Amorvero Perfume (Woman)

I first smelled Amorvero For Women at the wonderful Profumo Emozioni Olfattive in Naples when I requested to try Italian perfumes, preferably those not widely available elsewhere. I did not knowing that this Amorvero is also available at Luckyscent (and that Mark Behnke has reviewed it back in 2011 for CaFleureBon). I also didn't know that it was released in 2000 as an exclusive creation for Hotel Hassler in Rome, an incredibly luxurious and location overlooking the Spanish steps. If that makes you think "Roman Holiday" you're right: the hotel was a favorite of Audrey Hepburn.

All that aside, Amorvero speaks to the 80s child in me: it's a big blousy floriental, more Sophia Loren than Audrey Hepburn, which to be honest is more my style. It starts as a light-hearted sweet citrus and progresses quickly into a lush white floral, heavy on the tuberose but with a distinct jasmine note that keeps it greener than the average tuberose. Amorvero becomes warmer and larger as it wears, but at least when dabbing from a sample, it doesn't become a maneater tuberose monster, just a very sexy and assertive scent that goes with a low-cut cocktail dress and sparkling jewelry.

The dry-down of Amorvero is sweet and slightly creamy. Some of the floral excess can still be detected (tuberose, you know), and the overall feel is voluptuous and rich. It's a femme perfume, no doubt about it, but as Mark has observed, the sillage is not over-the-top, at least in the EDP concentration which is what I've been testing. Fans of the grand florals of yore are likely to enjoy Amorvero: Jil Sander No.4, Tiffany, Panthere de Cartier, and even Samsara. Big hair not necessary for wearing it.

Notes: lemon, mandarin, bergamot, tuberose, jasmine, Damask roses, amber, vanilla, sandalwood.

Amorvero for women comes in several concentrations, but as far as I know outside of Hotel Hassler the EDP is the most common. $240 for 50ml at Luckyscent.

Photo of Audrey Hepburn on the terrace of the Hotel Hassler, in Rome, with the telegram announcing her best-actress award, for The Nun’s Story, from the New York Film Critics Circle, 1960, via Vanity Fair.