The Sounds of Scent Reviews Fiore di Bellagio

I’ve been feeling autumnal. I suppose that’s what’s to be expected when outside it is windy and rainy, the daylight has decreased noticeably, and the leaves fall and the chestnuts too.
 

Nothing to bring indulgence then like the right perfume. I was lucky to win a sample of Fiore di Bellagio over at Ca Fleure Bon, and having been on a major clove/ carnation hunt of late, starting off with a mystery vintage sample (identity still to be determined- more about that another time) and of course my new sexy friend Clove Absolute, I was eager to test this new perfume.
Fiore di Bellagio is inspired by Caron’s Bellodgia, and Shelly Waddington’s love of the 1920’s and vintage perfume formulas, so please listen to the perfect autumnal, retro * scenttrack  ‘ Das Lied ist aus’-( ‘The Song is Over’) here while reading.

The sample arrived prompt, already making you feel the excitement of the perfumer to get her perfume out and worn. And worn it has been. Fiore di Bellagio reminds me of burgundy velvet and candlelight chandeliers. From the beginning the citrus notes are soft and sparkle like the crystal prisms catching the light from the candles throwing it back with a soft focus, and they blend with a berry-waxiness of aldehydes, like red lipstick marks on wineglasses. I catch a whiff of old-fashioned violet soap, but it instantly blends with a skin-like muskiness, making sure it isn’t perceives as clean but only as sensuous, like being one step closer than usual to someone, taking in their scent.
From here, there’s a treasure trove of beautiful flowers adding up to a golden nectarish heart rather than that of a traditional floral bouquet. I actually never get that full on carnation, but I never miss it and the fragile spiciness of the flowers most likely stems from it. The orris root makes for a round and at times downy slightly powder puffy feel, but always balanced by the earthier aspects of the iris as well as resins and moss.
Now and again I get that little naughty tickle of civet reaching my nostrils, which gives this perfume just that decadence it sets out to achieve. I love the opulence as much as the grounding in Fiore di Bellogia, I believe the deep base ending in the maroon spectrum of colours is what allows the heart of FdB to shine without blinding, and also makes it mysterious and deep.
It is a really gorgeous and warm hearted fragrance, a truly beautiful vintage inspired fragrance, which manages to stay retro modern, if this is a trend; BRING IT ON!
The velvet curtains have been drawn- the song is over.

For reviews of Fiore di Bellagio En Voyage perfumes see Indie Perfumes and CFB.

*A voice like velvet in a 1920’s style: Jonas Kaufmann sings a very velvety and sultry ‘Frag nicht warum ich gehe’- ‘das Lied ist aus’ ( Don’t ask me why I am leaving- The song is over -1931) by Robert Stolz. I bought the new CD ( don’t ask me why? ;-)) all rights belong to sony classical. And if you wondered, I couldn’t make the picture for that smaller, or move it.

Top Notes: Italian Lemon and Citrus, Green Leaves, Ylang Ylang
Heart Notes: Spicy Carnation; Gardenia absolute, Jasmin absolute, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Muguet, Violet, Bois de Rose
Base Notes: Dark Vanilla, Antique Sandalwood, Iris Florentine (Orris absolute), Costus Oil, Vintage Resins, Civet and Musks

Source: http://www.thesoundsofscent.com/retro-opulence-fiore-di-bellagio-en-voyage-perfumes/