Colonia by Acqua di Parma is a unisex citrus aromatic fragrance released in 1916, a real symbol of Italian chic.
As a fragrance enthusiast approaching my 20th year in this captivating hobby, I find it quite surprising that it took until 2024 for me to experience the original Colonia, a fragrance that has been a symbol of Italian chic since 1916.
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It’s hard to explain why I’ve waited so long to experience this release, the fragrance that started it all for Acqua di Parma.
Despite being a devoted fan of this house and having explored many of its offerings, I’ve somehow delayed this particular experience.
Now, the time has finally come to correct this oversight and share my unique perspective on one of history’s most significant fragrance releases. I’m thrilled to delve into this with you.
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ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA DETAILS AND INSPIRATION
Acqua di Parma has a legendary reputation in the fragrance sector. Since its founding in 1916, this Italian label has become closely associated with luxury, refinement, and enduring grace.
Its fragrances are adored in Italy and globally, solidifying Acqua di Parma as a well-known name among fragrance enthusiasts.
The brand’s first fragrance was introduced in 1916, created for gentlemen’s handkerchiefs; it quickly rose to popularity as a sophisticated cologne favored by the aristocracy.
Colonia’s vibrant citrus blend and elegant herbal undertones set the stage for a fragrance that would stand the test of time.
Over the years, it became a staple in Hollywood during the golden era, solidifying its place in fragrance history.
Cary Grant and David Niven, Ava Gardner, and Eva Turner, later joined by Audrey Hepburn, were among the passionate admirers of Colonia.
This release is still in production and available in various sizes, from 50ml for $120.00 to 180ml for $222.00.
PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Created in 1916, Colonia is an attitude that expresses the essence of a lifestyle – dynamic, modern and effortlessly original. As soon as Acqua di Parma’s instantly recognisable golden fruits blend of radiant lemon, Calabrian bergamot, and orange start to spill their luminous notes into the air, the perfume’s sparkling character comes alive.
It is amplified even more in the aromatic heart of the fragrance where lavender and hints of rose harmoniously intertwine with rosemary. Warm and precious woody notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli round off the base of this iconic Eau de Cologne.
Colonia comes in the quintessential Acqua di Parma bottle, an epitome of the Art Deco style. The classic white labels echo the vibrant character of the Eau de Cologne while the box, characterized by its cylinder shape, features our signature vibrant yellow shade.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: n/a
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Cologne
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Citrus Aromatic
- RELEASE DATE: 1916
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Unisex
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 70% – 30%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Lemon, Lavender, Rose
- AGE GROUP: 25+
- SEASONS: Spring and Summer
- OCCASIONS: Any Occasion
- PERFORMANCE: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: Moderate
- LIKEABILITY: Moderate
- UNIQUENESS: 2/5
- PRESENTATION: 4/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
- PRICE: $$$
- ACCORDS: Citrus, Aromatic, Musky
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 1812X – June 2022
- REFORMULATED: Yes
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: A
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Buy
- TESTING PERIOD: 3 weeks
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
The presentation of this scent is just as iconic as the scent itself. The bottle is housed in a distinctive cylindrical flask with a sleek and simple design.
The brand’s recognizable yellow packaging, which symbolizes sunshine and Italian craftsmanship, instantly catches the eye.
The bottle’s minimalism and elegant weight convey the refined elegance that Parma is renowned for.
One of the aspects of the packaging that I particularly appreciate is its careful attention to detail.
From the distinctive yellow box(materials could have been better) to the refined sophistication of the label(Parma’s coat of arms), every element exudes a sense of luxury, making it a delight to use and showcase.
It’s the type of bottle that makes a statement on your vanity. Last but not least, let’s not forget that every Parma bottle has one of the best sprayers in the game.
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the overall character of the scent.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and positive and negative sides of a particular fragrance.
PERFUME PYRAMID
- TOP NOTES: Lemon, Sweet Orange, Calabrian Bergamot
- HEART NOTES: Lavender, Rose, Verbena, Rosemary
- BASE NOTES: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli
TOP NOTES
Before I describe the fragrance, let me say just a few things.
First, this fragrance has been reformulated at least 20 times or more since 1916 so there is no real point of breaking a sweat and trying to find the “vintage” version since it smells fantastic.
Second, I’ve seen other reviews of this scent on the web, and every one of them is literal sales pitches and poetic descriptions trying to make it even better than it is and push their affiliate links, which I won’t do here.
Colonia is a relatively straightforward and slightly more uncomplicated fragrance than we usually see today, but it is done to perfection, and I wouldn’t change a single bit of it.
And, for once, you get almost everything you see in the notes. Of everything I have tried from Parma, this one takes third place behind Essenza and Club.
The top notes deliver a refreshing burst of citrus that is invigorating and light. The blend of lemon, orange, and bergamot creates a sharp, pure, and rejuvenating sensation reminiscent of a refreshing breeze from the Mediterranean.
These ingredients are iconic in Italian perfumery, offering a zesty and airy scent I can’t imagine anyone disliking.
Since this one comes in Eau de Cologne concentration, herbs and florals from the heart peek their head early on.
HEART NOTES
The heart notes offer a beautifully balanced blend of soothing herbal and floral notes.
Although a fragrance made in Italy, it reminds me more of Dalmatia and my summers there, especially when I went on vacations with my family in my formative years.
I can’t believe I will say that, but after Zaharoff’s Signature Rose, this is the second fragrance with a good dose of rose that I like, and that’s a feat in itself.
At the core of its middle stage, you’ll find a mesmerizing combination of lavender, rosemary, and damask rose(waxier with a honey-like texture, unlike Bulgarian, which is jammy).
Lavender brings out aromatic freshness that complements rosemary and adds an intriguing, refreshing, herbal layer to the composition.
This incredible synergy between herbs and florals in the heart notes is where the scent finds its versatile fragrance character, bridging the gap between masculine and feminine elements.
BASE NOTES
The scent’s base gives its most enduring and resonant characteristics – signature timelessness and a subtle yet profound depth that lingers on the skin.
Residues of the most prominent notes and accords from the top and the mid, combined with white musk, remind me of clean sheets.
The famous “soapy” smell for which ADP fragrances are known is present here throughout the scent progression, but it’s more of a luxury kind of soap rather than smelling like a cheap one.
The woody notes are here, but way back, and the only real one I can faintly smell is the sandalwood with a pinch of peppery vetiver.
Every Parma fragrance from the classic Colonia line has this distinct smell in the base that makes it so popular even after more than 100 years, and it is no wonder that even today, millions of people around the globe choose this one as their all-time favorite signature fragrance.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
I’m well aware that this one gets panned for its terrible performance by many, but in my experience, I get at least 5 to 7 hours with moderate projection in the first hours and then a stronger skin scent for the rest of its longevity.
Ingredients are superb and don’t smell synthetic at all, and with that, I can live with milder performance.
The fragrance is more masculine than feminine but can be worn by anyone at any age since it caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences with its highly versatile scent profile.
As for the compliments, besides the first hour, people will have to get close to you to detect them, so it’s not your typical compliment-getter.
Besides, this is something you wear for yourself and not for others.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
This is one of those rare scents that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.
Colonia fits all, from casual outings to something such as a sophisticated evening gala or work. It is a perfect scent for warm weather and outdoor events.
Regarding its uniqueness, a lot of time and trends have passed since its release, and I must say that it doesn’t smell unique like it used to.
But, what it does better than the rest of the fragrances, which were clearly inspired by it, is that it still smells better than the rest.
Value for money is excellent if you buy it from discounters since I would never pay this kind of money Acqua di Parma asks on retail. Shop smart.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- Highly versatile(spring and summer) fragrance
- Timeless appeal
- High-quality ingredients
- Great presentation
- This house will still produce perfumes in the next 100 years, unlike many other quasi-niche brands that only offer passing trends
Cons
- Spotty performance
- Not so complex
- The retail price is too high
- Hardly useable during the colder weather
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
Colonia has been a part of Acqua di Parma’s “Colonia Collection” since 1916, and up to this date, it includes various iterations of its original scent.
There is another version of this fragrance, the limited edition for 2007, named Colonia Edizione Murano. The bottle is made of Murano glass, which is beautiful and elegant, and was designed by Giorgio Vigna.
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the FAQ corner on Scent Grail, curated to unravel the most common queries surrounding the best niche perfumes for winter.
Whether you’re a fragrance enthusiast seeking to explore the world of niche perfumes or simply looking for additional information to complement your style, this FAQ section will provide valuable insights.
What does Acqua di Parma Colonia smell like?
Colonia opens with a vibrant burst of Italian citruses, blending fresh bergamot and lemon with aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and rose. The scent becomes warmer and more refined as it dries down, with subtle hints of woody notes like sandalwood and vetiver combined with clean musk.
Who wears Acqua di Parma Colonia?
Colonia has been famously worn by icons such as Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, who admired its timeless and elegant appeal.
What is the most popular Acqua di Parma fragrance?
Colonia is the most popular Acqua di Parma fragrance, followed by Fico di Amalfi and Mandorlo di Sicilia from the Blu Mediterraneo line.
Is Acqua di Parma a luxury brand?
Acqua di Parma is a renowned luxury brand celebrated for its craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. It offers sophisticated Italian fragrances, premium skincare products, and lifestyle products.
FINAL WORDS
What a masterpiece! Unbelievable. Now that I own it, I remember how many greats were released decades ago.
Some of my favorite fragrances came out before the 90s, but many more are to be discovered. To conclude, you wholeheartedly recommend checking this fragrance as soon as possible.
What do you think about this article covering Acqua di Parma Colonia? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristić
Hello. You wrote that it works beautifully in warm weather. When it comes to colder months, do you still wear Colonia EDC, or do you prefer switching to something heavier for winter?
Hi, Manuel. For me, Colonia works the best during the spring and summer, but since the fall is here, I plan to wear it occasionally during these colder months in indoor situations. I usually stick to the tried and true fall and winter scents and rarely use my summer scents since they cannot shine to the fullest when cold outside. Best, Marin
Greetings from Portugal! Possibly the best review of Acqua’s Colonia on the net so far. Thank you. Given that it’s a unisex fragrance, is it your top choice for summer? I’ve had mixed experiences with gender-neutral scents, but this one is among your favorites for its refinement. Muito obrigado! Gonçalo from Coimbrão!
Hi Gonçalo! I’m really glad you enjoyed the review. Yes, Acqua di Parma Colonia is one of my top choices for summer precisely because of its refined yet fresh and light nature. I understand your mixed feelings about unisex scents, but Colonia balances that perfectly, offering a timeless refinement that appeals to everyone while still feeling uniquely personal. I appreciate your kind words and greetings to Portugal! Best, Marin
I’ve always had a soft spot for classic fragrances like Colonia. It takes me back to my summers in Italy, sipping espresso in a charming piazza. When you wear it, does it evoke any specific memories for you? Is there a place or time this fragrance always brings to your mind? Keep doing the good work! Mike
Thank you, Michael! Colonia stirs up vivid memories for me as well. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of breezy afternoons on the Dalmatian coast. Something about its crisp, citrus notes instantly transports me to those carefree moments with the sun setting over the horizon. It’s a fragrance that seems to bottle up the essence of Mediterranean summers—elegant yet effortless. I’m glad it brings back such nostalgic feelings for you, too! Best, Marin
I’ve been wearing Colonia for years and always get compliments when I do. Have you noticed a particular reaction from others when you wear it? If you can, please do a review of Intensa flanker. Thanks!
Thanks for your question! I’ve received compliments when wearing Colonia, and people often comment on how refreshing it smells. To me, it has a universal appeal, striking the perfect balance between classic and modern. As for the Intensa flanker, I’d be happy to consider doing a review in the future if I get my hands on it. Stay tuned, and thank you for your support! Best, Marin 🙂