Prada Exclusive Collection

04/21/08 20:20:02

Prada has entered the perfume world at the beginning of the 21st century, with its signature fragrances, first for women and then for men. To secure its position as perfume house from the beginning, in 2003 Prada launched an exclusive fragrance line based on precious natural ingredients. Prada debuted with four fragrances: No1 Iris, No2 Oeillet (Carnation), No3 Cuir Amber (Leather Amber) and No4 Fleurs d'Oranger (Orange blossom).

Later on, in 2007, three more fragrances were introduced: No5 Narciso, No6 Tubereuse and No7 Violette. And finally, the last three fragrances have been launched recently, this time devoted to incense: No8 Opopanax, No9 Benjoin (Benzoin) and No10 Myrrhe (Myrrh).

The fragrances of this collection, which at the beginning were available exclusively at Prada boutiques, can now be found in bigger and luxury stores world wide.

All fragrances come in parfum extrait concentration, in simple lined 30ml (1 fl.oz.) bottles with black top. The price of these fragrances ranges between €120 and €180.

The distinct simplicity of the bottles accentuates the preciousness of the essences contained. However, it can be said that the simplicity in this case is one more side of luxury as the bottles designer is Lalique, while the essences in them are really precious and worth every dime spent on them. They are not only classic, but smell like they come from ancient times when perfumery still did not know about mass production; they are retro classic of vintage quality. I believe that anyone who appreciates classic fragrances could find an ideal fragrance in this collection, although the choice is difficult to make.

My attention was instantly drawn to No4 Fleurs d'Oranger. I was delighted from the first notes I smelled and I can say that this is one of the greater variants of orange blossom scents I have smelled. The orange blossom scent is unified with lily of the valley, jasmine, rose and tuberose. The resiny-woodsy base is a great background to the floral bouquet and gives it creamy warmth and smoothness. The honey-like floral notes, sharp at the beginning, merge with the warm woods and incense, their sharpness becomes milder and the scent gets another tone, antique, warmer, like precious oil which becomes better with ageing.

Having in mind the quality of the previous editions and the beauty of ingredients, I really expect much of these fragrances.

No8 Opopanax features notes of bergamot, opoponax, citruses, sandal and amber.
No9 Benjoin (Benzoin) is composed of bitter orange, styrax, benzoin, vanilla and musk.
No10 Myrrhe (Myrrh) includes notes of bergamot, cedar, lavender, myrrh and patchouli.

Author (review and collages): (jeca)
Fragrantica Member