Roma

As a young perfumery enthusiast, this fragrance has always been my go-to choice when exploring scent profiles. I'm drawn to spicy fragrances with unique twists, and this one stands out for its distinct character. Although the market has expanded significantly since I first discovered it, I still haven't found anything quite like Rawan.

I don't pick up on any amber or smoke from this vintage mini, instead I'm hit with a strong resemblance to Abercrombie & Fitch's Fierce, which was my go-to scent in the mid-2000s - despite having different note profiles, the masculine aftershave aspects are unmistakable.

This fragrance holds a special place in my heart as it was my mother's go-to scent. The prevalence of spicy notes during its era is unmistakable, and upon application, I'm met with a subtle blend of powdery and spicy accords that are both distinctive and timeless.

This is another of those fragrances I've been curious about for a long time. Initially, my impression was lukewarm when I first applied it. However, upon retrying it, I suddenly had a strong sense of Christmas. After waiting 15 minutes for the drydown, I understood why the lemons reminded me of the holiday season. Upon application, you're greeted by a distinct lemon note with a well-balanced mint that dissipates quickly. This is followed by something reminiscent of a high-quality lemon cupcake being sold at a quaint village church bake sale. The combination of lemon, incense, and vanilla works surprisingly well. Although I've never been to Rome, if it smells like this city, I'd definitely consider visiting. The longevity is decent, lasting around 6 hours on clean skin, with moderate sillage. As for whether I have the vintage or not, it's unclear. In summary, I'm glad I got to try it, and it may be worth purchasing again; my investment wasn't misplaced.

I didn't know it had been re-released, but I thoroughly enjoyed its initial run. This perfume boasts an intricate composition, with its dry-down being one of the most complex scent experiences I've ever encountered. While not similar to Donna Karan's original Chaos, it shares a comparable evocative quality in how the scents unfold - starting with a bright citrus note, then unfolding through rich cyprus and juniper notes before settling into the dark, quiet tones of musk, civet, and amber. It's truly stunning (although, I must admit, quite pricey).