Parco Palladiano X: Olivo Bottega Veneta 2018

The olive tree (true olive tree) is a symbol of peace and fidelity - often with biblical references. And anyone who has seen olive trees in person, for example in Crete, where the oldest tree in the world is said to be located, knows how graceful and calming they can be to the observer. The imposing curved and massive wood, the stable and elevated stature, the liveliness and persistence in an often barren and heat-drenched environment. Even the olives preserved in oil, as a staple of Mediterranean cuisine in all its facets, reflect these impressions in a certain way. Fresh bread and olives(-oil) - is there a more beautiful culinary minimalism?

The question of how to translate such aspects into a perfume did not occur to me for a long time. Such an endeavor seemed too unsuitable. The olive tree is a wonderful symbol and purely contemplative. The product is meant for eating, rather for enjoyment. Until I tested Olivo by Bottega Veneta from the Parco-Palladiano line: The scent is truly not easy to grasp. For me, it is a sensation. And that can be quite well described as coming to rest. Olivo is unsweetened, yet by no means bitter. Dry, but not withered. Airy, but not fleeting. The longevity is quite decent, and the projection knows how to assert itself despite the overall restraint of the fragrance concept. Perfumes that are suddenly and effortlessly present again and wonderfully permeate through the nose with a body movement are rare. Olivo is exactly such a perfume.

To speak plainly, Olivo has something of a clean scent. Clear and transparent. To call it fresh would be an insult. It is pure of heart. And ethereal. Like, for example, Vetiver Insolént by Miller Harris. However, Olivo lacks any oriental spice. At most, a fine aromatic quality can be discerned, in my opinion. Olivo is self-contained, completely grounded and centered. Self-referential. On parfumo, only green notes, woody notes, and green olive are listed. I think the good endurance is thanks to a portion of Iso and/or musk. And immediately after spraying, resinous notes come into play. But, and I particularly like this, there is nothing "vegetable" involved here. The scent also lacks any sharpness and herbaceousness that green fragrances often exhibit. On the contrary: I perceive a slight creaminess, especially as it develops further. However, Olivo is a largely constant perfume. A bit like a small, balsamic melody. And universal. A holistic approach. Therefore, I can imagine the scent for almost any occasion and season. Whether for a PP presentation or during a sabbatical in a monastery - Olivo helps one get through the day, making the beautiful more beautiful and the bad bearable.

The entire Parco-Palladiano line is remarkable. Cipresso and Lauro, for example, are also extraordinarily well done and stylistically comparable to Olivo, Castagno with a subtle sweetness and thoroughly unisex. All the fragrances feel natural and high-quality, very wearable and lively. Definitely worth testing and don’t focus on the price.