Bozzini

This obscurity is one that has limited record of its origins: we don't exactly know for certain if this was initially released to department stores of if it was direct to drugstore retail, but either way, it is truly a unique composition, even amongst the cornucopia of colorful 80s men's powerhouse fougeres and chypres. What strikes me about Bozzini is how it really is a minimalist composition built around some uncommon notes for its time. Take blackcurrant for example, which really makes its fruity, sappy, almost ammoniac presence known in the open. The only other fragrance I know of that uses blackcurrant/cassis to this effect from that decade is Diptyque's L'Ombre Dans L'eau, but with Bozzini, in place of a rose there is green tea, yet another uncommon note for the time period. What my nose detects may or may not be in fact the green tea note intended, but there is this tannic, almost astringent quality as we reach the middle of the development, along with the plushest leather, like brushed suede, a new pair of Clark's Wallabees. Then there are these musks that surely have now been restricted or banned, but they sure are radiant and refulgent; these heavy molecules somehow still levitate from the skin. They are reminiscent of the way certain fabric softeners smelled thirty or more years ago, and I mean that in the best possible way, and there seems to be the tiniest touch of Animalis base. The drydown is truly unusual for its time. Sure, this is no naturalistic creation, but the synthetic vibes are loveable and compelling. Far more compelling than so many artistic renderings in the current niche world. In fact, this could be mistaken as a niche in a blind test. The mysterious Bozzini is truly one of the most curious and unique fragrances in my collection.

The other reviewer says (in Korean) that it's similar to Aramis. What struck me right away is the leathery quality, so I agree there. It's also somewhat floral, though I don't think the notes are the same. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a tuberose note in here. It does go on "synthetic," in a way similar to a lot of "old school drug store" scents, but as usual, that quality does dissipate, leaving the more natural-smelling drydown. I pick up a mild tea note and a hint of something fruity. There's no lavender or fougere accord here, nor anything animalic other than the leathery element, and while musk is listed as a note, I don't think of this as a musky scent. Nor is it sweet or vanillic. at least by today's standards (and there is no syrupy texture, as is sometimes the case when amber is listed). Overall, it's rather unique and so, because it's rare now, I would caution against a blind buy, but I think some fans of old school scents would really like this, as long as they reserve judgment until the drydwon. UPDATE: The tea and fruitiness come out more after perhaps half an hour. I'd say this could be marketed as a unisex niche leather scent today, if the "quality" was higher, especially for the first several minutes.