1
Why even release this?
This review will sound more negative than I actually am about Alexandria II Anniversary (A2A). Also, a disclaimer: I wear the original Alexandria II Parfum (A2) as a signature and have been for a couple years now. To me, the main criticism of A2A is that the changes relative to the original A2 are so negligible that it just feels like the brand is riding its hero franchise into the ground much like how designer brands drop flanker after flanker. I wish I had smelled Elle Anniversary just so I had an idea whether they made noticeable differences there.
Discussing A2A's profiles: The scent opens powdery rose-oud, much like the original A2. I notice a hint of animalic flair that is not there with the original. I notice the lack of that sweet-creamy artemisia/coca cola style flair that the original A2 has which brings it some additional utility. First time smelling Alexandria II Anniversary on skin, I notice the mint bringing a menthol-esque vibe. As we settle into the drydown, the mint and the animalic flair become rather tame, dare I say they almost entirely fade. There are two core differences that I can notice in the base: (1) the scent smells a bit more aromatic, thanks to the introduction of mainly the clary sage; and (2) the leading accords are oriental & woody because the prominence of the sweet & creamy accords is not there with A2A (relative to the original A2).
So we had some twists in the top, we have some twists in the heart and even the base. What is there not to like? Well, my question to you is what does this achieve that the existing catalogue of Alexandria releases doesn't? If people wanted a less mature A2, they had the option of Alexandria Orientale. If people wanted a more mature A2, they had the option of Alexandria III. To me, A2A sits somewhere between A2 and A3 as it's clearly not in the direction of A2 Orientale.
The most annoying part is that even if I did like it, I would be expected to shell out €580 for 100ml knowing that the original is now €545 for 100ml. That €580 would pay for a fragrance that has less utility than the original (noticeably less sweetness), the same performance and only minimal changes to the existing catalogue of Alexandria releases since the scent is 80-85% similar to A2, A3 and A2 Orientale (nobody experienced would mistake this for a non-Alexandria product). To conclude: the scent is fine, but the changes are minimal; therefore most fans of the series stand to gain nothing from purchasing it, so why even release it?
Discussing A2A's profiles: The scent opens powdery rose-oud, much like the original A2. I notice a hint of animalic flair that is not there with the original. I notice the lack of that sweet-creamy artemisia/coca cola style flair that the original A2 has which brings it some additional utility. First time smelling Alexandria II Anniversary on skin, I notice the mint bringing a menthol-esque vibe. As we settle into the drydown, the mint and the animalic flair become rather tame, dare I say they almost entirely fade. There are two core differences that I can notice in the base: (1) the scent smells a bit more aromatic, thanks to the introduction of mainly the clary sage; and (2) the leading accords are oriental & woody because the prominence of the sweet & creamy accords is not there with A2A (relative to the original A2).
So we had some twists in the top, we have some twists in the heart and even the base. What is there not to like? Well, my question to you is what does this achieve that the existing catalogue of Alexandria releases doesn't? If people wanted a less mature A2, they had the option of Alexandria Orientale. If people wanted a more mature A2, they had the option of Alexandria III. To me, A2A sits somewhere between A2 and A3 as it's clearly not in the direction of A2 Orientale.
The most annoying part is that even if I did like it, I would be expected to shell out €580 for 100ml knowing that the original is now €545 for 100ml. That €580 would pay for a fragrance that has less utility than the original (noticeably less sweetness), the same performance and only minimal changes to the existing catalogue of Alexandria releases since the scent is 80-85% similar to A2, A3 and A2 Orientale (nobody experienced would mistake this for a non-Alexandria product). To conclude: the scent is fine, but the changes are minimal; therefore most fans of the series stand to gain nothing from purchasing it, so why even release it?
NicheOnly
