The London Lounge

Gentlemen,

After eschewing fragrance for some time, I am looking to pick up a classic cologne, probably for evening and weekend use only.

I tried and liked Acqua di Parma, which I prefer to Blenheim Bouquet which is also readily available in my neck of the woods. I also enjoy the "Colonia Intensa" variant of AdP, as opposed to the "Colonia Assoluta" which is a little sweet and cloying.

I learnt, however, that the AdP firm was acquired, first by Diego della Valle of Tod's fame (infamy), and more recently by LVMH, I gather. The latter, in particular, is synonymous with the promotion of brand hype over quality.

Can anyone comment as to the quality of AdP at present, and as to whether it is still made with primarily natural, not synthetic ingredients?

How about Penhaligons?

I don't know if and how AdP changed lately, I still have half of a bottle I bought about 4-5 years ago. But if you like a courageous and incisive cologne that is made of natural ingredients, I am sure you will appreciate the variety and excellent quality of the Santa Maria Novella colognes. I revisited yesterday the Milano shop and replenished my stocks of everything from shaving cream through toothpaste and soaps. Although the cologne prices have gone up almost 40% (no typo!) since July, I still added a bottle of pot-pourri cologne to my winter selection of Lavender and Marescialla. They are all very special and tastefully mixed. If you want a sporty weekend cologne for autumn and winter that is spicy and intense you may try the pot-pourri.

Along the same lines, does anyone know who now owns/makes this cologne. It seems to have gone from a UK company, to an Italian manufacture. I have only been able to find it with difficulty in Italy. In NY it is sold, but "blended in the US" and not quite the same.

I can't find any ownership information.

Buying fragrances in Queensland you will be limited to the big brands and pay for all their hype. It is difficult to recommend perfumes as they are so personal.

Small companies like Ormonde Jayne and Floris will send samples but the customs guys in Aus are famous for confiscating stuff so I don't know if you would ever receive them.