A Tale of Two Venezias

Well, I've had the chance to compare the original, beloved version of Laura Biagiotti's Venezia with its 2011 reformulated version and I must say, I am not that disappointed.

I've never compared an old version of a perfume with its reformulated cousin so I do not have experience in this field but the two Venezias are quite similar. However, there is no denying that the older version has something special which is missing in the new one.

The 2011 version smells almost exactly like the more expensive and rarer original. There is spice, sweetness and fruit, but the boozy sumptuousness of the mulled wine note is gone.

(photo via velduftende)

The original: Top notes include succulent Italian fruit with some green accord; peach, plums and bergamot. At its heart; rose, spicy carnation, intense cinnamon and iris. Sandalwood, Tonka bean, vanilla and benzoin develop in the drydown.

(Photo via perfume.lv)

The reformulated: Top notes are ylang-ylang, black currant and plum; middle notes are osmanthus, jasmine and rose; base notes are vanille, sandalwood and resin.

Besides the wine note in the original, the new eau de parfum lasts a fraction of the old eau de toilette's lasting power. When I spray 6 to 8 times, the new version can be smelled at about an arm's length. The old version radiated throughout the room.

The new cap is more attractive, reminiscent of the Venetian Murano glass that is famous all over the world. The old cap was modeled on the top of a cathedral and to me, looks like a clown hat.

The verdict: Buy the original Venezia on ebay. Though the prices can get up there, it is worth it. Failing that, the new version of Venezia is a close second.