Arrogantissima

When I first wore Arrogantissima I was speechless. I just couldn't find the right words, choosing to sit and observe, in awe really of its beauty and potency. I eventually came to my senses and can now just begin to articulate how mesmerizing this is. I apply this gingerly to my skin from the splash bottle, because I really feel this is that precious, and I am struck by how beautiful the opening is as its bergamot sparkles and rosewood seems to glint off my skin. No sooner than I am greeted by this opening does a splendiferous ylang ylang, humid and sultry, exhaling its aroma in a dish of Peach Melba. An indolic jasmine eclipses all of this and the event turns carnal, with some soapy lather and rosy accents to keep things from becoming overwhelmingly erotic. A civet (pronounced si'vuht, not si-vette) is the keystone to Arrogantissima, lending even more sensuality to the affair; there is a gorgeous synergy with the peach I must say. It all simmers down to a buttery, warm sandalwood and breathy musks. Those who drool over Chanel Les Exclusifs and haute parfums of today take note. This ranks up there with the best that I've smelled in luxury lines of today, and in 1988, fragrances such as this were not limited to those with deep pockets. How far we have come...

Fragrance Review For Arrogantissima By Schiaparelli Top Notes: Palisander Rose Wood Bergamot Middle Notes: Iris Jasmine Ylang-Ylang Rose Peach Base Notes: Musk Sandalwood Amber Civet I have the vintage 1988 eau de parfum dab-on bottle. Arrogantissima in Italian is not a compliment as it means "very arrogant" but we're talking about the smell not the person wearing it LOL This is a loud in your face bold impertinent sexualized floral woodsy musk. It has notes that I've enjoyed and experienced on individual levels in other 1980's perfumes: rose wood, iris, jasmine, rose, peach, musk and civet. Now the civet on this thing is very strong so if you've already worn civets that shouldn't be a problem. It's the same musky civet scent you find in fragrances like Passion by Elizabeth Taylor or vintage Diva by Ungaro. In fact this fragrance kind of reminds me of Diva by Ungaro only this is really much stronger. The opening is unusual and starts off with rose wood. It let me know that this was a woodsy chypre scent. The woods progress into flowers. I could really smell that iris and that jasmine. The rose and peach combination is sweet and I really did enjoy that part as I've smelled that combination before in Lanvin's Arpege. Coincidentally this fragrance also reminds me of Arpege. It smells like a hybrid of Arpege and Diva. It's powdery because of that iris but because of the strong base notes of musk and sandalwood it's got a darker unisex edge. It smells expensive but in the "used to be expensive high end perfume of the 80s" sort of way. It's also reminescent of Basic Black by Bill Blass. If you're familiar with those scents and like them/wear them you can easily wear this one. It's a beast so you have to put a leash on it and don't spray lavishly. It only takes one spritz and you're fine. Smells terrific and beautiful and I'm proud to be the first person or only person to review it. It's definitely an evening cologne, unisex, classy, and formal. Great to wear with your best most expensive clothes. Or with jeans if you like.

White musk, juicy bergamot, light woods/flowers. My first thought was how juicy it was but when worn, the soapy-clean musk is prominent throughout. You have to like clean musk. The round, animalic aspect from civet is mild and blends effortlessly with the other notes. Arrogantissima is a non sweet, musky/fruity/floral that's pleasant to wear if applied lightly, it's very strong and long lasting.

ABOUT THE 1988 SPLASH BOTTLE EAU DE PARFUM Arrogantissima is a fragrance of a confident, even arrogant (hence it's name) dark haired tall beautiful but severe-faced Italian ballet company headmistress. This fragrance was released in 1988. At the time I was a music teacher. This perfume always attracted attention. It's rather potent so it's one of those fragrances that you have to apply with a light touch. As it comes in a dab-on splash bottle it was always easy for me to dab it on my neck or blouse collar. Arrogantissima opens with the freshness of bergamot orange juice. Sweet, sharp and citrusy. Then an iris note appears, quite heady and perfumy, and a distinctive rose note. The jasmine and ylang ylang floral notes are more on the soapy side. This is reminiscent of Diva by Ungaro. It has the same kind of florals but it lacks the honey and powder of Diva. Instead it has more of that fresh bergamot orange dominating the opening. It then develops into floral notes that turn into delicate soap. After the floral notes are gone I picked up on a lot of musk. There's a civetone or civet chemical recreated scent with a leathery feel to it. There's sandalwood and amber, suggestive of Oriental perfumes but it's not as heavy an Oriental. It's got a sweetness to it as opposed to a darker and resinous spicy balsamic quality. I wouldn't call this scent spicy. I think it's less an Oriental because it lacks patchouli or incense. It's more of a lovely clean soap scent. I like that and they are rather comfortable and very easy to wear. However because of the florals and the civet it has a nocturnal formal evening wear vibe as well. It can be worn both in the day time and night time. Elegant and simple, a forgotten fragrance that deserves more attention. You can still find this perfume on ebay and other sites. It has good sillage and longevity. If you enjoy florals and musk, this will please you.