Parco Palladiano X: Olivo Bottega Veneta 2018

The olive tree (real olive tree) is a symbol of peace and fidelity - often with a biblical reference. And anyone who has seen olive trees in their natural state, for example in Crete, where the oldest tree in the world is said to be located, knows how graceful and calming they can be for the observer. The imposing curved and solid wood, the stable and sublime stature, the lively and persistent in an often barren and heat shimmering environment. Even the olives in oil, as an integral part of the Mediterranean cuisine in all its facets, reflect these impressions in a certain way. Fresh bread and olive (oil) - is there a more beautiful culinary minimalism?

The question of how to convert such aspects into a perfume did not arise to me for a long time. Such an undertaking seemed too inappropriate to me. The olive tree is a wonderful symbol and purely contemplative. The product is for eating, rather for enjoying. Until I tested Olivo by Bottega Veneta from the Parco-Palladiano series: the fragrance is truly not easy to grasp. He's a sensation to me. And that can be described quite well as coming to rest. Olivo is unsweet, but by no means bitter. Dry, but not withered. Airy, but not fleeting. The durability is quite decent and the projection is able to assert itself again and again despite all the restraint of the fragrance concept. Perfumes that are suddenly there again, naturally and unagitated, and that penetrate through the nose in a wonderfully engaging way during a body movement are rare. Olivo is so exactly a perfume.

Olivo spoke profanely of a clean scent. Clear and transparent. Calling him fresh would be an insult. He's pure of heart. And ethereal. Like Vetiver Insolént by Miller Harris. But Olivo lacks all oriental spice. At best a fine aroma is noticeable for my taste. Olivo rests in himself, completely grounded and centered. On himself. Only green notes, woody notes and green olives are listed on parfumo. I think the good stamina is due to a portion of iso and/or musk. And immediately after spraying on, resinous notes are in play. But, and I like that extraordinarily well, there is nothing "vegetable" involved here. The fragrance also lacks the sharpness and herbaceousness that green fragrances like to have. On the contrary: I see rather a slight creaminess, especially in the further course. Olivo, however, is a largely constant perfume. A bit like a little balsamic melody. And universal. A holistic approach. Therefore I can imagine the fragrance for almost every occasion and season. Whether for the PP presentation or during the sabbatical in the monastery - Olivo helps you to get through the day, to make the beautiful more beautiful and the bad bearable.

The entire Parco Palladiano series is remarkable. Cipresso and Lauro, for example, are also extraordinarily successful and comparable in style to Olivo, Castagno with discreet sweetness and thoroughly unisex. All fragrances are natural and high quality, very wearable and lively. Be sure to test and do not squint at the price.