Armani Prive Cologne Spray Ambre Soie (for women and men)

Wristsniffer

This is, perhaps, one of the best scents on the market today. Christine Nagel is one of the most talented perfumers around and she had has proven that she can do everything from an orangey, musky, well-balanced floral (Narcisso Rodgriguez for Her) to a mouth-watering, yummy-while-still-sexy gourmand (Charnel Elixir Gourmand Coquin), and to my nose, Ambre Soie is her version of the most wearable oriental, the amber accord at its best.

That said, it lasts about fifteen minutes on my skin before it starts to fade away, taking all of its beautiful and interesting warmth along with it. For the few minutes that it does bloom on my skin, I’m speechless as what starts out as an overwhelming blast of powdery anise, slowly transforms itself into a very unmistakable cola accord (it’s as though Lolita Lempicka and Estee Lauder Youth Dew had a child). It’s reminiscent of sipping root beer through a straw of black licorice; something I’ve never done, but can imagine would taste heavenly. The scent stays very close to the skin and doesn’t say much after the cola note has put in its two cents’ worth; when the root beer accord begins to fade, dragging the anise away behind it, there’s not much left to enjoy except a hint of what was so beautiful just moments ago. Despite the lack of sillage and staying power, I will add that if all fragrances bloomed and transformed the way this one does on the skin, the world of perfume would be a much more intriguing place for everyone.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my bottle; I’ve tested some of the Armani Prive line at Saks and the fragrances still fade away without a trace in less than an hour, which is surprising and disappointing as they are eau de parfums and yet, most eau de toilettes last much longer. All things considered, the steep price does not justify the few moments of beauty on my skin. I managed to acquire a refill bottle of Ambre Soie at an affordable price and am glad I had the opportunity to experience it, but I would never repurchase at the full retail price. My hope is that Armani will discontinue this scent and that Ms. Nagel will reformulate it and re-name it, then re-release it in a version that will stick around on one’s skin for a few hours. I’d be willing to pay full price if it had the staying power of a Chanel. If you try it and love it and MUST HAVE a bottle, spray it on your clothes; it will stick around a bit longer.

One more thing: Ambre Soie is completely different on a strip of paper; try it on your skin to experience the full effect, as was intended!

glitteralex

This is a very strong and ancient smelling perfume-It reminds me of a more perfect version of a frankincense perfume I once had. All 5 of the official notes are evident in this fairly linear scent. It mixes beautifully with body chemistry (as do the other Prive scents-does anybody know what fixative they are using?). Simply delicious.

veruska

Don't let the name make you think of a heavy morrocan like amber, this is most a combo of cloves and patchouli in a warm balsamic ground that brings on mind Gucci's Theorema. There's a brilliant oddness in the accord and it sets the tone perfectly for the kind of money you should pay for it. Still Theorema is better.