Mandorla Ortigia Eau de Parfum

I can only echo my predecessor's sentiments: I too am surprised by the rather restrained reviews of the beautiful scent "Mandorla" by Ortigia.

I bought it on a happy impulse in a small shop in the old town of Vilnius, which drew me inside with its beautifully nostalgic and imaginatively designed window display.

And what can I say: The magic continued inside!
Every single item in the assortment was chosen with love and great taste. Everything reflected the fine originality of the shop's owner. A woman in her 40s, elegant silk dress, blonde curly bob haircut, posture and gestures of a former stage dancer.

She greeted me warmly, then left me completely alone to wander in amazement - the perfect mix. Naturally, I was immediately drawn to the shelf with the perfumes. The small shop carried two brands: Ortigia and Papillon Rouge.

Now I must mention that my enthusiasm for the olfactory and the visual nearly balances out. Therefore, I eagerly reached for the original bottles from Ortigia, with leopards that looked as if they were painted directly onto the glass and authentically handmade. Inspecting (the scent is called Mandorla, so almond, perfect) - sniffing - hmmmm - spraying... HMMMM. What rises from my wrist immediately conjures an image in my mind's eye.

That of a film diva from the 1930s, sitting in a beautifully printed silk kimono at her lavish vanity table, applying her expensive powder with all the time in the world and a large soft puff. Nothing rushes her; the world outside will wait for her. This is a ritual that takes time. Among silver hairbrushes, crystal bottles, and powder boxes stands a tall slender vase with a few branches full of white flowers - almond blossoms that remind her of her last trip to Italy. Next to the vase is a small white porcelain plate with fine gold decoration and delicate almond pastries dusted with powdered sugar, which she also got to know and love on this trip...

Just as it smells at this moment in this place: That is how "Mandorla" smells!
The scent envelops me for a good 7 hours, gently retreating in between, only to unexpectedly rise back to my nose with a certain movement.
It changes only minimally. At first, I perceive a slightly gourmand almond note, which after about 2 hours gives way to a soft, never intrusive powder scent.

"Mandorla" is not a scent for a grand entrance, but for the hours leading up to it.
In which one takes time for oneself and the anticipation slowly grows.
Or perhaps takes another walk in the twilight, because right now the flowers in the surrounding gardens smell particularly beautiful.

For this, I couldn't wish for a better companion!