Romeo di Romeo Gigli c1989

 Romeo by Romeo Gigli was launched in 1989, a fragrance that embodies the spirit of romance and allure. The name “Romeo” evokes a plethora of images and emotions, instantly conjuring thoughts of the iconic Shakespearean character known for his passionate love and timeless devotion. The name is derived from Italian, pronounced "roh-MAY-oh." It carries a sense of longing, tenderness, and an almost whimsical quality associated with young love. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a perfume named Romeo would have resonated deeply with women seeking both elegance and a hint of enchantment in their lives. The allure of romance intertwined with femininity made this fragrance a fitting companion for those who wanted to embrace their softer, more romantic sides, especially in an era defined by bold expressions of individualism and emotion.

Crafted by the talented perfumer Sophie Labbé at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Romeo is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women, showcasing a blend of soft and crisp aromas that captivate the senses. The fragrance opens with a vibrant medley of bergamot, mandarin, and Sicilian lime, creating a refreshing citrus burst that is both invigorating and uplifting. This initial wave is complemented by the juicy sweetness of mango and the slightly tart essence of blackcurrant, resulting in a fruity explosion that embodies youthful exuberance. As the fragrance unfolds, the heart reveals a bouquet of flowers, featuring the delicate notes of orange blossom, romantic rose, and the fresh aroma of wild lily of the valley. These floral elements create a lush tapestry, inviting wearers into a fragrant garden where jasmine and white carnation bloom, accented by the soft earthiness of iris.

The base notes of Romeo add depth and sophistication to this enchanting fragrance. Here, the smooth warmth of sandalwood grounds the composition, providing a soft, creamy finish that lingers elegantly on the skin. The juxtaposition of fruity and floral notes with the richness of sandalwood creates a multi-dimensional scent that evolves beautifully over time, allowing the wearer to experience a myriad of emotions throughout the day. The interpretation of "Romeo" in scent captures the essence of romance, merging vibrant fruitiness with the softness of florals, inviting wearers to embody the passion and tenderness that the name signifies.

Launched during a vibrant period in the fragrance market, Romeo emerged alongside a wave of fruity florals that became increasingly popular throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. This era saw a shift toward fresher, lighter scents that celebrated femininity in a playful yet sophisticated manner. While Romeo certainly aligns with these trends, its unique blend of ingredients and the romantic ethos of the name distinguished it from its contemporaries. As women embraced the era’s burgeoning individualism and emotional expression, Romeo resonated as a fragrance that encapsulated not just a scent, but a sentiment—a celebration of love, beauty, and the complexity of the human experience.

Romeo Gigli, the designer behind this evocative fragrance, is renowned for his avant-garde and romantic designs. His work in the late 1980s and early 1990s challenged traditional fashion norms, offering flowing silhouettes and intricate draping that spoke to a bohemian, ethereal aesthetic. By naming his fragrance Romeo, Gigli solidified his connection to themes of love and desire, seamlessly blending the worlds of high fashion and perfumery. This synergy created a fragrance that was not only a reflection of his design philosophy but also a lasting tribute to the romantic ideals that continue to resonate in the hearts of women everywhere.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women.  "A bouquet of soft and crisp, fresh and sensual fruity aromas. The first notes are bergamot, mandarin an Sicilian lime with hints of fruity mango and blackcurrant. The bouquet blooms with orange blossom, rose, wild lily of the valley, jasmine and white carnation with accords of iris and sandalwood."

• Top notes: Seychelles basil, Indian mango, African marigold, Sicilian lime, asafetida, mandarin orange, Italian bergamot, petitgrain, neroli, bitter orange, verbena, Persian galbanum, blackcurrant bud, and Brazilian rosewood
• Middle notes: French white carnation, Florentine iris, Formosan orange blossom, cassia, freesia, Egyptian jasmine, wild lily-of-the-valley, artemisia, tarragon, rosemary, clary sage, Moroccan rose, geranium, ylang ylang, tuberose, clove and pimento seed
• Base notes: Spanish broom, cedarwood, patchouli, Arabian frankincense, orris root, Sumatran benzoin, Mysore sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss, pine balsam, tonka bean, light tobacco, ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, labdanum and Russian leather

Scent Profile:

Romeo di Romeo Gigli is a captivating fruity floral fragrance that opens with an alluring bouquet of aromas that tantalize the senses. As you take your first inhalation, the top notes sweep you into a vibrant citrus grove. The lively burst of Italian bergamot dances on your palate, its zesty brightness both sharp and refreshing. 

Following closely is the sweet, sun-ripened essence of mandarin orange, its juicy aroma bringing forth the warmth of a summer day. The exotic Sicilian lime adds a spirited tang, invigorating the senses and awakening your spirit. Indian mango introduces a luscious sweetness, reminiscent of a tropical paradise, where ripe fruit hangs heavy on the branches.

Hints of blackcurrant bud weave in, offering a slightly tart edge that complements the sweetness while adding depth. The Seychelles basil adds an unexpected green herbal note, grounding the fragrance in a natural, earthy dimension, while the African marigold infuses a bright floral warmth that glimmers in the light. 

The unique note of asafetida brings a savory, intriguing character that plays intriguingly with the other ingredients, hinting at a complexity that draws you in. The refreshing petitgrain and the floral brightness of neroli soften the overall composition, while the bitter orange and verbena lend a delightful crispness that tantalizes your senses. Finally, the richness of Persian galbanum adds an aromatic resinous quality, balancing the brightness with its complex green nuances and rounding out the experience.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a sumptuous bouquet that blooms with Formosan orange blossom, its creamy, delicate scent enveloping you like a soft embrace. Egyptian jasmine introduces a sensual richness, its heady aroma inviting you deeper into the floral garden. The soft, powdery essence of French white carnation adds an elegant touch, while wild lily-of-the-valley brings a refreshing, dewy quality, reminiscent of spring mornings. 

Moroccan rose adds an opulent layer, its romantic notes merging beautifully with the rich sweetness of geranium and the deep, fragrant warmth of ylang ylang. The Florentine iris lends a luxurious creaminess, while the exotic tuberose introduces a heady, intoxicating floral note that is both captivating and alluring.

Hints of spice from clove and pimento seed create an enchanting contrast, awakening the senses with their warm, slightly sweet heat. Meanwhile, freesia and cassia provide fresh, floral accents that blend seamlessly with the underlying herbal tones of tarragon, rosemary, and clary sage, creating an intricate tapestry of scents that is both fresh and floral.

The base notes of Romeo di Romeo Gigli wrap you in a warm, rich embrace, grounding the ethereal floral notes with a complex, earthy foundation. The woody warmth of Mysore sandalwood intertwines with the rich, resinous qualities of Arabian frankincense, creating an alluring depth that lingers on the skin. 

The sensual earthiness of vetiver brings a rugged, slightly smoky aroma, while the green freshness of oakmoss adds a forest-like quality, evoking the serenity of nature. The luxurious warmth of Sumatran benzoin and the comforting sweetness of tonka bean create an inviting warmth, while the light, rich touch of ambergris adds an almost mystical quality that floats delicately through the air.

The hints of castoreum, civet, and musk introduce an animalic richness, deepening the complexity of the fragrance and making it irresistibly sensual. Notes of Spanish broom, pine balsam, and the light tobacco scent further enrich the base, creating a luxurious, multifaceted finish that lingers on the skin and envelops the wearer in an irresistible aura of elegance. The leather nuances of Russian leather provide a polished touch, rounding out the scent with a refined sophistication that captures the essence of romance and passion, much like the name itself—Romeo.

Bottle:

The exquisite and award-winning design of Romeo Gigli's perfume bottle, is truly a work of art in its own right.

Inspired by eighteenth-century Venetian-glass paperweights, the bottle was crafted to be a visual representation of luxury and elegance. Its inverted cone shape, with a yellow base and a tapering black neck top, created a striking contrast that likely caught the eye of anyone who beheld it. The design incorporated a white swirl, conceived by Romeo Gigli and Serge Mansau in 1988, which added a sense of movement and dynamism to the overall aesthetic.

Manufactured in France by Saint Gobain Desjonqueres, a renowned glassmaker known for its craftsmanship and quality, the bottle was a testament to the collaboration of artistic vision and technical expertise.

The design's recognition with prestigious awards, such as the 1990 Perfume Academy's 'Caterina de Medici' award and the American Fragrance Foundation (FiFi) Award the following year, further solidified its status as an icon in the world of fragrance packaging.

The Perfume Academy's 'Caterina de Medici' award is a prestigious accolade within the fragrance industry. Named after Caterina de Medici, a historical figure known for her appreciation of perfumes and cosmetics, this award recognizes excellence in various aspects of perfume creation, including fragrance composition, packaging design, marketing, and overall contribution to the perfume industry.

Established by the Perfume Academy, an organization dedicated to promoting and honoring achievements in the world of perfumery, the 'Caterina de Medici' award celebrates outstanding accomplishments that uphold the highest standards of creativity, innovation, and artistry in fragrance.

Winning the 'Caterina de Medici' award is a significant achievement for perfumers, fragrance houses, and other professionals involved in the creation and promotion of perfumes. It serves as recognition of their talent, dedication, and contribution to the ongoing evolution of the perfume industry.

The American Fragrance Foundation (AFF) FiFi Awards, commonly referred to as the FiFi Awards, are prestigious honors in the fragrance industry. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in various categories within the fragrance sector, including fragrance creation, packaging design, marketing campaigns, and overall contributions to the industry.

The FiFi Awards are organized by The Fragrance Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the public awareness and appreciation of fragrance in all its forms. The Fragrance Foundation was established in 1949 and has since become a leading authority in the fragrance industry, hosting events, conducting research, and promoting education about perfumery.

The FiFi Awards ceremony is an annual highlight in the fragrance world, often likened to the Oscars of the perfume industry. Winning a FiFi Award is considered a significant honor and a mark of excellence, showcasing the talent and creativity of perfumers, fragrance houses, and other professionals involved in the creation and promotion of fragrances.

The FiFi Awards encompass various categories, including Fragrance of the Year, Perfume Extraordinaire, Packaging of the Year, and many more. These awards celebrate the artistry, innovation, and commercial success of fragrances launched during the previous year, as well as the individuals and organizations behind them.

Overall, the bottle for Romeo Gigli's perfume not only housed a beautiful scent but also served as a symbol of sophistication and innovation in the realm of perfume design.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued. The specific discontinuation date of "Romeo di Romeo Gigli" perfume can be challenging to pinpoint without access to detailed records from the brand or industry sources. Perfume discontinuations can occur for various reasons, including changes in market trends, shifts in brand strategy, or discontinuation of the entire fragrance line.

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