Neroli Nasimba Maison Crivelli 2023

Neroli Nasimba's promotional materials are littered with references to the African savannah and lions. As another reviewer pointed out "simba" in Swahili means "lion" (like in The Lion King!) and it seems the "na" prefix means "and" while also making the main noun plural. So the name of this fragrance can be translated to "neroli and lions," at least according to Google Translate. Someone with more knowledge of Swahili than me (meaning any knowledge whatsoever) can correct me if I'm wrong.

But my main point is that the fragrance is supposed to be an animalic take on neroli, and Paul Guerlain took the assignment very literally. The neroli note, which is very similar to that in Une Fleur d'Oranger is accompanied by a slightly animalic leather, the "dirty" aspects of which are more apparent in the opening. The drydown is very tame; I wish the vetiver came through a bit more to add a bit of punch to the fragrance after a few hours.

The overall effect is very nice, and I'd recommend anyone who is intrigued by this fairly unique combination of neroli and leather to give it a try. My only personal issue with it is that the neroli accord is much too sweet. Unlike in Une Fleur d'Oranger, it is at least balanced by the bitter and dry leather, but for me at least, it just seems like an unnecessary synthetic sweetness was added to give the neroli a "honeyed" texture. Still a very good scent, just not full bottle worthy for me.

The leather note I smell most in perfumes is this strong, pungent scent of fresh brown leather. A bit animalic, a bit strong. Neroli Nasimba is nothing like that. It’s a purely synthetic leather that you pick up when you open up a box of new sneakers. Only in the deep deep drydown you pick up some animalics, reminding me a bit of Gucci’s Guilty Absolute pour Homme.

I find that wearing this perfume in my usual casual sweater/jeans/sneakers works so well. It’s cool, smells youthful and is inoffensive for office. The name reminds me of Simba, The Lion King. A young cub. When it grows up it can play with the Ombré Leather (2018) Eau de Parfum of this world but it’s playtime first.

I find that one of nature's greatest expressions of elegance is manifested in felines.
What could be more beautiful than watching the fluid movement of a lioness on the hunting ground: its sinuous, delicate majesty, its velvety steps...
Nasimba means lion in Swahili, and this fragrance has been defined as a ‘Feline Neroli’.
I could not find a more appropriate description: the sparkling, citrusy opening, with slight bitter nuances typical of neroli, is combined with animalic tones, with a sophisticated but at the same time wild leather, which make this an olfactory creation truly remarkable.
And for me it is the scent of the lioness: it brings finesse, sensuality and strength, something unusual but magnetic especially on a woman.
Of course it got into my collection, it couldn't be any other way.
Appropriate for every season and occasion.
‘Lion with Lioness’ painted by Antonio Ligabue.

Maison Crivelli Neroli Nasimba reminds me of the elegance and power of a lioness. The fresh, citrusy neroli opening with a hint of bitterness blends beautifully with warm, animalic leather notes. It’s unique, refined, and a bit wild—perfect for any time of year. I’m so glad it’s part of my collection!

Usually neroli scents smell clean-citrusy, very bright and white. This one, on the other hand, has a very wild-animalic side. Reading the notes can give a very accurate picture of what does this one smells like. It is neroli, but also a lot of cardamom and leather.

This is not a freshy neroli of the coast of Italy, but a deep and darker neroli, spicier and creamy.

This fragrance starts strong, but calms down after a few minutes, leaving an unique neroli scent: velvety, elegant and a little animalic.

Sadly, on me it doesn't perfom great. The sillage is moderate and the longevity is not very good. It very quickly becomes an intimate scent and, while it feels like the nature of this perfume, it is a little disappointing taking its price into account.

Still, it is perfect as a no offensive perfume for those who still want to avoid the usual neroli scents.