My review of overlooked and discontinued vintage fragrances continues with K de Krizia as I explore “The Handbook of Great Italian Perfumery” by Marika Vecchiattini, my go to guide for historic Italian fragrances (you will find every single one of them listed in this expertly curated manual).
After talking about Krazy, I am pleased to highlight K, another Krizia gem that many people around my age may remember from the eighties.
This is one of those fragrances that will always be tied to memories for me. I associate it with a familiar elegance because my mom wore it when I was six or seven. I distinctly remember K’s enveloping scent wafting in the air and lingering on her silk scarves. I was also mesmerized by the dazzling frosted glass bottle, and I couldn’t believe my luck when I found the miniature, the same one I am featuring here.
Launched in 1981, K is the first fragrance by Krizia, the Italian fashion house founded by Maria “Mariuccia” Mandelli and known for colorful and whimsical apparel, including the famous “microshorts” in high-shine fabric.
K brings together the green, the powdery, and the animalic in a respectable and sophisticated way, blending the effervescent quality of aldehydes with the polished and debonair character of an old school green chypre.
The aldehydic opening sparkles and bubbles, perfectly setting the stage for a green floral heart. This is a well-balanced and bold bouquet made of verdant, transparent lily of the valley and more opulent floral notes such as rose, jasmine, and tuberose. The base is softly furry, dry, and a little musty, evoking the slightly aged smell of perfume clinging to fabric or the medley of aromas in an antique store. I really enjoy the dry down, a combination of civet and oakmoss, which add a little animalic dust and “damp autumn leaves” character to the classic charm.
After comparing the two fragrance concentrations side by side, I can tell that the eau de toilette is decidedly greener and soapier than the richer and powderier eau de parfum. Both have an assertive presence and sillage.
K was created by Maurice Roucel for Krizia. The bottle was designed by Ateliers Dinand and made with glass by Luigi Bormioli. The fragrance has been long discontinued but may still be found in historic perfume boutiques in Italy or select online stores, such as Enchanted Perfumes.
The featured bottles are from my personal collection and were purchased by me and my family.
Photos were taken by me.
