Abano

Abano was my wedding perfume. Although my about-to-be mother-in-law had an absolute hissy fit because it just wasn't "proper", my "maid of honor" was my best friend, Edward. 30 years later, he's still my best friend while the marriage, sadly, dissolved in 18 months. My former MIL, I heard recently, continued to wreak havoc with my ex's next wife for many years. Some people never change. Some friendships, if we're very, very lucky, last a lifetime. When I was married, a flautist played the "Costa Diva" aria from Norma. (unforgettably sung by la divina Maria Callas in the soundtrack of a lovely movie called "Atlantic City".) The temple was full, the chuppah was damask, my mother and brother were there, having flown across the country the day before, and my best friend stood at my side. My intended wore a heavy, honey body oil and I wore Prince Matchabelli's Abano, in bath oil concentration. The fragrance that wafted about us was positively Mediterranean and it spread through the sanctuary as the ceremony progressed and our skin warmed, full of happiness, faith, and hope for our future lives together. Afterward, at the reception, several people remarked on and asked what kind of incense we'd chosen to burn during the ceremony... We were the incense. It was us. Thick, oily patchouli warmed by citrus, brightened by green notes and made postively animalic by oakmoss. The essence of sunshine. Matchabelli's Abano will forever be for me the fragrance surrounding that day and that time in my life. Now, you'll have to excuse me as I think I have to go call my friend Edward and say "My friend, I love you still."

Based on a vintage mini Oak moss and that really fresh orange stands out. It is fresh and warm at the same time. The orange note here and the freshness of it is enveloped by the spices and oak moss that stops it from being fruity but it still smells like happiness and freshness. I love it. I think this is the kind of fresh spicy slightly fruity fragrance that captures that vintage quality without it being so heavy or overwhelming. It has the clean quality that is appropriate for gatherings which also means this can be worn all year round - I wish I could but I am saving the rest of the 3.5ml that I have because this is a rare gem. Such a classy scent and I applaud anyone who wears this. A man can also wear this because that oak moss makes it so balanced and smooth.

Love love love this vintage fragrance both for itself and for the memories it brings of my late maternal Grandmother. Does anyone know if there's an available fragrance that comes close to it?

Looking for something similar any recos?

To Lushylori: I happened to see among vintages other perfumes by the same P. Match. kept in a similar crown-shaped bottle, which was a sort of landmark being himself a real prince and an amateur chemist with a liking for fragrances as well. I also know about the existence of 'Golden Autumn' (1959), but do not confuse it with Abano (1938). It's another scent even though kept in the same typical bottle, I believe that this is a choice similar to Guerlain's one: do you remember the bee bottles? The same for Aprée l'O. or Eau Imp......., or the other designed for Mitsouko or l'Heure Bleu? Same bottle but very different fragrances! In case you have a genuine and hopefully, well kept G.A. be happy as the vintages of this Maison are - for me - very interesting! ; ) D 3