sultan, Ambre Precieux...

Mandatory for anyone into outstanding drydowns.
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post #46 of 438
3/2/12 at 6:01am
I'm now officially hyped.
Only the mention of musc ravageur provides a warning but the main review dismisses that.

me wants
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post #47 of 438
3/2/12 at 6:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarıpatates View Post

I'm now officially hyped.
Only the mention of musc ravageur provides a warning but the main review dismisses that.

me wants

Let me tell you Sari that those names are not necessarely linked to Lalfeogrigio. They just came to mind as a sort of stream of consciusness...I decided to include them in my review just to give an idea of the several levels of appreciation that this fragrance can deliver...
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post #48 of 438
3/2/12 at 6:50am
Yeah that's how I understood it. I do it myself too.
I like my sweets finely balanced, and this one seems balanced, complex and with a punch.
I'm just, as always, overly cautious with "warmth"
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post #49 of 438
3/2/12 at 6:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarıpatates View Post

I like my sweets finely balanced, and this one seems balanced, complex and with a punch.

Same here and I'm honestly glad it delivered exactly what I expected...Let me add that, so far, this is the most easily approachable in the house' range but consider that I still have to test 10 more
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post #50 of 438
3/2/12 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
On a side note: this guy is a sucker for lavender
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post #51 of 438
3/2/12 at 8:43am
Excited.....getting...more...
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post #52 of 438
3/2/12 at 9:16am
Wow how have I never seen this thread before? Thank you alfarom for bringing this house to my attention, I'm going to attempt to email them for samples. These look incredibly promising!
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post #53 of 438
3/2/12 at 10:42am
LEVA

It would be unwise to underestimate Leva, there is more to her than it first appears.........

Leva is a story. An olfactory story. Screened in fast forward.

Grapefruit, Jasmine, Black Pepper
Curcuma, Vanilla, Jatamansi
Lemongrass, Benzoin

If you have been fortunate enough to try other fragrances in this range, the opening of Leva will surprise you because it is very different from the others. The list of notes cites Lemongrass in the base but to me Leva begins with Grapefruit and lemongrass, enhanced with ginger. It is a yellow thing, bright and optimistic. Sunny. The notes are very natural, very true. It seems simple, too simple....

But soon, something happens, something familiar, yet unfamiliar, creeps in, you know that you should recognise it but for a moment it is elusive, and then suddenly you realise that it is jasmine, but an hallucinogenic jasmine, difficult, not pretty. All of a sudden this simple thing has become discordant, conflicted.

If you are anything like me, you may find jasmine a difficult mistress. Beautiful and menacing in equal measure. Leva is no longer golden, it is green and white, the topnotes are incongruent with the jasmine, it speeds up, it is uneasy, the jasmine dominates now, it is screeching..... You are about to say stop when all of a sudden it is OK. The ginger gains ground, it is warmer, it calms the whole, the jasmine softens. Instead of conflict we have harmony, relief.

Then, a surprising softness, vanilla, benzoin, as soft as a mothers caress. Now,The Stockholm Syndrome. The captive falls in love with with the captor. The wearer falls in love with the fragrance.....

**********

Leva was not what I expected. Having experienced Ladamo, I expected that she would be an earth mother, verdant, fecund, but she is not.
I have tried her several times. Just now I have gone back to the narrative that comes with the fragrance. The narrative that I confess I found so amusing at first, and I can't believe that I see "under the sun" listed as a note (the beginning), and "the nightmare that reveals the pleasure" (the middle). I can't believe it!! Really, I can't believe it. How does he do it?

Like the other O'Driu fragrances there are a huge number of notes listed in Leva. You will see that I have only talked about a few, but this is my honest overall impression. I totally support Alfarom's assertion that each individual may experience these fragrances differently, not just because of ones ability to recognise notes, or ones sensitivity to certain notes, but also because they will take you on an experience which will engage your emotions, your memory, and your imagination....
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post #54 of 438
3/2/12 at 11:38am
I too just discovered this thread today. I also just emailed them to see if they would ship samples to the States, as the notes in Linfedele 1003 in particular look right up my alley. That said, I am afraid to like it because I don't see how I could justify the approximate $600 price tag no matter how good it might be... Still would love to see what it smells like though... Thanks for making us aware of this little known house Alfarom!
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post #55 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:02pm
drseid-Sadly, thats whats stopping me. I cant do that much money. I've been obsessing over the juice that I have left. I hope TPC or ALZD get it but I have my doubts.
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post #56 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:31pm
I had no idea these were $600 each. Total turnoff, not into supporting companies who use high price points to make a statement.
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post #57 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:40pm
Did I miss the part on where to get samples?
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post #58 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by flouris View Post

I had no idea these were $600 each. Total turnoff, not into supporting companies who use high price points to make a statement.

Some of them are not that price (but at least one is even more). The one I think I will like most happens to be about that price though (380 Euros). I know what you mean about being turned off. It does make you not want to like them, as it is very difficult for most folks (myself included) to pay that kind of dough on any one scent. That said, while I can't see myself buying a bottle (maybe i could participate in a split), my inquisitive nature can't resist the temptation of trying the line out.
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post #59 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Chambers View Post

Did I miss the part on where to get samples?

There is an email someone posted earlier in the thread.
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post #60 of 438
3/2/12 at 1:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by drseid View Post

I too just discovered this thread today. I also just emailed them to see if they would ship samples to the States, as the notes in Linfedele 1003 in particular look right up my alley. That said, I am afraid to like it because I don't see how I could justify the approximate $600 price tag no matter how good it might be... Still would love to see what it smells like though... Thanks for making us aware of this little known house Alfarom!

Prices are actually confusing. Many of these fragrances have been released specifically for customers who asked Pregoni for a personalized composition. They're pretty much all released in very limited quantities with incredibly precious bottles and, therefore, extremely high priced (not all of them though, as most of the line is around 250 euros which is surely not more than Puredistance, Roja Dove or Xerjoff). Now that the brand seems to try to expand, maybe they will increase their production and, maybe, resize their prices as well...let's see...

On the other hand, the idea I'm getting by exploring this line and their philosophy, is that these fragrances are exactly at the opposite of the spectrum of the so-called "industrial-products". It's like having an original painting on your wall, or having a simple reproduction...

I would ever buy a full bottle of any? I don't know, I don't exclude it but, so far, I can say that some of this stuff is extremely solid.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

If you have been fortunate enough to try other fragrances in this range, the opening of Leva will surprise you because is very different from the others.

This is a FANTASTIC news Foustie. I was actually a little worried about the strong signature that could have turned into a sort of limit...
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