Porcellana Santa Maria Novella 2010
32
Top Review
Clear, calm, transparent.....
I must admit: PORCELLANA smells different than I expected......
The first association that comes to mind is “Citta di Kyoto” from the same house. Although there are no significant similarities in the scent itself, aside from a pronounced iris.....the overall impression is also that of an Asian-inspired fragrance......
Research has shown that this was also the fundamental intention behind the creation of “Porcellana,” as this fragrance was crafted for the 400th anniversary of the company......it is meant as a tribute to a region where SMV was already known in the 18th century: The Far East....with its exquisite materials and textures.....
Just like “Citta di Kyoto,” “Porcellana” is also a very fine, transparent, and extremely fragile scent that certainly evokes the image of the finest, delicate, and easily breakable porcelain and creates a floating meditative aura....
The fragrance opens with a wonderful bright green galbanum note, which is immediately caught and lightly enveloped by iris and jasmine.....the galbanum, often perceived by some noses as “strict” or “serious,” presents itself here - wrapped in a certain floral powderiness - from its gentler and more approachable side....
Soon, cardamom and star anise float to the surface.....here is where, for me personally, “Porcellana” begins to lose my initial affection.....this is only because star anise (and to some extent cardamom) is a scent note that I find very unpleasant.....so it is something very personal and has nothing to do with this great fragrance itself......
The cedar, which (depending on the dosage) can also be quite challenging for me, remains friendly and delicate......and skillfully supports the other fine-fragile scent notes.....
In summary, one can say: “Porcellana” is a clear, calm, warm, and meditative fragrance that, in its composition, reminds me of some Ellena scents....
For the rating:
The fragrance: 9
My personal taste: 6
Overall: 7.5
My heartfelt thanks go to Gabi, who continually touches and inspires me with her generosity and expertise.....
The first association that comes to mind is “Citta di Kyoto” from the same house. Although there are no significant similarities in the scent itself, aside from a pronounced iris.....the overall impression is also that of an Asian-inspired fragrance......
Research has shown that this was also the fundamental intention behind the creation of “Porcellana,” as this fragrance was crafted for the 400th anniversary of the company......it is meant as a tribute to a region where SMV was already known in the 18th century: The Far East....with its exquisite materials and textures.....
Just like “Citta di Kyoto,” “Porcellana” is also a very fine, transparent, and extremely fragile scent that certainly evokes the image of the finest, delicate, and easily breakable porcelain and creates a floating meditative aura....
The fragrance opens with a wonderful bright green galbanum note, which is immediately caught and lightly enveloped by iris and jasmine.....the galbanum, often perceived by some noses as “strict” or “serious,” presents itself here - wrapped in a certain floral powderiness - from its gentler and more approachable side....
Soon, cardamom and star anise float to the surface.....here is where, for me personally, “Porcellana” begins to lose my initial affection.....this is only because star anise (and to some extent cardamom) is a scent note that I find very unpleasant.....so it is something very personal and has nothing to do with this great fragrance itself......
The cedar, which (depending on the dosage) can also be quite challenging for me, remains friendly and delicate......and skillfully supports the other fine-fragile scent notes.....
In summary, one can say: “Porcellana” is a clear, calm, warm, and meditative fragrance that, in its composition, reminds me of some Ellena scents....
For the rating:
The fragrance: 9
My personal taste: 6
Overall: 7.5
My heartfelt thanks go to Gabi, who continually touches and inspires me with her generosity and expertise.....
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18 Comments
Turandot 4 years ago
This is one of my personal treasures in my collection, and I hope to enjoy it for a long time to come. I'm already on my second bottle and I'm starting to look for more, which is becoming increasingly rare.
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Medusa00 4 years ago
Well described, but I don't think it's really my taste.
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Melisse2 4 years ago
Porcellana was the first fragrance from SMN that I read about here. After finally being able to test it, I found it rather boring. Other scents from the brand have more unique characteristics.
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MoniE 4 years ago
I really love galbanum and I also like cardamom, but star anise is a bit trickier... It depends on how dominant it is. However, the scent sounds really interesting, so it’s going on my wishlist :-). I think your comment and detailed review are great!
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MadameLegras 4 years ago
This has been on my wishlist for a while. Now even more so, what a lovely description :)
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Schalkerin 4 years ago
1
I think it would be too floral for me, but I enjoyed reading it.
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Bastian 5 years ago
Great review as always. Clear and concise. Enjoyed reading it.
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Cravache 5 years ago
1
I imagine if I wore makeup, I would smell like this. Sounds interesting, but not my style :D
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Ponticus 5 years ago
Every now and then, it seems we need softer notes, more delicate fragrances that don't push themselves forward but rather bring the wearer into play in an elegant and understated way! Nicely presented!
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Tofuwachtel 5 years ago
Like a gentle caress of the soul. That's how it sounds to me. Beautiful!
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Knopfnase 5 years ago
So beautifully characterized. I received a sample early on from a lovely perfumer, and I treasure it like a gem. It's such a shame it was discontinued. For me, it would have been a scent to grow old with. ;-)
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Gandix 5 years ago
Then let him go to a place where two can feel good together. You don't have to wear only 10s, but a 7.5 should be the minimum in terms of taste. There are other options out there ;)
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Lavendel18 5 years ago
A very nice and informative description! It really seems to be different from what I imagined, but I'm still very curious ;-) Too bad it was discontinued...
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Pollita 5 years ago
I knew you'd like it! Well, at least somewhat. For me, it was quite makeup-y and a bit too Chanel-like, but that's just my personal feeling. The SMNs are all well made anyway.
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Melisande 5 years ago
1
You described it very accurately! I also often find cardamom and some other spices problematic in fragrances, but this one still impressed me. It truly lives up to its name with its fine, cool powderiness!
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Licorice 5 years ago
1
So beautifully described, and I really like how you differentiate between personal taste and general assessment. :)
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SchatzSucher 5 years ago
I also found the scent quite enchanting in its delicate and understated way. Sometimes it really shouldn't be too loud.
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Ergoproxy 5 years ago
That sounds good...
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