Donna Acqua di Portofino 2008

Donna is a tribute to the Italian port city of Portofino, beautifully situated on the Mediterranean. A lovely inspiration to create this light yet charismatic fragrance. Donna means woman. Perhaps a bit unoriginal, the feminine traits cannot be denied, yet I believe it is suitable for both genders.

Before I tried Donna (many thanks to Ghislaine), I was not familiar with the scent. After reading some opinions about it, I thought, it must be the one!
So I ordered it blind and awaited it eagerly. And I was not disappointed.

Donna starts off very fresh; the first impression almost reminds me of menthol. The lemon is immediately present and proves that it can smell natural in perfumes. No trace of bathroom cleaner or dish soap. Shortly after, the apple makes its presence known. Very natural, zesty, sour, and fresh. I love crisp Granny Smith apples and am delighted by this captured aroma. For a brief moment, the lemon smells sweet and reminds me of crushed lemon candies. This impression quickly fades, probably due to the olive leaf. The fruits combine into a Mediterranean, refreshing duo, garnished with a hint of spice. It awakens you and lifts your spirits. A lovely start; this must be how the morning in Portofino smells.

In the heart, the lemon continues to show a very bright side. Together with the apple, it creates a sour note that feels transparent and weightless. Ginger supports the scent with a smooth, gently spicy sharpness. The flowers remain more in the background. They can be perceived but do not make the scent heavy or powdery. The cedarwood provides a cool breeze like a pleasant gust from the sea. The woody notes slowly creep in and form an aromatic base. Musk adds clean and fluffy accents.

The longevity is in the green zone at about seven hours. The sillage is not to be underestimated; however, the scent becomes very close to the body over time, making it perfect for hot days.
The bottle is very beautiful. It features the small, nested houses that are so typical of Italy. The spray mist could be a bit finer.
For me, it’s a scent for everyday wear, sports, and relaxed lounging. As mentioned, the fragrance embodies a casual, elegant sportiness. Very natural, quite Italian. The perfume shines best in summer, as it exudes the most charm.

Since Donna is fresh, spicy, citrusy, woody, and minimally aquatic, and reveals very little of its floral notes, I can easily imagine it on a man. Don’t hesitate, dear male perfume lovers!

I have found it, my perfect summer scent, completely unplanned and unexpectedly.
One immediately feels transported to the beautiful Mediterranean town. After a little cooling off in the sea, you settle down on the fragrant wooden dock that juts out into the sea. While watching the little fishing boats slowly drifting in the midday heat, you enjoy a large glass of ice-cold, homemade lemonade and take a hearty bite of an aromatic green apple. How beautiful the simple things can be. Simply wonderful, my Primadonna!